Some of these meals were gifted in exchange for review, but all thoughts are honest and my own.

Grazing your way around a festival is practically a sport, and Y Not proved you don't have to survive on miserable, overpriced burgers. From carb-heavy comfort food to late-night street eats, here is the lowdown on what was sizzling across the site.

For my fill review on the festival, click here.

'What A Melt' Cheese Toasties

This food stall was located in Paradise Peaks camp site, so was exclusively accessible to those in that campsite.

Of course, look at that cheese pull! I have to say, the chips served with the toasties were perfection, both perfectly cooked and seasoned.

Find out more about What a Melt here! 

​The Pasta Rig

An absolute lifesaver when you need a proper, filling bowl of comfort between sets. Rich, slow-cooked sauces clinging to perfectly textured pasta gave us plenty of slow-burn energy for dancing.

Bringing fresh, high-end Italian comfort food straight to the Derbyshire mud, this stall specializes in proper, slow-cooked pasta dishes. Rather than the usual instant festival catering, they serve up perfectly al dente rigatoni coated in rich, deeply savoury meat and tomato sauces that cling to every tube. It provides that essential, slow-burn carbohydrate energy needed to survive hours of dancing in the arena without weighing you down.

I had an incredible creamy pasta with a spicy kick, topper with mozzarella and of course some fresh focaccia. It was absolutely devine with a lovely cheese pull!

The second dish was a creamy cheese pasta topped with panchetta, another winner! It was nice to have something different, and what felt like a hearty meal that was packed with flavour, plus lots of extras that could be added.

Find out more about The Pasta Rig here

Say Cheese Toasties

A dream destination for any cheese lover navigating the festival site, operated by the talented team behind The Larder Table.  

​They focus on elevated, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches built on thick-cut, artisan bread loaded with heavy layers of premium, quick-melting cheeses. Every toastie is pressed on the grill until the outside achieves a golden crunch while the inside turns into a pool of warm, gooey, stretchy comfort food—making it an elite choice for late-night cravings. Grilled cheese truly reached elite status here.

We sampled the classic cheese melt alongside the Philly Cheese, which came packed with tender steak, melted cheese, peppers, and onions. They delivered maximum crispiness on the outside and pure, stretchy, gooey indulgence on the inside—the ultimate cure for any festival fatigue. 

They also offered meal deals meaning you could grab a toastie, loaded potato tots and a drink all in one.

They delivered maximum crispiness on the outside and pure, stretchy, gooey indulgence on the inside—the ultimate cure for any festival fatigue.

To top it all off, I was a HUGE fan of their loaded potato tots: bite-sized mini hash browns smothered in warm cheese sauce, featuring yet another incredible cheese pull.

I was kindly provided media access for this event, but all thoughts are honest and my own! 

Nestled away in the rolling, picturesque hills of Pikehall, Derbyshire, Y Not Festival returned for another massive weekend, bringing its signature blend of indie nostalgia, chaotic energy, and breathtaking Peak District views. From Thursday’s early entry mayhem kickstarted by The Libertines right through to Sunday night's closing anthems with The Streets, the 19th edition proved yet again why it’s a stalwart of the northern festival calendar.

Upgrading the Experience: Staying in Paradise Peaks

If you’ve ever done standard general camping at a multi-day festival and spent Sunday morning questioning every life choice that led to a soggy tent collapse, you’ll know that accommodation upgrades can make or break the weekend. This year, escaping back to Paradise Peaks felt nothing short of an absolute luxury tier upgrade.

Positioned as the festival’s premier camping escape, Paradise Peaks delivered on its promise of a sanctuary away from the relentless, 24-hour thumping of the main campsites.

• The Facilities: Let’s talk about the holy grail of festival survival—the toilets and showers. Having access to clean, well-maintained, posh loos throughout the weekend completely changed the game. No horror stories, no emergency toilet roll rationing—just a civilized experience. The hot showers were a morning miracle, washing away the dust, glitter, and exhaustion from the night before so you felt human all over again.
• The Vibe: The pamper tents complete with mirrors, sockets, and hair-styling gear were a absolute lifesaver for getting festival-ready without battling a foggy phone screen in a cramped two-man tent. More than just the amenities, though, it was the crowd and the atmosphere. It felt relaxed, secure, and quiet enough to actually get a decent night's sleep before doing it all over again the next day.

