Peri-Peri: Following the trend set by Nandos

The new restaurant in Lahore needs to work on its food.

LAHORE:

Thanks to Nando’s booming business and Portuguese inventions, anything that says Peri-Peri seems to be another addition in the restaurant’s menu.

While the sauce first originated in South Africa, Nandos was probably the first to introduce it to the global world and ever since then it has become its trademark. However, this is not the case in reality. A new eatery called Peri-Peri just opened at Mian Mehmood Kasuri Road in Lahore and is turning out to be a sore disappointment unlike Nando’s delectable chicken delights.

Peri-Peri is a small-time fast food chain from greater parts of London and its menu includes, chicken tenders, chicken pieces, wings, burgers and wraps. “I have brought this chain to Lahore because it is very close to our local flavour,” says Mohammad Aqif, franchisee of Peri-Peri. “We enjoy spicy foods and the sauce comes in mild, hot and extra hot flavours, suited to the customer’s palate.”

Peri-Peri offers burgers, wraps and chicken dishes on its menu but the meat lacks moisture and flavour. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

The decor of the new restaurant is far from glamorous, and the overall experience leaves the palate wanting more — but not in a good way. The burger is missing out on the juiciness of tender meat and chicken is overcooked. While Peri-Peri sauces are known for tantalising our taste buds with the fiery flavour, their mayo is far too sweet and fails to create a good balance. The saving grace, however, is the chicken wrap because of its savoury, ranch dressing.

For those who love Nando’s distinct flavour, Peri-Peri might not satisfy in terms of its product. With an average meal priced at Rs500, Peri-Peri may not impress those who enjoy a good deal of tongue-tickling spices. We hope the glitches are teething problems and that the menu and dishes evolve with time.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 22^nd, 2013.

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