Nando's has decided to embrace the festive spirit once again, reintroducing its Christmas menu for the first time since 2022. The popular high-street restaurant chain is putting a Portuguese twist on traditional holiday flavours with three completely new dishes.
First Impressions: Scepticism Meets Curiosity
Having the opportunity to sample the menu ahead of its official launch on 18 November 2025, our reviewer approached with mixed expectations. Like many loyal Nando's customers who typically stick to their favourite regular orders - in this case, the medium butterfly chicken - trying something completely different felt both exciting and uncertain.
The Christmas menu marks a significant return for the chain, which hasn't offered festive specials for three years. This year's selection includes a starter, main course and dessert, each designed to bring holiday cheer while maintaining Nando's distinctive Portuguese-inspired character.
The Festive Line-Up: Dish by Dish Breakdown
Bubble & Squeak Croquettes: The Sprout Revelation
The meal begins with what might be the most surprising element of the entire menu: bubble & squeak croquettes. This inventive starter takes inspiration from traditional Portuguese snacks but fills them with a festive combination of Brussels sprouts, mash and red onion.
Served with a creamy Caesar dressing for dipping, these croquettes challenge everything you thought you knew about sprouts. Nando's boldly claims they're "so good, they'll convert the most devout sprout hater" - and our experience suggests they might be right.
The perfect starter portion had our reviewer returning for more, with the Brussels sprouts flavour surprisingly subtle and well-balanced against the other ingredients.
Total Sleigh Burger: A Festive Feast Between Buns
For the main event, Nando's presents the Total Sleigh Burger, a substantial creation that demands attention. This isn't your average burger - it features a chicken breast topped with melted cheese and loaded with those same bubble & squeak croquettes, plus caramelised onions, lettuce and churrasco PERI-naise, all stacked in a rustic roll.
The burger comes with an unexpected but welcome accompaniment: PERI-chicken gravy for dipping or pouring. Our reviewer, who normally avoids Nando's burger options, found themselves completely converted by this carefully curated combination of flavours and textures.
Be warned though - this is a generously proportioned burger that presents a genuine challenge to eat neatly. The effort is absolutely worthwhile once you manage that first satisfying bite.
Warm Chocolate Orange Brownie: The Unexpected Delight
Completing the festive trio is a warm chocolate orange brownie served with vanilla gelato. Covered in a layer of melty chocolate with a distinct orange twist, this dessert managed to surprise our reviewer who initially approached it with hesitation.
Not being a particular fan of chocolate orange combinations, the expectation was that the orange flavour might dominate. Instead, the brownie delivered a perfectly balanced partnership between rich chocolate and subtle orange notes, creating the ideal sweet ending to the meal.
Availability and Final Verdict
The Christmas menu launches in UK and Ireland restaurants on 18 November 2025 and will be available for dine-in, collection and delivery. After sampling all three dishes, our reviewer concluded that Nando's festive return is a welcome addition to the holiday dining scene.
The menu successfully brings Christmas cheer to Nando's signature flavours without compromising what makes the chain popular year-round. Whether you're a sprout sceptic or burger doubtful, this festive offering might just contain some delicious surprises.