The Charm of a Smaller Site: Enter TONY’s

One of the best things about Y Not Festival is that it completely rejects the exhausting, endless trek style of massive, sprawling weekender festivals. You aren’t spending forty minutes hiking through industrial wastelands just to get from the campsite to the main arena. Instead, it retains that cherished, intimate, community-driven spirit—you can easily bump into mates, bounce between stages on a whim, and never feel like you're losing half your day just getting around.

Right in the heart of that compact, manageable arena footprint sits TONY’s—the ultimate exclusive hangout area.

If you want a break from the main crowd without retreating all the way back to Paradise Peaks, TONY’s is the place to be. Tucked neatly into the action, it acts as a brilliant little pocket of breathing space within the festival site.

• The Perks: It features its own dedicated private bar (meaning zero-fuss queueing when you just want a swift drink), proper flushing toilets, and handpicked food traders serving up top-tier festival grub.
• The Vibe: When the sun goes down and the main stages wrap up, TONY’s comes into its own with exclusive late-night DJs keeping the energy high in a lively, intimate setting. It captures everything great about Y Not's small-scale magic—sociable, vibrant, and effortlessly easy to navigate.

The 30-Something Rookie Verdict: Why Paradise Peaks Made All the Difference

Let’s be honest: stepping into the festival circuit when you’re in your 30s—and when your past festival CV is practically blank—comes with a very specific kind of anxiety. Gone are the days of rolling up with a battered tent, surviving on lukewarm cider, and sleeping on a deflated roll mat for four days without a second thought. I wasn't entirely sure I was built for the mud, the noise, and the sheer endurance test of a full weekend.

For a while, I wondered if I was simply too old, too out of the loop, or just too fond of my creature comforts to really enjoy it.

Turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Any pre-festival nerves completely melted away the moment I realized just how welcoming, vibrant, and fun the whole atmosphere was. But the real game-changer? Being tucked away in Paradise Peaks with such close proximity to the arena.

Being able to casually stroll back to the campsite for a proper sit-down, a quick refresh, or a much-needed sanctuary break whenever fatigue started creeping in completely unlocked the experience. No massive treks across muddy fields, no dragging heavy gear for miles—just a five-minute hop back to peace and quiet before diving right back into the action. It proved that you don't need to suffer through standard camping to earn your festival stripes, and honestly? I'm officially converted.

Beyond the stages, the food lineup at Y Not proved you don't have to survive on miserable, overpriced burgers for a whole weekend.

​Festival Food Highlights

​Gourmet Street Eats: A stellar rotation of wood-fired sourdough pizzas bubbling with hot honey, towering loaded fries dripping in cheese and pulled meats, and authentic Greek souvlaki wraps packed with garlic sauce.

​Late-Night Fuel: Essential carbohydrate stations serving up massive portions of mac and cheese and loaded loaded nachos that saved many a festival-goer staggering back to the campsite.

​Sweet Relief: Independent churros stalls slathered in thick Belgian chocolate and local artisan coffee trucks that were absolute lifesavers for shaking off the early-morning Paradise Peaks condensation.

Absolutely heavenly cheese toasties were also on offer!! 

The Music 

Catching Vanessa Carlton was a true full-circle moment. Having her as a cult hero since the age of 15 meant expectations were high, and while she leaned heavily into her newer material rather than resting entirely on nostalgia, hearing that immortal opening piano riff to "A Thousand Miles" live in the Derbyshire fields was worth everything.

​Moving through the weekend, Scouting for Girls and the Lottery Winners proved why they are absolute masterclasses in festival programming. Scouting for Girls delivered a masterclass in crowd-pleasing, effortlessly getting thousands of people shouting every word back at the stage with pure, unadulterated pop-indie joy. The Lottery Winners brought that exact same infectious energy, combining proper heartwarming anthems with brilliant stage presence that had the entire field hooked from the first chord.

​The heavy hitters brought completely contrasting styles of massive field control. Dizzee Rascal turned his set into an absolute high-octane rave, firing through timeless grime bangers that sent the crowd into absolute chaos. The Streets offered something much more poetic and communal; Mike Skinner commanded the masses with gritty, sweat-drenched storytelling that blurred the line between the stage and the audience entirely.

