It smells like Nandos, feels like Nandos and sort of looks like Nandos, but sadly, it’s not Nandos.
The new spot that opened in the mega franchise’s place is the Namibian-born Grill Addicts, and seeing as they basically appeared out of nowhere in Nando’s place all over Windhoek, there was no need for marketing.
The curiosity has already created a nationwide interest – what is Grill Addicts?
Entering the venue along Independence Avenue, I realise that it’s packed to the brim, but I spot a table where I can eat in peace. The menu is right above the cashiers, so while you wait in the queues, you can choose what you want. Your options consist of chicken livers, winglets, chicken strips, half- and quarter-chickens, burgers, wraps and pitas, and a whole lot of combos which give you great discounts on your meals.
If you’re not into chicken, get rolls, beef prego rolls or pitas, wraps and burgers with pap combos. Vegetarians are also offered a veggie burger option. Don’t forget your salads, sauces and sides ranging from mielies to Portuguese rolls or vegetable patties and desserts.
My order is simple – I’m craving a chicken wrap and chips. The exchange is swift, so I opt for a sit-down to fully immerse myself in the Grill Addicts experience. As the teller makes the necessary arrangements, a customer appears next to me and says: “I ordered a long time ago, but I haven’t been helped yet…”
With dread, I look at ‘sit down meal’ stamped on my receipt, which means my order is basically irreversible. But I still hope for the best.
The atmosphere is pretty cosy, but it’s quite loud – people are chatting around you, the kitchen staff are preparing meals…
At least there’s something to help you pass the time: The charismatic artwork on the walls of the venue which would make anyone’s Instagram pop. After about 30 minutes or so, I finally receive my order, and I have to say, my chicken wrap tastes good. I mean, it’s not Nando’s, obviously, but it’s good.
However, because I’m not a fan of too much noise, especially when I’m trying to enjoy a meal, I make it quick and get a doggy bag to eat at home.
There are currently five Grill Addicts branches to choose from: Klein Windhoek (at the corner of Sam Nujoma and Stein Street), Olympia (1 Louis Raymond Street), Subway (141 Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue), Independence (along Independence Avenue) and Katutura at B1 Mall.
The opening times are as follows: Klein Windhoek and Independence are open Monday to Thursday from 10h00 to 21h00, Fridays from 10h00 to 22h00, Saturdays from 11h00 to 21h00 and Sundays from 11h00. Grill Addicts in Olympia and Katutura are open Mondays to Saturdays from 10h00 to 21h00 and on Sundays from 11h00 to 19h30. The Subway Service Station is open 24 hours a day.
