Nando’s has become a global favorite, famous for its flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken and unique sauces. But for Muslims living in non-Muslim countries — the United States, UK, Canada, or Australia — one pressing question always arises:
Is Nando’s halal? The short answer: Not all Nando’s are halal.
Nando’s operates under a franchise model, and each region has its own sourcing policies and halal certifications (or lack thereof). Some countries like the UK and UAE have verified halal outlets, while others — like the US and Australia — do not.
Let’s break down the facts, region by region, with verified sources and evidence.
What Does Halal Mean in Food Standards?
To understand Nando’s halal status, you first need to know what halal requires:
- Slaughter must follow Islamic rules (Zabiha) — invoking Allah’s name, draining blood, and avoiding stunning before death (depending on region).
- No pork, alcohol, or haram additives should be used.
- Strict segregation between halal and non-halal foods during preparation.
- Verified certification from recognized halal authorities (e.g., HFA UK, JAKIM Malaysia, IFANCA USA).
Without meeting these conditions, even “halal-sourced” food can become non-halal due to contamination or handling.
Nando’s Official Global Policy on Halal Chicken
Nando’s UK — Partial Halal Coverage
Nando’s UK confirms that around 80 of its 400+ outlets serve 100% halal chicken, sourced from halal-certified suppliers.
According to their official statement:
“A small proportion of our restaurants serve only halal chicken. These restaurants do not handle any pork products and operate under strict controls.”
— Nando’s UK Official Halal Page
- The halal chicken in the UK is sourced from Freemans of Newent, a certified halal supplier.
- These outlets do not use pork, and staff are trained to prevent cross-contamination.
- Every halal branch displays clear signage and proof of halal certification.
In addition, The Halal Food Authority (HFA) verifies that Nando’s halal outlets follow proper certification protocols. (Source: Halal Food Authority UK)
However, not all UK branches are halal, and Nando’s openly lists which ones are. You can check the nearest halal outlet on their store locator.
Verdict (UK): ✅ Partially Halal (Designated outlets only)
Nando’s USA — No Halal Options
In the United States, Nando’s clearly states on its FAQ page:
“We do not serve halal chicken in any of our US restaurants.”
— Nando’s USA FAQ
All chicken is sourced from non-halal suppliers, and kitchens prepare pork and alcohol-based ingredients together, which disqualifies halal integrity.
Verdict (USA): ❌ Not Halal
Nando’s Canada — Mixed Information
Nando’s Canada does not advertise itself as halal-certified. Some independent franchisees may use halal chicken suppliers, but there is no official national halal approval.
According to Halal Advisory Canada, certification must be displayed in-store to be considered valid. Most Canadian Nando’s do not meet this standard.
Verdict (Canada): ⚠️ Unverified / Limited halal availability
Nando’s Australia — Not a Halal Brand
According to Nando’s Australia FAQ:
“Nando’s is not a halal brand and does not pay for halal certification. However, our bastings and marinades are halal, and some chicken suppliers are halal-certified.”
— Nando’s Australia Official FAQ
This means:
- The chicken may come from halal suppliers.
- But since stores handle pork and non-halal items together, cross-contamination is inevitable.
- The overall brand is not recognized as halal by any official body.
Verdict (Australia): ❌ Not Halal Brand-Wide
Nando’s New Zealand — Partial Halal Coverage
In New Zealand, selected Nando’s branches in Auckland and Wellington have been reported to use halal-certified chicken suppliers.
According to Halal New Zealand, chicken is often supplied from certified halal slaughterhouses. However, not all outlets follow halal segregation practices in kitchens.
Verdict (New Zealand): ⚠️ Partially Halal (Check certification per branch)
Nando’s in Muslim-Majority Countries (UAE, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia)
In Muslim-majority countries, Nando’s complies with local halal laws.
For instance:
- Nando’s UAE operates under UAE’s ESMA Halal Certification Program. (uae.lessonislam.org)
- Nando’s Malaysia follows JAKIM standards for halal assurance.
- These outlets do not serve alcohol or pork, and have regular halal audits.
Verdict (Muslim-Majority Regions): ✅ Fully Halal Certified
Is Nando’s Chicken Halal Everywhere?
No, Nando’s chicken is not halal everywhere — only select outlets in certain countries serve halal-certified chicken.
| Country | Halal Certification | Cross-Contamination Risk | Final Verdict |
| UK | Yes (some stores) | Low | ✅ Halal in designated outlets |
| USA | No | High | ❌ Not Halal |
| Canada | Limited | Medium | ⚠️ Check locally |
| Australia | No | High | ❌ Not Halal |
| New Zealand | Partial | Medium | ⚠️ Branch-dependent |
| UAE / Malaysia | Yes | Low | ✅ Fully Halal |
You can verify halal ingredient sources directly using the Halal Finder Ingredient Tool to check for certification status of chicken suppliers, sauces, or marinades used in your region.
Cross-Contamination Concerns
Even if a branch uses halal chicken, shared kitchen equipment often compromises halal compliance.
For example:
- Non-halal and halal chicken may share the same grills.
- Knives and utensils are rarely segregated.
- Some outlets serve alcoholic beverages in the same environment.
These practices conflict with halal kitchen hygiene standards recognized by the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) (ifanca.org).
How to Verify If Your Local Nando’s Is Halal
- Check the official website or store locator for halal listings (Nando’s UK Halal Locator).
- Look for in-store halal certificates from authorities like HFA or local councils.
- Ask staff about meat sourcing (supplier name and certification body).
- Use the Halal Finder App to scan sauces or marinades for non-halal ingredients.
- Avoid stores serving alcohol, if you prefer full halal compliance.
FAQs: Is Nando’s Halal or Not?
Q1. Is Nando’s halal worldwide?
No. Nando’s halal status varies by country. Only specific regions like the UK, UAE, and Malaysia offer halal-certified chicken.
Q2. Is Nando’s chicken halal in the UK?
Yes, in selected outlets listed on the official halal branch list.
Q3. Is Nando’s halal in the USA or Canada?
No. Nando’s USA and Canada are not halal certified.
Q4. Are Nando’s sauces and marinades halal?
In most regions, yes. You can verify ingredients using the Halal Finder Ingredient Search Tool.
Q5. Can I trust Nando’s halal signage?
In countries like the UK or UAE, halal signage is verified. Always double-check with staff or official certification bodies.
Final Verdict: Is Nando’s Halal?
Nando’s is partially halal — not a fully halal brand.
- In the UK, UAE, and Malaysia, halal branches are certified and trustworthy.
- In the USA, Canada, and Australia, Nando’s is not halal and uses shared kitchens.
- Always verify locally through signage, certificates, or trusted halal tools.
To make sure your meal meets Islamic dietary standards, check every ingredient with the Halal Finder App and verify restaurant certification.