​Meanwhile, the Kaiser Chiefs operated like a well-oiled stadium machine. Ricky Wilson remains a relentless frontman, scaling speakers and working every corner of the stage while firing off hit after unstoppable hit like "Ruby" and "Everyday I Love You Less and Less" that are

practically engineered for festival singalongs.

Rizzle Kicks and Scissor Sisters injected pure, flamboyant pop euphoria into the weekend. Rizzle Kicks rolled back the years with a set packed full of feel-good, bouncing hip-hop hooks like "Down with the Trumpets" and "Mama Do the Hump," turning the crowd into one giant, grinning singalong. Right behind them, the Scissor Sisters brought unmatched theatrical disco glamour to Pikehall. Jake Shears and the crew delivered an absolute masterclass in camp, high-energy pop, turning the festival site into a glittering dancefloor with anthems like "Take Your Mama" and "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'."

​It's safe to say Pikehall delivered an unforgettable weekend of live music!

Tickets are on sale for 2027's 20 year celebration! Grab yours here.

If you love creamy pasta recipes and the irresistible flavours of Marry Me Chicken, this One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Meatball Spaghetti is about to become a new favourite. Juicy garlic and Parmesan chicken meatballs are served with spaghetti in a creamy tomato, garlic and Parmesan sauce, with fresh spinach stirred through at the end.

Even better, almost everything cooks in the same pan. The spaghetti cooks directly in the chicken stock and tomato sauce, soaking up all that flavour while releasing starch that naturally helps thicken the sauce. Finish it with single cream and Parmesan and you get a beautifully silky, creamy sauce without needing to make anything separately.

It's an easy chicken mince recipe that's ideal when you want something comforting for dinner without creating a mountain of washing up.

My Marry Me Halloumi Recipe went viral! 

Why You'll Love This Marry Me Chicken Meatball Spaghetti

There is a reason Marry Me Chicken recipes have become so popular. That combination of garlic, Parmesan, herbs and a creamy sauce is ridiculously good – and turning those flavours into chicken meatballs makes it even better.

This recipe is:

What Are Marry Me Chicken Meatballs?

Marry Me Chicken is known for its rich, creamy Italian-inspired sauce, usually combining ingredients such as garlic, Parmesan, herbs and tomatoes.

For this version, I've taken those flavours and turned them into garlic and Parmesan chicken meatballs, then combined them with a creamy one-pan spaghetti.

The meatballs are browned first, which not only gives them plenty of flavour but also leaves all those lovely caramelised bits in the bottom of the pan. The onion, garlic and tomatoes are then cooked in the same pan, so none of that flavour goes to waste.

The Secret to Creamy One-Pan Spaghetti

The best thing about making spaghetti this way is that you don't need to boil your pasta separately.

Instead, the dry spaghetti goes straight into the pan with the chicken stock, tomatoes, onion and garlic. As it cooks, the pasta absorbs the seasoned stock while releasing starch into the remaining liquid.

Once the spaghetti is nearly cooked, single cream and Parmesan are stirred through. The combination of cream, melted Parmesan and starchy pasta water creates a gorgeous creamy sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Keep an Eye on the Spaghetti

One-pan pasta needs a little more attention than spaghetti boiling in a big saucepan of water. Give the pasta a good stir every few minutes to separate the strands and prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Different brands and thicknesses of spaghetti can absorb slightly different amounts of liquid. If the stock has been absorbed but your spaghetti still needs a few more minutes, simply add a splash of hot water or extra chicken stock and continue cooking.

Don't Rush the Final Simmer

When you first add the single cream, the sauce might look thinner than you expect. Don't panic and don't add loads of extra Parmesan to compensate.

Allow everything to gently simmer uncovered for a few minutes. The starch from the spaghetti and Parmesan will continue to thicken the sauce as it cooks.

Remember that the sauce will also thicken slightly as it stands, so it's better to take the pan off the heat while the sauce is still beautifully creamy rather than letting it become too thick.

Don't Overwork Your Chicken Meatballs

Chicken mince is lean and can become firm if it's handled too much.

Mix the chicken mince with the garlic, Parmesan, Italian herbs and seasoning just until everything is combined, then gently roll it into meatballs.

Dampening your hands slightly before shaping them can also help prevent the chicken mixture from sticking to your fingers.

Make It Spicy

If you like a bit of heat with your creamy pasta, add ½–1 teaspoon of chilli flakes when you add the paprika.

