Nando’s gets a makeover

Waiters with iPads to take your orders, fine cutlery arranged on tables and interiors as slick and cosy as a lounge... Nando’s has just got a new face in New Zealand. The new franchise of this popular Portuguese-meets-African restaurant chain introduces the “fine-dining” concept. This is the first Nando’s in NZ which offers fine-dining service.

Started by the owners of India Gate – Kuldeep and Shivani Arora – in the beginning of this month, the latest franchise is in the premises of India Gate. “We thought the combination of both Indian and African cuisines in the same premise would give our guests a variety to choose from,” says Mrs Arora.

Although creating an atmosphere way more luxurious than the rest of the franchises, the menu of this excitingly new avatar of Nando’s offers the good old tastes. “We haven’t changed anything in the menu but have only attempted to give the place a refreshing feel,” Mrs Arora informs. The Arora family’s association with Nando’s goes back to 2005, when they bought their first Nando’s franchise in Hamilton.

“At the time, that was the only Nando’s in Hamilton,” Mrs Arora says. Following their first purchase, they started the second franchise in Hamilton’s The Base Shopping Centre, in a short span of time. “I always liked the service and food of Nando’s. The franchises had a very systematic approach,” she adds.

But the decision to start the third one in Auckland was purely on the insistence of friends and well-wishers. “Owing to our hospitality and service, our friends insisted that we start a branch here,” Mrs Arora tells us.

With two popular food joints rolled into one, the foodies in town now have the ideal haunt to dig into. Bon Appetit!