My life on plate: Mimi Jardim

What was the first spicy food you ate?

When we first arrived in old Lourenço Marques (Maputo), we were presented with a breakfast so laden with different kinds of food that we all thought we had overslept until lunchtime. Not only was there much more food than in our simple Continental breakfast, but everything - except the coffee and cake - was spiced with fiery peri-peri.

What's the hottest chilli dish you've ever eaten?

 When I travelled in Mexico, I tried hard to sample as many dishes as possible, but each seemed hotter than the one before. One dish was so hot I was affected by the fire for days afterwards. I can't even vaguely remember the name, but the memory has always stayed with me.

What do you eat on a typical working day?

 Do people who cook for a living ever eat normal meals? Cold coffee is a regular feature with the goings-on of the day, although my husband and I do try to have a substantial, healthy evening meal together.

What are your favourite Portuguese dishes?

For me, nothing beats the simple combination of fresh grilled sardines with home-made mielie-meal bread (broa) and a traditional grilled pepper and tomato salad. In winter, soups become the order of the day, and the Portuguese have truly mastered the art of taking whatever is available and turning it into a hearty, one-pot meal. Can I share a secret? When making rice pudding, (arroz doce), sprinkle on loads of cinnamon, find a seat outside and eat it straight from the pot - no sharing allowed.

How did you get involved with Nando's?

Because we both shared such a great passion for food, Robbie Brozin and I decided to open the Nando's cookery school to introduce both international chefs and South Africans to modern-day local Portuguese cooking, with all the bite and spice of our beloved peri-peri. Watch out for more news...

What would you order for your last meal?

Grilled lobster tails with lots of peri-peri, figs and almond-spiced ice cream, eaten under a cork tree and shared with the actor Antonio Banderas. If he wasn't available, I suppose my family could join me instead.

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Mimi Jardim is the author of 'Cooking the Portuguese Way in South Africa', and holds cooking classes at her home in Johannesburg. Call 0116097758.