You can also scatter a few extra chilli flakes over each portion before serving.

Can I Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

Absolutely. While this version uses fresh cherry tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes work brilliantly with the creamy Marry Me Chicken flavours.

Try adding around 50–75g of drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes alongside the fresh tomatoes for an even richer tomato flavour.

Can I Use Double Cream Instead?

Yes. Double cream will make the sauce richer and thicker, so you may need to add a splash of chicken stock or pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.

I prefer single cream here because the Parmesan and starch released from the spaghetti already give the sauce plenty of creaminess.

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover Marry Me Chicken Meatball Spaghetti to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

The spaghetti will continue absorbing the sauce while it's refrigerated, so it will be considerably thicker the following day.

When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce, then heat thoroughly until the chicken meatballs are piping hot throughout.

What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Meatball Spaghetti

This is already a complete meal thanks to the chicken, spaghetti, tomatoes and spinach, so you don't really need anything alongside it.

If you're feeling extra hungry, though, it's perfect with garlic bread for scooping up the creamy Parmesan sauce. A simple green salad, roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also work well if you want something fresh on the side.

Creamy, garlicky, cheesy and comforting, this one-pan chicken meatball spaghetti is exactly the kind of dinner that's easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to feel like a proper treat.

For labs that need clearly defined materials, choosing a research peptide supplier is a very important decision. Picking a company because of price or special offers can cause unnecessary doubts because peptides can be different when it comes to what they are, how they are made, how long they last and the papers that go with them. Quality information and the supplier's capacity to offer relevant paperwork for the particular item being bought should be the main focus of a thorough assessment.

When evaluating supplier Midshire Labs, you should check things instead of trusting just one quality claim. Look for batch‑specific Certificates of Analysis (CoAs). Do your testing to confirm the identity, make sure the supplier is open about specifications, ask for storage instructions, and check product traceability. A supplier that gives useful paperwork gives you a better chance to decide if a material is right for your study.

Evaluate the Certificate of Investigation

When evaluating a study peptide, a Certificate of Analysis is one of the useful documents. The report of analysis needs to show the peptide, the specific batch or lot number, the date when the testing was done, the methods that were used for testing, the standards that were checked and the results that were measured. It is very important for scientists to make sure that the report they have matches the batch they received. A generic document might contain a few details regarding the particular content. When examining unexpected experimental results, batch-specific documentation might be helpful and enhance traceability.

Analyse Purity Testing

Purity is a feature, but a number given should not be seen as the whole truth. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is often used to check how pure something is and to find parts that come out separately from the product.

Whenever it is possible, scientists should look at the information from the tests instead of just trusting a simple statement, like "98% purity". The way the test is done, the graph that shows the results, the settings used for detecting, and how the results are understood can all change what the purity number really means.

Confirm Molecular Identity

The identity and purity of a peptide are distinct properties. Even if a material has a dominating chromatographic peak, further proof that the molecule is the anticipated peptide is still needed.

Mass spectrometry helps a lot when you need to find the weight. You might also want to use LC-MS/MS or peptide mapping if you need to be extra sure about your results. It really just depends on what your study needs. 

Look for Transparent Analytical Methods

A trustworthy supplier needs to be able to describe how crucial quality attributes are assessed. Information on the analytical methods for purity, identity, and other pertinent characteristics should be sought after by researchers.

When evaluating goods from several sources, transparency is especially crucial. While employing distinct testing methods, two businesses may promote comparable purity percentages. Researchers are able to generate more relevant comparisons when they comprehend the analytical foundation of the presented results.

Consider Batch-to-Batch Consistency

For tests that are repeated over time, consistency across production batches may be crucial. Researchers should assess if the supplier maintains sufficient quality-control measures and provides documentation for particular batches.

Evaluate Storage and Handling Guidance

Environmental elements, including temperature, moisture, light, and frequent handling, may affect peptides. A conscientious provider needs to offer appropriate handling and storage guidelines for its goods. The packaging and transportation of the item should also be taken into account by researchers. Laboratories may minimise preventable deterioration brought on by improper storage and maintain peptide quality after delivery with the use of clear instructions.

