THE LAST thing one would expect from Nando’s is surprising change. Its perfectly grilled chicken and spicy peri-peri flavours are a comforting constant, like a friend you can depend on.
So, I was quite curious when Nando’s announced it was introducing a new ‘super-natural flavour’.
At the private event themed Discover Something Super-Natural, guests upon arrival were asked a few questions before being sorted into four groups based on their answers.
They were then led into the event dining hall which had four long tables, each representing one of the four spicy levels available on the Nando’s menu: Lemon & Herb-itherine, Mild-epuff, Gryffin-Hot, and Extra-Raven-Hot.
It was a play at recreating the feel of being in the main dining hall of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies.
Presiding over the event was Nando’s Chickenland Malaysia marketing director Chai Hui Fung.
She explained that Nando’s has come out with a new flavour to cater to those who are a little shy of Nando’s signature peri-peri heat.
The new flavour is meant to be hotter than Lemon & Herb, but not as spicy as Mild.
It is designed to be flavourful, with just a small touch of that peri-peri heat.
Guests were then served a sampling of chicken wings featuring the new flavour, and asked to describe the taste as well as try to identify the ingredients that go into its making.
On first bite, the sauce tasted sour, savoury, and sweet, with a hint of spicy. It was also undeniably smokey.
Not surprisingly, Nando’s revealed the name of the new flavour as Smokey Peri-Peri. And its ingredients include onion, garlic, lemon, lime, tomato, paprika, and of course, its signature peri-peri chilli.
Guests then were each served a Smokey Peri-Peri Chicken quarter to savour.
This official launch not only marked the introduction of the Smokey Peri-Peri flavour into the market but also the news that it will replace the Mango & Lime flavour on the menu.
This was surprising news, as the Mango & Lime flavour has been a favourite among many Nando’s fans since it was first introduced last year, for its unique bright and fruity flavours.
That seems a far more exciting flavour than the more common, barbecue-like Smokey Peri-Peri that some even described as plain.
Only time will tell if Smokey Peri-Peri will gain the same loyal following as Mango & Lime.
Personally, had it not been for the tasting and guessing activity, the Smokey Peri-Peri flavour would have been completely lost to me, drowned out by the natural taste of Nando’s delicious chicken, and the smallest amount of its signature sauces.
Smokey Peri-Peri is now available at all Nando’s restaurants nationwide.
