Is Nando’s Halal in Australia, Canada, UK and USA?
As one of the world’s most beloved fast-casual dining chains, Nando’s has garnered a loyal following thanks to its flame-grilled peri-peri chicken.
But for Muslim diners, an important question arises: Is Nando’s halal? The answer depends on where you are in the world.
With over 1,200 branches globally, the halal status of Nando’s varies across countries, and even across regions within countries. Let’s break it down to help you make an informed decision.
About Nando’s
Nando’s, originally founded in Johannesburg, South Africa, by Robert Brozin and Fernando Duarte in 1987, has become a global sensation.
Specializing in Portuguese flame-grilled peri-peri chicken, Nando’s operates over 1,200 restaurants in more than 30 countries.
While the menu remains consistently delicious, the halal certification of its chicken is not universal. Whether you can enjoy halal peri-peri chicken at Nando’s depends on where you dine.
Is Nando’s Halal?
In Muslim countries such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, you can confidently enjoy a fully halal menu. However, in Western countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the availability of halal chicken varies from one region to another.
In the United States, none of the locations offer halal chicken, while in Canada, halal options are available only in certain regions. In the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, specific locations offer halal-certified chicken, but it’s essential to verify before dining.
Nando’s halal status varies significantly from one country to another. Here’s an overview of how different regions handle halal certification:
Nando’s in Muslim Countries
In Muslim-majority countries such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, you can rest assured that Nando’s offers a 100% halal menu. In these regions, the chicken is sourced from halal-certified suppliers, following strict Islamic guidelines.
This makes it easy for Muslim diners to enjoy their favorite peri-peri dishes without any concerns about the halal status.
Nando’s in the United States
Unfortunately, none of the Nando’s locations in the United States serve halal chicken. According to Nando’s official website, none of their US branches offer halal-certified chicken, making it clear that Muslim diners seeking halal options will need to look elsewhere.
While the menu remains largely the same, the lack of halal certification may disappoint those looking for halal-friendly dining in the US.
Nando’s in Canada
In Canada, the halal status of Nando’s varies by region. Nando’s restaurants in Ontario serve halal chicken, allowing diners in cities like Toronto and Ottawa to enjoy halal-certified peri-peri dishes.
However, this is not the case in British Columbia and Alberta, where Nando’s does not serve halal chicken.
If you’re dining at Nando’s in Canada, it’s best to check with your local restaurant or refer to their official website to confirm the halal status of your meal.
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Nando’s in the United Kingdom
The halal status of Nando’s in the UK depends on the location. Some branches serve halal-certified chicken, and these locations are clearly marked both in-store and online.
Nando’s UK sources its halal chicken from Shazan Foods Ltd and Freemans of Newent Ltd, both trusted halal suppliers.
If you’re dining at Nando’s in the UK, make sure to visit their website to check if your local branch offers halal options. Alternatively, you can ask in-store for confirmation. It’s always a good idea to verify the certification before ordering.
Nando’s in Australia & New Zealand
In Australia and New Zealand, the halal status of Nando’s also varies. Nando’s sources halal-certified chicken from their suppliers across both countries, and their peri-peri bastings are halal. However, not all Nando’s locations serve halal chicken.
According to their website, individual franchises may or may not obtain halal certification, so it is recommended that diners contact their local Nando’s directly to confirm.
This inconsistency makes it essential for Muslim customers in Australia and New Zealand to inquire at the restaurant before dining.
Popular Menu Items
If Nando’s near you offers halal chicken, you’re in for a treat! Here are some of the most popular items on the menu that halal diners can enjoy:
- Peri-Peri Wings: A spicy, grilled favorite that delivers the perfect peri-peri punch.
- Peri-Ranch Crunch Salad: A hearty salad with a peri-peri twist, ideal for a lighter meal.
- Peri-Peri Chicken: The signature dish, flame-grilled to perfection with your choice of spice level.
If you’re curious about other mouth-watering options, be sure to check out the full menu on Nando’s website. From salads to wraps, there’s something for everyone!
Non-Meat Halal Options
Even if the Nando’s in your area doesn’t serve halal chicken, there are still plenty of delicious, non-meat options that halal observers can enjoy. Nando’s offers a wide range of vegetarian sides, snacks, and desserts that adhere to halal dietary guidelines.
- Snacks: Try the Halloumi Sticks & Chilli Jam for a flavorful, cheesy snack or the Garlic Sticks & Hummus with PERi-PERi Drizzle for a savory treat.
- Sides: Satisfy your cravings with Charred Sweet Potatoes, Spicy Caesar Side Salad, or the indulgent PERi Mac.
- Desserts: Cap off your meal with a delicious dessert like their Carrot Cake, Brownie, or refreshing Mango Gelado.
These non-meat items provide excellent alternatives for those who want to enjoy Nando’s while adhering to halal dietary restrictions.
Always Check First!
One critical caveat to remember is that halal certification can change over time. Restaurants may switch suppliers, and ownership of individual franchise locations may change hands.
For instance, a Nando’s branch that serves halal chicken today may no longer do so if new management decides otherwise.
For this reason, it’s always a good idea to double-check the halal status before dining. Here are a few tips:
- Visit the Official Website: Many countries have halal-specific pages where you can check which locations serve halal chicken.
- Call the Restaurant: A quick call to your local Nando’s can save you from any confusion.
- Check In-Store Signage: Nando’s branches that offer halal options usually have clear signage, so look out for that when you enter the restaurant.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while Nando’s is a beloved global brand, its halal status is not uniform across all locations. Whether you’re in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or a Muslim-majority country, the availability of halal-certified chicken can vary.
However, with a bit of research and verification, you can still enjoy many of the delicious offerings Nando’s has to offer, including non-meat items that are halal-friendly.
Don’t forget to check the latest updates on their website or ask the restaurant directly before dining to ensure your meal meets halal standards!
