Nando’s, the popular casual dining restaurant chain from South Africa, famous for its flame-grilled Peri-Peri Chicken, announced its winning Master Griller, who will represent Nando’s Qatar in Australia at The Global Master Grillers Challenge 2018.

Our team member Shaun was invited to judge at the final showdown, so we had a part to play in the fate of the grillers.

Every year the best grillers from 23 countries compete to show off their skills and are judged on the characteristics that make Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken unique. Marks are awarded for perfect flame grill marks, consistent skin colouring, cutting technique as well as tenderness, juiciness and temperature. Forks skills and Brand fitness are all the factors among a few more, that matters to win the battle.

Qatar 2018 started with 29 Grillers, out of which nine successful contenders grilled their way through the finals at Doha Rugby Club. Showing off the top-notch, tastiest flame-grilled skills to cook the perfect Chicken, Sean Kent, a 31-year-old from the Philippines from Salwa Road (the first Nando’s in Qatar) won the Nando’s Qatar’s internal heat.

The winner now will be going to Australia at the Master Grillers Challenge in October to represent Qatar and compete among the finalists from other Nando’s markets worldwide.

At the finals, Chris Clark, COO, Nando's Qatar said, "Since 2012, Nando’s Master Grillers Challenge happens every year as a reminder that it is not about the chicken but the people who make it. Nando’s rewards its top grillers with a chance to compete amongst the best grillers in the Master Grillers challenge and ‘discover the world.’

"The Griller’s Challenge motivates and encourages staff to compete in the spirit of courage, pride, passion, integrity and family. The challenge also provides the Nando’s employees with many opportunities to learn and grow professionally."

Have you tried Nando's? Let us know your thoughts!