Every Nando’s side ranked from worst to best (the 2026 tier list)

Which Nando’s sides are actually worth it?

With everything from basic veg to fully loaded chips on the menu, there are some clear standouts and a few sides that feel like they were invited along at the last minute. 

So, we’ve gone through every official Nando’s side, from the ones that barely make an impression to the ones that deserve their own round of applause.

Of course, the food is only part of the Nando’s experience. If you are curious about where the country’s favourite Nando’s can be found, we have revealed the UK’s best-loved Nando’s.

15. Rainbow Slaw

Rainbow Slaw is one of the sides that has received its fair share of criticism, although it is likely to come down to personal taste. 

It is made with shredded vegetables such as purple cabbage and orange carrot, mixed with a tangy mustard dressing that gives it a sharper flavour than the usual creamy coleslaw.

There have also been complaints that the slaw can feel somewhat dry or lacks enough flavour to stand out against the rest of the meal.

14. Hearty Grains

Hearty Grains is one of the more wholesome-looking sides on the Nando’s menu, combining a mixture of grains with green chickpeas, butternut squash and dried cranberries. It is finished with lemon and oil, along with a creamy dressing.

The main issue is that some diners find it a little underwhelming, particularly when compared with the stronger flavours found elsewhere on the menu.

Hearty Grains also doesn’t have the spicy kick you might expect from Nando’s, so pairing it with chicken basted in Hot or Extra Hot PERi-PERi can help. 

(Image credit: Nando's)

13. Portuguese Tomato Salad

The Portuguese Tomato Salad is a fairly straightforward combination of semi-dried plum tomatoes, cucumber, salad leaves and pickled onions, with oregano dressing bringing it together. 

It is also one of the simpler choices if you are looking for a side that is relatively low in carbohydrates.

The problem though is that there is not much else to it. People have described the salad as bland or uninspiring, with some questioning the price for what is essentially a small serving of vegetables.

12. Coleslaw

The classic Coleslaw is a simple mix of shredded cabbage and carrot in a mayonnaise-based dressing. It is a familiar choice, but it has not been a standout for everyone.

Some customers have taken issue with the consistency, saying the dressing can become watery or separate from the vegetables. 

The flavour has also been described as fairly mild, which may leave it feeling a little flat alongside Nando’s more heavily seasoned chicken and sauces. 

That said, the simplicity can work in its favour if you want something cool and creamy to offset a spicy main. 

(Image credit: Nando's)

11. Plain Chips

Plain Chips are about as straightforward as a Nando’s side gets: golden potato chips cooked in vegetable oil until crisp. 

The criticism comes from how unremarkable they can feel next to the rest of the menu. With no seasoning or extra flavour, they’re seen as a fairly ordinary option and feel that ordering them plain is a missed chance to try something more distinctive.

They certainly live up to their name, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. If you prefer your chips simple and crispy, they do the job. 

For anyone looking for more flavour, though, there are more interesting options available.

10. Tenderstem® Broccoli

Tenderstem® Broccoli is one of the lighter sides on Nando's menu, with the vegetable finished in garlic and lemon oil before being flame-charred. 

It is a straightforward plant-based option and can work well if you want to add some greens to your meal without choosing one of the heavier sides.

The combination of garlic, lemon and charred broccoli has generally gone down well, particularly with diners looking for something fresh to balance a richer or spicier main.

The main criticism is less about the flavour and more about the portion size. 

Some customers have questioned whether the price of £4.75 is justified, particularly when they have received as few as four small stems in a serving.

9. Macho Peas

If you want something a little more interesting than a standard vegetable side, Macho Peas bring a bit more flavour to the plate. 

The dish combines garden peas with fresh mint, parsley and red chilli flakes, with a mixture of crushed and whole peas giving it some extra texture.

The herbs keep the flavour fresh, while the chilli provides a subtle heat. 

They are also relatively light compared with more filling options such as chips, fries or rice, making them a useful choice if you want a vegetable-based side without adding as many calories or carbohydrates to your meal.

