22 International Food Chains That You Can Try In Pakistan

Food industry: The Rapidly Growing Sector of Pakistan

 Most of the international food chains in Pakistan are that of Fast food, as these are most preferred among the new generation. Fast food are the food items that are usually pre-prepared or can be cooked quickly. They consist of burgers, pizza, sandwiches and other food items that come in this category. The trend of eating out is increasing day by day because people typically have hectic routines, and they usually want to avoid the hassle of going through long methods of cooking desi food. Although homemade desi food in Pakistan has its own value yet the convenience of eating on the go, the economic advantage that these food outlets provide and easy access has made the food outlets more popular among the people.

Why are international food chains opening in Pakistan?

In this era, the food business is rapidly flourishing in Pakistan because of its inventiveness and innovation. Nowadays, food options are becoming more decluttered each day. The local eateries are trying to develop more innovative ways to provide a meal, meanwhile many international food chains are being opened at a fast pace to meet the food demands of the customers and satisfying the nation’s diverse food cravings in the process.  Recently more and more people are joining the working platforms, and disposing of the idea of cooking and home-cooked food has become more like a weekend luxury and less like a daily ritual for several households. People mostly prefer eating out as it provides an opportunity to mingle with each other. So the fine dining eateries and restaurants have been efficient in filling this gap as they offer a variety of options with maximum convenience. Despite being a developing country, Pakistani spend around 40% of their household income on a variety of food, which makes the food business quite flourishing, and international food chains have been quick to open their franchises in Pakistan.

FunFact: Recently it has been revealed that the fast-food industry is the second biggest industry in Pakistan nowadays, providing 17% of the total employment in the manufacturing sector of Pakistan.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD CHAINS THAT HAVE THEIR FRANCHISES IN PAKISTAN

Pakistan is no stranger to global food chains. Many of the biggest and renowned names have already integrated themselves well within the local market.  Many eateries have their outlets in various cities across the country, and people have grown accustomed to these food outlets.

22 – Fatburger

21 – Butlers Chocolate Cafe

20 – Cinnabon

19 – Texas Chicken

18 – CP Five Star

17 – Pepe’s Piri Piri

16 – Uncle Tetsu

15 – P.F. Chang’s

14 – Gloria Jeans

13 – Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

12 – Nandos

11 – Papa Johns

10 – Hardees

9 – Johnny Rockets

8 – Baskin Robbins

7 – Subway

6 – KFC

5 – Dominos

4 – Dunkin Donuts

3 – Pizza Hut

2 – Burger King

1 – McDonald’s

↓ 22 – Fatburger

Origin: It is an American fast-food chain that was founded in 1947.

Best Known For: Burgers

Where to go? It currently has its franchises operating in Amanah Mall, Lahore and Centaurus Mall Islamabad.

When to go? Since the franchises are mostly located in malls, they operate according to mall timings.

What to order? Their Angus burger is one of their most popular beef burgers but their hand-scooped ice cream shakes are also a must-have.

↓ 21 – Butlers Chocolate Cafe

Origin: Founded in 1932 by Marion Bailey and BiBi Chagla in Dublin, Ireland, Butler’s Chocolate Cafe is known for its tempting confectionery products.

Best Known For: Chocolate Desserts

Where to Go? You can spot the franchise of Butler’s Chocolate Cafe in Pakistan at Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. In Lahore, you can visit their branch at MM Alam Road, Packages Mall and Fortune Mall. In Karachi, you can visit their branch at Zamzama commercial area, DHA. In Islamabad, you can visit their branch at School Rd, F-6 Markaz.

When to Go?

• Butlers Chocolate Café, Karachi: 7:30 am– 2 am
• Butlers Chocolate Cafe, Packages Mall, Lahore: 11 am– 12 am
• Butlers Chocolate Cafe, Gulberg, Lahore: 7:30 am – 1:30 am
• Butlers Chocolate Cafe, Markaz F-6, Islamabad: 8 am – 12 am

What to Order? Their signature hot chocolate will melt your heart on those cold winter nights. Other than that, their cheesy pastas are also something worth trying.

 

↓ 20 – Cinnabon

Origin: Founded in 1985 by Rich Komen and Greg Komen in the USA is popular for its world-class Cinnamon rolls. They proudly call themselves the sweetest brand on earth.

Best Known For: Cinnamon rolls

Where to Go? The branches of Cinnabon are located at Dolmen Mall, Clifton Karachi. In Lahore, you can locate them at Gulberg III, Emporium mall and Packages mall. In Islamabad, you can enjoy their services at Centaurus mall.

When to Go?

• Cinnabon, Dolmen Mall, Clifton, Karachi: 10 am – 12 am
• Cinnabon, Packages Mall, Lahore: 10 am – 12 am
• Cinnabon, Centaurus mall, Islamabad: 11 am – 11 pm

↓ 19 – Texas Chicken

Origin: An American chain of fast-food restaurants founded by the Church’s Fried Chicken in 1952 in Texas. The name Church’s Chicken is replaced with Texas Chicken due to concerns over its association with religion.

