Paul Rudd and Jack Black sat down to talk about their new movie but instead, they ended up giving the world a reminder that South Africa’s favourite flame-grilled brand is also global.
Global (27 December 2025) – From the streets of Joburg to the airwaves of the UK, Nando’s just had a moment that made fans smile across continents. During a lively Magic Breakfast interview, Paul Rudd and Jack Black accidentally turned a film promo into a celebration of Peri-Peri.
The Hollywood duo joined Gaby Roslin on Magic Radio to chat about their new movie “Anaconda”. It was meant to be a standard movie interview, they chatted about snakes, filming the movie and then went into their favourite U2 songs and even pickles… don’t ask.
But the conversation took an unexpected detour into our national treasure: Nando’s.
Gaby decided to test how well the pair know each other by asking about favourite sauces. Paul Rudd took a confident shot, guessing Jack Black’s go-to was “Rocket Sauce” or “Horseradish.”
He was wrong. Jack prefers Balsamic Vinegar.
But then, in the most South African twist ever, Paul asked where Jack stands on Peri-Peri sauce… and suddenly the interview wasn’t about Hollywood or blockbuster filmmaking anymore. It was about our chicken.
Both actors lit up, proudly sharing their love for Nando’s. Paul explained that it’s a family tradition, one of the very first things he does when arriving in the UK.
“Because Nando’s isn’t in America,” he laughed.
Shame, man. We love Nando’s too.
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But it’s not entirely true anymore. While Nando’s isn’t widespread in the States just yet, the flame is catching. New restaurants have been opening quietly, and right now, Americans can visit Washington, Atlanta, Chicago, Maryland, Virginia and Texas to get a taste of the flavour we’ve loved since 1987, the year Nando’s opened its first doors in Rosettenville, Johannesburg.
And South Africans didn’t miss a beat, taking to social media to say exactly what we were all thinking:
“Best Nando’s is hands down in South Africa 🇿🇦”
“Go to the UK to eat South African 😋”
“It’s South African!!! Come visit us”
Even though Nando’s has become a global brand, with stores in the UK, Australia, the USA, New Zealand, Canada, India and the UAE, its roots are ours. We know where that flavour was born. We know where the marinade met the flame first.
We also know that experiencing Nando’s on home soil is different. It tastes like neighbourhoods, like late-night cravings, first dates, family traditions and birthday lunches. It tastes like home.
So Paul and Jack, whenever you’re ready for the full experience. The original magic. The flavour that launched a global craving… we’ve got a table waiting for you.
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