High street chicken chain Nando’s, which operates more than 300 sites around London and the UK, has announced that it is ditching its signature mango and lime flavour.
The option to brush your chicken with a mango and lime sauce will be axed from the menu on 3 February, with the popular flavour being replaced with a new limited-edition passionfruit and mango variety.
The passionfruit and mango flavour will be sticking around for four months, before being replaced by another seasonal flavour. This means that Nando’s will now offer a seasonally evolving selection of sauces to baste your mains with, whether you opt for the classic chicken or one of the chain’s vegetarian options.
Unveiling the plans to ditch the classic mango and lime flavouring, a spokesperson for Nando’s said: “The new, mild spice has been introduced following the success of passion fruit at Nando’s Yard last summer; a tropical and exotic flavour, passion fruit grows across Nando’s Southern African heartland, and is the perfect match for Peri-Peri chicken. This tangy new flavour is perfect for those who like a little sweetness on their wings or want to try something different on their burger.”
Keen fans of Nando’s will know Nando’s Yard as a pop up Shoreditch site from the group, which acted as a test kitchen for menu items that could be eventually rolled out across the entire Nando’s portfolio.
The annoucement has received mixed reactions on social media, with some diners who have previously tried the passionfruit and mango option labelling it "dirt". However, others have had a more positive response, with one Twitter user claiming it had "changed" them.
Nando’s is famous for its range of sauces, which can be brushed onto its chicken or any of its main dishes. Before the changes were announced, milder options included lemon and herb and mango and lime, while those with a taste for spice could opt for the medium, hot or extra hot alternatives.
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