Best Known For: Fried Chicken items and Burgers

Where to Go? Texas Chicken is located at Centaurus mall, Islamabad and at Emporium mall, Lahore.

When to Go?

• Texas Chicken, Centaurus mall, Islamabad: 11 am – 11 pm
• Texas Chicken, Emporium mall, Lahore: 11 am – 11 pm

What to Order? Their fried chicken is hard to resist and it’s very different from other fried chickens available in the country. If you’ve tried Popeye’s chicken, you’ll find that this tastes very similar and that’s because they were both once operated by the same company.

↓ 18 – CP Five Star

Origin: CP is one of the most significant producers of poultry from all around the world. It is the food chain that originated in Bangkok in 1921.

Best Known For: Burgers

Where to Go? In Lahore, it is located in Johar Town, Abdul Haque Road, and Garden Town. In Karachi, you can find them at the Buffer zone.

When to Go?

• CP Five Star, Allah Hoo Chowk, Lahore: Closes at 1 am
• CP Five Star, Buffer zone, Karachi: Closes at 1 am

What to Order? Their fiery hot burgers are a favourite amongst Pakistanis who like Spicy food.

↓ 17 – Pepe’s Piri Piri

Origin: The UK based food restaurant spread its wings in Pakistan a couple of years ago. It is loved by even vegetarians too because they offer an equally tempting veg menu as well. Their famous tagline is Love Fresh; Love Tasty; Love Pepe’s!

Best Known For: Grilled Chicken Dishes

Where to Go? In Karachi, Pepe’s Piri Piri can be spotted at Five Star Chowrangi, Nizamabad. In Lahore, you can locate them in the food court of Emporium mall. In Islamabad, you can spot them in Giga Mall’s food court.

When to Go?

• Pepe’s Piri Piri, Five Star Chowrangi, Nizamabad, Karachi: 11 am – 1:00 am
• Pepe’s Piri Piri, Giga Mall, Islamabad: 11:00 AM-11:59 PM
• Pepe’s Piri Piri, Emporium mall, Lahore: 11 am – 11 pm

What to Order? 

If you like mozzarella sticks, you’ll love the ones at Pepe’s Piri Piri.

↓ 16 – Uncle Tetsu

Origin: Uncle Tetsu was started as a small bakery store in Japan in 1990. The Japanese eatery is now successfully being operated in the USA, Australia, Thailand, and Canada.

Best Known For: Japanese Cheesecakes

Where to Go? In Lahore, you can spot Uncle Tetsu at the Gulberg III area.

When to Go?

• Uncle Tetsu, Gulberg III, Lahore: 8 am – 1:30 am

What to Order? They’re of course most famous for their signature original cheesecake but they also offer the most delicious coffees. Other than that, considering how Pakistanis are chocoholics, they have also recently launched a chocolate cheesecake.

↓ 15 – P.F. Chang’s

Origin: Founded in Scottsdale, Arizona by Paul Fleming and Philip Chiang, P.F Chang is one of the food chains which is getting popular in people of every age bracket due to their versatile dishes.

Best Known For: Gluten Free Menu and Hand-rolled Sushi

Where to Go? In Karachi, you can spot P.F. Chang at COM3 Towers, Clifton. In Lahore, you can locate them at Gulberg III.

When to Go?

• P.F. Chang, COM3 Towers, Clifton, Karachi: 11 am – 12 am
• P.F. Chang, Gulberg III, Lahore: 8 am – 12 am

What to Order? Chang’s Lettuce Wraps, Tempura, Edamame, Dynamite Shrimp, Sushi, Soups, Dim Sim and Mangolian Bowl.

↓ 14 – Gloria Jeans

Origin: In a small town just north of Chicago, USA, Gloria Jeans was born. With increasing admiration from coffee fans, the concept became a success and Gloria Jean’s Coffees outlets opened around the USA. Today, Gloria Jean’s Coffees has opened 1050 coffeehouses in 48 markets all over the world.

Best Known For: Wide variety of coffee choices.

Where to Go? Gloria Jeans has its branches in many cities of Pakistan. In Karachi, they have opened their outlet at Luckyone mall’s food court and at SMCHS. In Lahore, they have opened several branches all over the city.

When to Go?

