Pokhareli Burgers
Everyone is well aware of the recent invasion of multinational fast food corporations in Nepal, but there is one Nepali fast food chain that started over a year before KFC or Pizza Hut became dining options. Big Bite, opened in Pokhara two and a half years ago, was the first restaurant to introduce casual, quick, self-service dining to Nepalis.
Situated away from Lakeside in the heart of Pokhara’s main market, Chipledhunga, the restaurant’s focus on serving quality burgers and pizza was something that took some getting used to for locals used to poor imitations at surrounding “fast food” restaurants. But with a diverse menu—updated every two to three months—and high standards for the food they serve, they have slowly been able to change minds.
Though Nepal’s most popular snack items are included on the menu—from momos to cheeseballs to veg fried rice—the best option at this fast food joint has to be its specialty: burgers (available with a choice of either chicken, veg or tuna patties). And there is no limit to the creativity used to create the long list of burger recipes. While some may prefer their burgers plain and simple, for anyone looking for something a little more exciting, there is no shortage of options.
Taking a cue from Nepal’s most iconic dish, the Tasty Burger is made out of chicken keema—more commonly used to fill momos. And the Crunchy Burger utilises a popular breakfast cereal, Cornflakes, to add a little more crunch to each bite. For cheese lovers, the Juicy Burger is the perfect choice. What appears to be a normal burger from the outside has a surprise baked into the patty itself: extra cheese.
The Nutty Burger (available with a chicken or veg patty), with nuts mixed into the patty and a light drizzle of honey on top, adds a touch of sweetness to a normally salty burger. Though this mix of flavours may be something new for the spice-craving Nepali palate, its hints of traditional Southern biscuits and honey made it my favourite.
Anyone with a humongous appetite should order the Big Bite Supreme Burger. But with three thick layers of patties and toppings, I’m not sure I’ll believe any one person can finish it all until I see it myself.
If you aren’t hungry enough for a burger, try the chicken strips. Big Bite has managed to find the perfect balance between a crispy, mildly spicy crust and juicy, tender meat underneath. A recipe that could rival KFC any day.
One thing that sets Big Bite apart from other fast food options, whether international chains or local options, is the freshness of all its ingredients. Unlike KFC, where the chicken is raised god knows where and imported to Nepal, or Pizza Hut, where even the vegetables aren’t locally produced, everything at Big Bite is as fresh and local as possible. From the buns cooked daily in the kitchen oven to the local chicken used in the patties to the fresh toppings on the pizzas.
With a play area in the back—complete with slide and ball pit—Big Bite is the perfect location for a family dinner or a kid’s birthday party. And with affordable combo meals for adults and Happy Meals complete with stickers for kids, everyone will walk away satisfied.
And for exhausted medical students and doctors living around the Manipal Teaching Hospital that need some fuel, Big Bite’s recently opened outlet, just around the corner from the medical centre is a quick, easy and delicious option. The best part is, from this location, they even deliver.
Whether you’re looking for a mid-day snack during an afternoon of shopping, a pick-me-up after a long day with your nose in medical textbooks or a place where the whole family can enjoy a meal together, Big Bite should be on the top of your list.
Posted on: 2011-04-22 09:44
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