Assess Product Traceability

Researchers can link the materials used in an experiment to their original paperwork thanks to traceability. A clear chain of identification should preferably be provided by product labels, batch numbers, CoAs, and purchase records. When study findings need to be replicated, evaluated, or examined, this information becomes more important. Compare Suppliers on Evidence, Not Marketing

Even when goods have very different supporting documents, marketing language may make them seem identical. Without supporting analytical data, terms like "premium", "research grade", and "ultra-pure" have less significance.

Instead, researchers must compare suppliers using criteria such as quality documentation, identity confirmation, purity testing, transparency, traceability, storage guidance and customer support.

Conclusion

Selecting a research peptide supplier needs a careful and organised check of quality, papers, openness and regularity. Scientists need to look at each batch of CoAs, check the purity and identity tests, think about how to store and handle the products and keep records of the items they buy. Using the checking rules for every supplier, including Midshire Labs, can help scientists make better choices when buying and create better ways to control the quality. In the end, a trustworthy research peptide supplier is one that provides papers and scientific information that match the products' needs.

A little about Tracklements

Tracklements is a family-run condiment company based in Wiltshire. Its story began in 1970, when founder William Tullberg discovered a recipe for wholegrain mustard in the 17th-century diary of writer and gardener John Evelyn.

After experimenting with the recipe at home, William began producing his own mustard. What started as a small operation has since grown into a well-known British brand offering more than 50 different mustards, chutneys, relishes, sauces and jellies.

The business is now headed by William’s son, Guy Tullberg, and the company continues to make its products in small batches using traditional methods.

Tracklements Fresh Chilli Jam was first launched in 2001, making 2026 its 25th anniversary. Over the years, it has won more than 10 food awards and has become one of the brand’s most recognisable products.

Despite its name, it is perhaps best described as a sweet chilli and red pepper relish. It is made using ingredients including red peppers, red chillies, raw cane sugar, cider vinegar, onions, lemon juice, garlic and sea salt.

The result is sweet, sticky and tangy, with enough chilli to add warmth without completely overpowering the other flavours. It is also suitable for vegans and is gluten-free.

Many of us probably think of chilli jam as something to add to a burger, sandwich or cheeseboard, but this event was all about showing that it can be used in far more imaginative ways.

Lunch at Mark Hix’s Kitchen Table

The anniversary lunch took place at Mark Hix’s Kitchen Table at his home in Charmouth, Dorset.

Mark Hix MBE is a chef, restaurateur and food writer who is particularly well known for his seasonal approach to British cooking. He has written several cookbooks and is passionate about using quality produce from trusted farmers, fishermen and independent suppliers.

His Kitchen Table events offer a much more intimate experience than eating in a traditional restaurant. Guests sit around the kitchen island while Mark prepares the food, talks about the ingredients and shares stories about cooking, fishing, foraging and local producers.

Being invited into a chef’s home naturally made the occasion feel personal and relaxed. Rather than each dish simply arriving from a restaurant kitchen, we were able to see the food being prepared and hear more about the thought behind it.

The setting was also beautiful, with views across Charmouth and the Dorset coastline adding to the sense that this was a very special way to celebrate the anniversary.

A six-course chilli jam tasting menu

The main question going into the lunch was whether one condiment could really work across six very different courses without the menu becoming repetitive.

What made the concept interesting was that the chilli jam was not simply placed on the side of every plate. Instead, its sweetness, acidity, gentle heat and sticky texture were used in different ways throughout the menu.

Summer rolls

The summer rolls brought something fresher and lighter to the menu.

After the richer opening courses, their crisp vegetables and delicate texture provided a welcome change of pace. The chilli jam added sweetness, tanginess and heat, working particularly well as part of a dipping sauce.

This was probably one of the easiest ideas from the menu to recreate at home. Fresh Chilli Jam could be loosened with lime juice, soy sauce or rice vinegar to create a quick dressing or dip for summer rolls, salads or noodles.

Sesame prawn toasts

Next came sesame prawn toasts.

Prawn toast is already a combination of savoury seafood, crisp bread and nutty sesame, so the chilli jam felt like a natural addition. Its sweetness complemented the prawns, while the chilli added an extra layer of warmth.

This was a good example of how easily Fresh Chilli Jam can be used as a dipping sauce. It would be a simple way to make homemade or shop-bought prawn toast feel a little more special.

 Easy Nando’s Fakeaway Recipes to Make at Home

Love a Nando’s but want to recreate your favourite meal at home? This collection of easy Nando’s fakeaway recipes has everything you need to make a delicious restaurant-inspired feast in your own kitchen.