• Gloria Jeans, Block R 1 Phase 2 Johar Town, Lahore: Closes at 12 am
• Gloria Jeans, Block D Valencia, Lahore: Closes at 1 am
• Gloria Jeans, Ali Block Garden Town, Lahore: Closes at 12 am
• Gloria Jeans, Gulberg III, Lahore: Closes at 2 am
• Gloria Jeans, DHA Phase 3, Lahore: Closes at 1 am
• Gloria Jeans, Lucky One Mall FB Area, Karachi: Closes at 12 am
• Gloria Jeans, Sindhi Muslim Cooperative Housing Society Block, Karachi: Closes at 1 am

What to Order? Hot/Cold Coffees, Hot/Iced Tea and Smoothies.

↓ 13 – The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Origin: Born in Southern California but now opened in Pakistan as well has taken pride in serving customers all around the world.

Best Known For: Cakes and Coffee

Where to Go? In Lahore, you can visit their branch at DHA, Bahria Town, Gulberg, and Packages mall. They have recently opened their branch in Bahria Town, Lahore. In Islamabad, you can spot them at F-6 and F-11.

When to Go?

• The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, The Packages Mall, Lahore: Closes at 12 am
• The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Phase 5 D.H.A, Lahore: Closes at 1 am
• The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Markaz F-6, Islamabad: Closes at 1 am

What to Order? Hot/Cold Coffee, Tea, Waffles, Muffins, Pizza, Lasagna, Spaghetti, Sandwiches, Tuna, Wraps, and Cakes.

↓ 12 – McDonald’s

Origin:  The famous American fast-food company McDonald’s was started by Richard and Maurice McDonald in 1940, in San Bernardino, California, United States. It is one of the leading fast-food chains in the world, which is still expanding rapidly.

Best Known For: Happy Meals and Mc Flurry

Where to Go? Mc Donald’s has several outlets all over Pakistan, with the first outlet launched in Lahore in 1988. and it soon opened an outlet in Karachi a week later.  McDonald’s opened 53 branches in several cities of Pakistan. The drive-thru makes it easier for people to grab their meals on the go.

When to Go?

• McDonald’s, Amanah Mall, Lahore: Closes at 1 am
• McDonald’s, DHA, Karachi: Closes at 1 am

What to Order? Happy Menu, Value Menu, Extra Value Menu, Breakfast, Hot Drinks, and Dessert.

↓ 11 – BURGER KING

Origin: It is an American multinational chain of fast food, particularly burgers. The company was founded in  1953, previously known as Insta Burger King. However, after Insta Burger King ran into financial crisis in 1954, the company was purchased by its two Miami based franchises named David Edgerton and James McLamore, who renamed it a burger king. Burger King first opened its branches in Pakistan in October 2013, and since then, it is rapidly growing all around the country at a fast pace.

Best Known For: Wide range of Burgers

Where to Go? Burger King has its branches all over Pakistan. However, their major eateries are at Lahore and Islamabad.

When to Go?

• Burger King, Emporium Mall, Lahore: Closes at 11 am
• Burger King, Atrium mall & Dolmen Mall: Closes at 1 am
• Burger King, Centaurus Mall: Closes at 11 am

What to Order? Burger King’s chicken whopper, tender grill, chicken burger, and king meals top the list of people’s favorite items.

↓ 10 – Pizza Hut

Origin: Pizza Hut is an American pizza restaurant chain and a well-known international franchise that was first opened in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, by two brothers, Dan and Frank Carney. It is one of the oldest and the first renowned pizzerias launched in Pakistan, which remains popular to this day.

Best Known For: Tempting Pizza flavors

Where to Go? There are several branches located in Pakistan. In Lahore, you can spot them in the Emporium mall, Ghalib market and in many other commercial areas. In Karachi, you can locate them in Clifton and in other commercial areas.

When to Go?

• Pizza Hut, Emporium mall, Lahore: 11 am – 11 pm
• Pizza Hut, DHA Phase 6, Karachi: Closes at 2:30 am

What to Order? It serves a variety of pizza’s having different flavors and toppings along with various types of crust fillings. It also offers pasta along with multiple side dishes and desserts. People who come for pizza always try their fantastic variety of salads too.

↓ 09 – Dunkin’ Donuts

Origin: Dunkin’ Donuts, which is often abbreviated as DD and is officially known as merely Dunkin, is another American multinational coffee place and donut selling company that was established by William Rosenberg in Quincy,  Massachusetts in 1950.

Best Known For: Wide range of Donuts and Shakes

Where to Go? Since the year 2000, Dunkin Donuts has been successfully running in Pakistan and fulfilling the customer’s satisfaction with its scrumptious delicacies. It is franchised by Phoenix Foods (Pvt) Ltd in Lahore and Islamabad, and IFL manages Karachi operations. The first outlet of Dunkin Donuts was established in Defence, Lahore, and from then onwards, it gained popularity, and now the company has over 12 outlets in Lahore and Islamabad and above ten outlets in Karachi to cater to the customers’ demands.

When to Go? 

