Fatburger - the name says it all. The die hard foodies of Lahore can only be satisfied with the best taste in food and the arrival of this new franchise is all to set to give tough competition to other burger joints. The Lahore food scene at the moment is quite a happening, flourishing, developing entity.

Rated as the best place for the juiciest burgers in town and boasting of fairly large menu catering to the taste buds of food connoisseurs the opening of Fatburger was quite dramatic. Lahore boasts the largest outlet of Fatburger in the world with the seating capacity of over 200 people. M.M Alam Road was blocked, there was a theatrical performance by renowned kathak choreographer Adnan Jahangir and his troupe of performers. The grand finale was the countdown that led to the official opening of the outlet followed by a dazzling display of fireworks, confetti and cheers from all those that were present including Andrew Wiederhorn, CEO Fatburger. The event was managed by Safeena Enterprises with public relations by Lotus.

The free tasting on the day of the grand opening was an acid test for the staff that were seen rushing from one hubgry table to the other. With a 50 year long legacy of originality, based on their signature gourmet hamburgers which are prepared live in front of customers using fresh, unfrozen and hygienic ingredients, the expectations are huge and the standard a far cry from fast food joints that hand you something off an assembly line. There are many must-tries at Fatburger. Their own handmade ice cream shakes, chilli hotdogs and their all time favorite signature jalapeño beef burger. The burgers are juicy enough to engage all your senses and the aftertaste is a divine savor. Trust me, you will feel very full.

You know that Fatburger claim that they uses only the leanest halal meat in their offerings, ensuring that their products are low in fat content and high in nutritional value? It’s actually true. One single patty burger will leave you full, especially if you order skinny or fat fries and coke. People with big appetites can opt for a double patty. And remember, these are meaty burgers to be savoured - with each and every morsel, the taste of the herbs stands out and mustard, barbeque and other dips enhance each bite. These are char grilled to perfection burgers, not “fast” food and Fatburger obviously wants you to hangout and enjoy your meal.

The interior of the place has been done tastefully with comfortable seating by Hong Kong based architect Robert Lee. He was roped in to create the stores of Fatburger in Pakistan that also include an outlet in Karachi inaugurated earlier this year. One hears good reviews about it doing quite well there, with long queues over the weekends. Known for its strong association with Hollywood, with Fatburger restaurants abroad regularly frequented by renowned media personalities including Tom Cruise himself, Fatburger should thrive in a city like Lahore that loves its meat. Hardees and McDonalds are already doing quite well locally and Fatburger is now very much in the race. 

Rizma who came with her family kept comparing Hardees with Fatburger, “When it comes to having a beef burger, Hardees’s mushroom and Swiss cheese burger take a definite lead,” she said with a wave of her hand. While for Osama who had come with his wife, “Fatburger offers an ideal setting to cherish family time for its casual layout and variety in selection,” he said.

Ambience is a big plus for Fatburger. It’s got a good feel for casual get-togethers and will be frequented by college goers and for working people. Also they have a great alternative to chicken for the health conscious – the tastier turkey. There are also veggie burgers her for vegans, not that there are many of those in Lahore. Their variety in sidelines is also quite large: onion rings, fat and skinny fries, chicken strips and more.

However, the price difference between kiddy meals of McDonald’s and Fatburger is around 150 rupees and the former is loved by children of all age groups as they also get a toy to take home. When it comes to taste, it will also have to contend with local favourites like Cosa Nostra and Gunsmoke that serve up a mean burger. 
However, Fatburger is drawing in the crowds. Some time after the launch I noticed a long queue of cars outside the burger joint. Fatburger is definitely here to stay.