Quickies We Crave: 5 fast food chains Hong Kong desperately needs

While Hong Kong has become notably burger-obsessed over the last year, Lotteria is most definitely a food chain that deserves to be near the top of the take-away list. Those who frequent Japan and South Korea will know exactly what we’re talking about.

Lotteria’s juicy bacon cheeseburger is top-notch, with sizzling hot bacon slices cooked to crispy perfection, melted cheese and a tender beef patty. Across the sea in South Korea, the Lotteria Hanwoo Bulgogi Burger is also worth a mention; instead of regular beef patties, this premium burger comes with grilled marinated Hanwoo Korean-reared beef.

Hongkongers are notoriously selective of their food, but these burgers would definitely satisfy even the pickiest of the lot. While McDonald’s will always remain a childhood favourite, Lotteria is sound proof that the Japanese do it better. 

Being healthy has never before been so popular in Hong Kong, so Chipotle tacos, burritos and burrito bowls would definitely be a fitting addition to the waistline-conscious fast food scene here. With its large selection of salsas, tangy guacamole, lime-and-cilantro-infused rice, smoked jalapeño peppers, spicy shredded meat, plump pinto and black beans and more, the Mexican food chain has earned its many loyalists.

Animal rights activists will also be glad to hear that Chipotle only uses free-range pork, chicken and beef from humanely-raised animals that are not fed with antibiotics or hormones. Yippee! And even if you’re not a fan of tacos, you can’t deny it – crispy is a way of life!

“Quality you can taste,” is the motto of this Californian burger chain, and rightly so. In-N-Out is not only famous for its delicious Neapolitan shakes, but also for its much-loved not-so-secret menu items, like the “Animal-Style” Double-Double griddled cheeseburgers and “Animal-Style” fries topped with grilled onions, melted cheese and “secret spread”. You can even order your burger to be medium-rare if you so desire.

In-N-Out’s use of all-natural, fresh ingredients would no doubt prove to be a winner with Hongkongers. And if you ask nicely, they’ll give you a free In-N-Out paper hat! If that isn’t an indicator of how awesome In-N-Out Burger is, then we give up.

Pretzel pizzas. Not convinced? Let’s take a moment to imagine a soft and gooey pizza topped with a blend of four gourmet cheeses, enclosed by a garlicky, buttery pretzel crust… mmmm. Pizza Hut’s weird wiener crusts simply cannot compare.

Gimmicky pizzas aside, Little Caesars’ regular Hot-N-Ready pizzas are good and cheap. And isn’t that what Hongkongers crave the most?

Nando’s world-famous Peri-Peri chicken is an all-time champion. The flame-broiled barbecue flavoured chuck is perfectly seared, complemented by warm Portuguese rice sides. Those who feel daring can even experiment with four different levels of spicy sauce.

With the Portuguese food scene slowly but surely emerging in Hong Kong, Nando’s would definitely win the hearts of many with their tasty (and fairly healthy) chickeny goodness. It doesn’t look like the food chain is planning to grace us with its presence any time soon, however, so for now you’ll just have to settle for a DIY job with their spicy Peri Peri sauce, which is sold at supermarkets in Hong Kong.