Move over, taco trucks. Texas has a new food truck to chase. Nando’s PERi-PERi, the South African-born, globally-loved chicken joint, is cruising into Austin, Dallas and Houston this fall with its brand-new “Fire Truck.” And no, it’s not just a clever name — the custom-built kitchen on wheels is here to douse hunger pangs with flame-grilled heat.
The truck already had a flashy warm-up act: NBA Hall-of-Famer Tony Parker’s San Antonio mansion. When streamer Kai Cenat and the AMP crew turned the place into a 30-day live content circus, Nando’s built a full-on restaurant inside the house. The AMP boys basically lived on PERi-PERi chicken for a month straight. Now, it’s Texas’ turn to feast.
When And Where To Catch It
Here’s the road trip rundown:
- Austin: September 16–24
- Dallas: September 26–October 4
- Houston: October 6–18
The truck will hit community events, schools, nonprofits, local businesses and even fan-picked pop-up spots sourced from social media. Translation: it could literally show up in your neighborhood.
What’s Cooking?
You don’t need a menu, just an appetite. Expect Nando’s flame-grilled chicken and chips, pastel de nata, surprise guests, giveaways and enough Afro-Luso beats to turn a lunch stop into a party.
Best part? It’s all free. Just bring your stomach and maybe a friend who’s cool with waiting in line.
“This isn’t just a food truck — it’s a flavor drop,” said Sepanta Bagherpour, Nando’s chief brand officer, in an official statement. “We’re bringing the heat and the unmistakable taste of PERi-PERi to communities across Texas. It’s bold. It’s global. And it’s all on us.”
Bold words, but when your chicken’s been marinated for 24 hours and flame-grilled to order, you’ve earned a little swagger.
From South Africa To The Lone Star State
Nando’s first fired up the grills in Johannesburg back in 1987. Since then, it’s spread to 24 countries and five continents, becoming a cult favorite for fans who swear by the Bird’s Eye chili kick. In the U.S., the chain landed in Washington, D.C. in 2008 and now has nearly 50 restaurants nationwide, including a few in Texas.
But this fall, the Fire Truck is where the action’s at. Consider it part food, part culture, part street party. All powered by that signature PERi-PERi heat.
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Hungry for more? Check out our dining guide.
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