From juicy peri-peri chicken and mild lemon and herb chicken to homemade spicy rice, crispy chips, creamy coleslaw and flavour-packed sauces, these Nando’s-inspired recipes are perfect for family dinners, weekend treats and budget-friendly fakeaway nights.

Making your own Nando’s-style meal at home means you can choose your preferred level of spice, adjust the ingredients to suit your family and serve all your favourite sides without the cost of ordering a takeaway.

Browse all my homemade Nando’s fakeaway recipes below and build your perfect meal.

Nando’s-Inspired Chicken Recipes

The chicken is the star of any Nando’s-style fakeaway, and these easy recipes are packed with flavour.

Whether you prefer something mild and zesty or hot and spicy, you can adapt the marinades to suit your taste. Use chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, wings or a whole chicken, depending on the recipe and cooking method.

Nando’s-Inspired Lemon and Herb Chicken

Fresh, zesty and gently seasoned, this lemon and herb chicken fakeaway is ideal for anyone who prefers a milder Nando’s-style flavour.

The chicken is marinated with lemon, garlic and fragrant herbs before being cooked until tender and juicy. Serve it with spicy rice, chips, corn on the cob or a fresh salad.

Homemade Peri-Peri Chicken

This easy peri-peri chicken recipe is smoky, spicy and full of flavour.

Adjust the amount of chilli to make it mild, medium or extra hot, then cook the chicken in the oven, air fryer, on the barbecue or under the grill.

Peri Peri Chicken Kebab Recipe

An easy and delicious peri peri chicken kebab recipe that the whole family will love!

Creamy Piri Piri Nandos Pasta Recipe 

Looking for a Nandos Pasta Recipe? This is the one for you! Creamy Nandos Pasta Fakeaway.

A deliciously creamy chicken pasta with a spicy Nandos style piri piri kick! Perfect for calorie counting or low-calorie meals. 

Nandos Loaded Fries Fakeaway Recipe

My take on the Nandos secret menu item, the Nandos loaded fries. Fries, shredded Nandos style chicken, halloumi and my piri mayo Fakeaway!

Spicy Nando's Halloumi Dirty Rice Recipe

A delicious spicy rice that's packed with flavour, ready in under 30 minutes, and can be prepared in one pan.

Homemade Nando’s Side Dishes

No Nando’s-inspired dinner is complete without plenty of sides.

Choose two or three of these easy recipes to turn your chicken into a complete homemade fakeaway feast.

Nando’s-Inspired Spicy Rice

This colourful Nando’s-style spicy rice is packed with peppers, herbs, spices and savoury flavour.

It is easy to make, budget-friendly and perfect for serving with peri-peri or lemon and herb chicken.

Nandos-Inspired Mac & Cheese recipe 

Looking for a comfort food dish with a tantalising twist? Look no further than my Nando's Style Mac and Cheese Fakeaway recipe!

Homemade Peri-Peri Chips

Give ordinary homemade chips a spicy upgrade with a simple peri-peri seasoning.

Cook them in the oven or air fryer until crisp and golden, then serve them immediately with your favourite chicken recipe.

Get the recipe here

Nando’s-Inspired Coleslaw

Cool, creamy coleslaw is the perfect accompaniment to spicy peri-peri chicken.

The crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing help balance the heat of the main meal.

Garlic Bread

Warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into peri-peri sauce and serving alongside chicken, rice and salad.

How to Build the Perfect Nando’s Fakeaway

Start by choosing your main dish.

For a mild family dinner, try lemon and herb chicken. For something with more heat, choose peri-peri chicken, wings or spicy chicken thighs.

Next, add two or three side dishes. Spicy rice and peri-peri chips are classic choices, while coleslaw, macho peas and corn on the cob add freshness and variety.

Finally, place a selection of sauces on the table so everyone can customise their meal.

A complete Nando’s-inspired fakeaway could include:

lemon and herb or peri-peri chicken;

homemade spicy rice;

peri-peri chips;

creamy coleslaw;

corn on the cob;

garlic bread;

peri-peri sauce;

garlic mayonnaise.

Why You’ll Love These Nando’s Fakeaway Recipes

Easy to make

Most of these recipes use straightforward ingredients and simple cooking methods.

