Nando's have brought out a new spice level, and it's so ridiculously hot that those willing to try ithave to sign a ‘liability waiver’ before tucking in.
The South African Portuguese-inspired restaurant chain is well-known for its PERi-ometer, which lets diners pick from several spice and flavour options to marinade their food in.
As Nando’s enthusiasts will know, Extra Hot is usually at the top of the scale, but now, a new addition has been added for 2023 – the VUSA XX HOT, reports The Manc.
Or rather, we should say the spice level has returned, as the VUSA XX HOT is actually back on the menu after a hiatus following its short stint tingling the tastebuds of customers across the country.
Image: Nando's
The only difference now is, you have to sign a ‘liability waiver’.
VUSA XX HOT gets its name from the Zulu word ‘Vusa’, which means ‘excitement and fire’ in English, and is not only a good indicator of what those brave enough to try it out can expect from the challenge, but also gives an insight into why a ‘liability waiver’ is needed.
We’re putting ‘liability waiver’ in inverted commas here because it is, of course, a little bit tongue-in-cheek on Nando’s part as it basically just gets diners to confirm that they know where the Bottomless Froyo machine is in the restaurant, just in case of cooling-down-related emergencies.
The waiver reads: “I certify I’m fully aware it’s fiery, fierce and has earned its rightful place at the top of the PERi-ometer. I’ll enjoy the legendary taste, hot sweats and bragging rights – because every mouthful’s a madness.
“After consideration, I waive my rights to complain about any spicy side effects, including but not limited to, streaming eyes and panting in front of my mates (or date).
“As a safety precaution, I confirm I know where to find the Bottomless Froyo machine”.
Spicy food not really your bag?
Well, Nando’s is also embracing Veganuary this month, and has launched new spiced chickpea-based range of dishes too – including the Spiced Chickpea Wrap and Pitta to go along with the already-released burger version.
These two new dishes take a spiced chickpea and spinach patty, and mix it with hummus, crunchy pink pickled onions, smoky red pepper chutney, and lettuce, all rolled into a tortilla wrap or fluffy pitta.
VUSA XX HOT and the Spiced Chickpea wrap and pitta are now available to try out for order for a limited time only at all UK and Ireland Nando’s restaurants.
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Emily Sergeant -
5th January 2023 
