Adding a unique twist, Nando’s has joined forces with Bukayo Saka, the Arsenal and England forward, to create the PERi-PERi Saka – marking the restaurant’s first sauce collaboration.
While this pairing might surprise some, it makes sense considering Saka’s nickname, ‘Little Chilli’. Their connection runs deep, as Saka has previously appeared in Nando’s TV ads, and the restaurant has even hosted his father’s birthday party. The result of this partnership is a new sauce for Nando’s lineup, blending Saka’s favorite flavors with the restaurant’s iconic PERi-PERi. The limited-edition sauce is a medium heat blend of tomato, garlic, and smoked paprika, offering a sweet, spicy, and smoky flavor. “The sauce combines sweetness, spiciness, and smokiness,” Saka says. “I love it and can’t wait for everyone to try it. I’ve been a fan of Nando’s since I was young, so having my own PERi-PERi sauce in every restaurant is incredible! It was important for me that my family liked it too, and once my dad said he was a fan, I knew it was the one.”
But the collaboration doesn’t end with the sauce – the bottle itself is a visual treat. Nando’s enlisted artist Reuben Dangoor, renowned for his distinctive adidas Predator design, viral Gareth Southgate illustration, and work on Beckham’s FIFA 22 kit, to create the artwork. This is the first time Nando’s has worked with an artist on its sauce bottles, showcasing the brand’s ongoing dedication to integrating art and design into its offerings.
To mark the launch, Saka took to the kitchen, rallying a team of chefs to bring his creation to life, paying tribute to the intense kitchen scenes of the popular TV show The Bear.