You do not need specialist equipment, and many of the dishes can be cooked in the oven or air fryer.

Easy to adjust

Control the level of heat by adding more or less chilli, peri-peri seasoning or hot sauce.

This makes the recipes suitable for families with different spice preferences.

More affordable than ordering

Making a complete fakeaway meal at home can be more economical than ordering individual mains, sides, drinks and sauces for the whole family.

Perfect for family dinners

Place the chicken, sides and sauces in the centre of the table and allow everyone to build their own plate.

Great for meal preparation

Cook extra chicken, rice and vegetables for wraps, salads and lunch bowls throughout the week.

Suitable for different cooking methods

Many of these recipes can be prepared in the oven, air fryer, on the barbecue or under the grill.

Tips for the Best Homemade Nando’s-Inspired Meal

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes so that it absorbs plenty of flavour. For an even stronger taste, cover it and leave it in the fridge for several hours.

Allow the chicken to come into direct contact with the hot cooking surface so that it develops a golden, lightly charred finish.

Do not overcrowd an air fryer basket or baking tray. Leaving space around the chicken helps it cook more evenly.

Prepare cold sides such as coleslaw and sauces in advance. Rice, chips and garlic bread are best cooked shortly before serving.

Check that chicken is thoroughly cooked before eating. It should be piping hot in the centre with no pink meat remaining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these official Nando’s recipes?

No. These are homemade Nando’s-inspired fakeaway recipes designed to recreate similar flavours at home.

They are not official recipes and are not produced, approved or endorsed by Nando’s.

What does fakeaway mean?

A fakeaway is a homemade meal inspired by a takeaway or restaurant dish.

The aim is to recreate your favourite flavours at home using accessible ingredients and everyday cooking equipment.

What is the best chicken to use for a Nando’s fakeaway?

Chicken breasts are ideal for butterfly chicken, burgers and wraps.

Chicken thighs remain particularly juicy and work well in the oven, air fryer or on the barbecue. Drumsticks and wings are excellent for sharing, while a whole chicken makes a great family meal.

How long should I marinate peri-peri chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.

For a deeper flavour, leave it covered in the fridge for several hours or overnight. Always keep raw marinating chicken refrigerated.

Can I cook Nando’s-inspired chicken in an air fryer?

Yes. Many Nando’s-inspired chicken recipes work well in an air fryer.

Arrange the chicken in a single layer and cook it until golden and thoroughly cooked. Exact cooking times will depend on the cut, thickness and air fryer model.

Can I make these recipes mild?

Yes. Reduce or remove the chilli and use more lemon, garlic and herbs.

The lemon and herb chicken recipe is a particularly good option for children and anyone who prefers a mild flavour.

How can I make the recipes spicier?

Add extra fresh chillies, chilli flakes, cayenne pepper or hot peri-peri sauce.

Serve extra sauce at the table so each person can choose their preferred heat level.

What are the best sides for peri-peri chicken?

Popular side dishes include spicy rice, peri-peri chips, coleslaw, corn on the cob, macho peas, garlic bread, sweet potato wedges and salad.

Can I prepare a Nando’s fakeaway in advance?

The marinades, sauces and cold side dishes can usually be prepared in advance.

Cooked chicken and rice can also be stored for meal preparation, provided they are cooled, refrigerated and reheated safely.

Chips and garlic bread are best cooked shortly before serving.

Can I freeze the chicken?

Raw chicken can often be frozen in its marinade in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Defrost it fully in the fridge before cooking. Cooked chicken can also be frozen once cooled completely.

Always follow the storage guidance for the specific ingredients used.

Are these recipes suitable for meal prep?

Yes. Peri-peri chicken, spicy rice and roasted vegetables work particularly well in meal-prep bowls.

Store the sauce separately and add fresh salad immediately before serving.

More Homemade Fakeaway Recipes

Love recreating restaurant and takeaway favourites at home? Check out all my Fakeaway recipes here:

Fakeaway Recipes

A homemade Nando’s fakeaway is perfect when you want a fun family dinner without ordering a takeaway.

Choose your favourite chicken marinade, add plenty of homemade sides and finish the meal with a selection of spicy and creamy sauces.

Save this page so you can return whenever you need inspiration for your next fakeaway night.

Trademark disclaimer: Nando’s is a registered trademark. This independent recipe collection is inspired by popular restaurant flavours and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Nando’s.