For anyone trying to hit their protein goals, here is a closer look at how to build a high-protein Nando’s order while keeping an eye on your macros.

(Image credit: Nando's)

8. Creamy Mash

For something more comforting, Nando’s Creamy Mash combines mashed potatoes with milk and butter for a smooth, rich side. It is fairly mild on its own, which makes it a useful contrast to the stronger flavours of the chicken and sauces.

That is particularly noticeable if you have gone for Hot or Extra Hot PERi-PERi, as the creamy mash can help balance out some of the heat. Some Nando’s fans also take it a step further by combining the mash with chicken and adding Perinaise or Garlic Sauce for extra flavour.

7. Corn on the Cob

Sometimes the simplest sides are the ones that work best. Nando’s Corn on the Cob is flame-grilled and served with butter and a light seasoning, giving the sweetcorn a smoky, charred edge while keeping the natural sweetness of the kernels.

It is an easy side to pair with PERi-PERi chicken, particularly if you want something that cuts through the heat without being too heavy.

Compared with chips or rice, the corn also feels like a lighter addition to the meal while still offering plenty of flavour from the grill.

6. Charred Corn

Charred Corn takes things a step further by turning the sweetcorn into a much more flavour-packed side. 

The kernels are grilled before being mixed with garlic PERinaise, PERi-Salt and spring onions.

There is a lot more happening here, from the smokiness of the grilled corn to the creamy garlic sauce and chilli seasoning. 

The spring onions add some freshness and crunch, while the PERi-Salt brings the familiar Nando’s heat. 

It is a more involved take on sweetcorn that offers several different flavours and textures in the same dish.

5. PERi-Mac & Cheese

Nando’s puts its own spin on a comfort-food staple with PERi-Mac & Cheese. 

The pasta comes coated in a rich cheese sauce and is finished with garlic PERi-PERi breadcrumbs, adding a crisp layer to an otherwise soft and creamy dish.

That crunchy topping is what gives it a bit more character than a standard macaroni cheese. 

The combination of creamy pasta, melted cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs makes it one of the more indulgent sides on the menu.

If you find yourself at Nando’s often enough to know the menu inside out, you may have wondered about the restaurant’s legendary Black Card. It is one of the chain’s most exclusive perks, and here’s who actually has a Nando’s Black Card and how you can get one.

4. Garlic Bread

Garlic Bread is a fairly simple side, but its versatility has made it a popular choice. 

It can easily be enjoyed on its own or used to mop up leftover sauce from your plate. 

Some regulars have also found another use for it, turning the bread into a makeshift sandwich base and loading it with grilled chicken, halloumi and PERinaise. 

3. Spicy Rice

Spicy Rice is one of those Nando’s sides that has become almost as recognisable as the chicken itself. 

The long-grain rice is cooked with peppers, onions and herbs, with a gentle level of spice running through it.

It works with pretty much any chicken order and is also a useful option if you want something lighter than chips or Garlic Bread.

2. Fully Loaded Chips

Fully Loaded Chips take one of Nando’s most familiar sides and turn it into something considerably more substantial. 

The dish combines PERi-Salted Chips with pulled chicken, melted Cheddar, spring onions and PERi-Tamer sauce.

Before it appeared on the official menu, the combination had already gained attention online, with Nando’s fans creating their own versions using chips, chicken and sauces. 

It is now hard to describe as just a side, given how much is piled on top, and it can easily become a meal in its own right.

(Image credit: Nando's)

1. PERi-Salted Chips

At the top of the list are Nando’s PERi-Salted Chips, which take the restaurant’s classic chips and finish them with its signature PERi-Salt seasoning.

The combination of crispy potato, salt and spice gives them considerably more flavour than plain chips, and they have become one of the most recognisable parts of a Nando’s order. 

For many regulars, they are simply an essential addition to the table, particularly when there is plenty of PERi-PERi sauce left over for dipping.