• Dunkin’ Donuts, Johar Town, Lahore: Closes at 1 am
• Dunkin’ Donuts, Gulberg III, Lahore: Closes at 11:59 pm
• Dunkin’ Donuts, North Nazimabad Town, Karachi: Closes at 1 am

What to Order? It provides everything from delicious donuts to a variety of different shakes, cold coffee, croissants, wraps, and sandwiches.

 

↓ 08 – Domino’s

Origin: Domino’s Pizza is another renowned pizzeria that was founded in Michigan, the United States, in  1960 and was previously known as Dominick’s.

Best Known For: Pizza

Where to Go? Dominos had ignited a spark in Pakistan by being one of the leading and famous pizza places here, having several branches all over the country.

When to Go?

• Domino’s, Nazimabad Town, Karachi: Closes at 1 am
• Domino’s, Johar Town, Lahore: Open 24 hours

What to Order? Their menu includes delicious pizzas with a diversity of different toppings and mouth-watering desserts.

 

↓ 07 – KFC

Origin: KFC,  also known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is an American fast-food restaurant chain that has its headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, and it specializes in fried chicken. Measured by the sales, this is the world’s second-largest restaurant chain after McDonald’s. KFC is known as the brand that serves quality food with a taste all around the world since the beginning.

Best Known For: Fried Chicken

Where to Go? KFC opened its outlets in Pakistan during the year 1997 in Karachi. It is now the second most leading fast-food chain in Pakistan, having opened its doors all over the country.

When to Go?

• KFC, Cavalry Ground, Lahore: Closes at 1 am
• KFC, Emporium mall, Lahore: Closes at 12 am
• KFC, Block 6 PECHS, Karachi: Closes at 2 am

What to Order? It has an impressive menu of fried chicken, burgers, and delicious sauces. It provides a great variety of options from zinger burger to Arabian fried rice, chicken wings, fried chicken, chicken nuggets, and much more.

↓ 06 – Subway

Origin: Subway is a famous American privately-held restaurant franchise that usually sells submarine sandwiches (subs) and salads. It is one of the fastest-growing franchises in the world. In Pakistan, it is a must-stop for all fast food lovers. They have a lot going on their menu card. Their finger-licking good food and meals have gained them a vast consumer base in Pakistan. In a short period of time, they have made a loyal customer base in Pakistan and have many outlets in almost all major cities of Pakistan.

Best Known For: Customized Sandwiches

Where to Go?

When to Go?

• Subway, near SKMH, Lahore: Closes at 2 am
• Subway, Gulshan e Jamal, Karachi: Closes at 2 am

What to Order? They offer chicken wraps, sandwiches, salads, and many other options as well.

 

↓ 05 – Baskin Robbins

Origin: Baskin Robbins is a famous American chain of ice creams and cakes. Its parent company is Dunkin’ Brands.

Best Known For: The company is well-known for its unique idea of the “31 flavors” slogan, which represents that a customer can choose a different flavor every day of any month.

Where to Go? Baskin robins recently opened their outlet in Karachi and, since then, has been very prominent among the people as the numerous flavors have already grabbed the public’s attention. Emporium Mall and Packages mall are the places in Lahore where you can Baskin Robbins. In Karachi, you can locate them at Lucky One Mall, DHA Phase 6, Bahadarabad, and Dolmen Mall.

When to Go? 

• Baskin Robbins, Emporium Mall, Lahore: 11 am – 11 pm
• Baskin Robbins, Packages mall, Lahore: 11 am – 12 pm
• Baskin Robbins, Lucky One Mall, Karachi: 11 am – 1 am

What to Order? Regional and Seasonal flavored ice creams and cakes.

↓ 04 – Johnny Rockets

Origin: Johnny Rockets didn’t take a long time to get familiar with the capability of the Pakistani food industry, and simply after two decades of its parent branch opening in the USA.

Best Known For: Johnny Rockets is not like any other conventional restaurants. It has a cozy fun ambiance and some real ketchup art.

Where to Go? They opened their first outlet in Pakistan in 2013. Currently, Johnny rockets are located in a few malls and cinemas and in Delhi Mercantile Society in Karachi. In Lahore, you can spot them at Johar Town Phase 1, and MM Alam road. In Islamabad, you can find them in the food court of Centaurus Mall.

When to Go?

• Johnny Rockets, Lucky One Mall, Karachi: Closes at 12 am
• Johnny Rockets, Centaurus Mall, Islamabad: Closes at 11 pm

What to Order? Their delicious burgers, fries, and shakes are amazing, and it is gaining popularity rapidly.

↓ 03 – Hardees

Origin:  Hardees is an American fast-food restaurant chain that is operated by CK Restaurants Holdings. Inc. (CKE) and its outlets are mostly located in the southern and Midwestern parts of the United States. It doesn’t own as many branches in Pakistan as KFC or McDonalds own. However, it has gained a fair customer base in Pakistan and plans to open twenty-five outlets all around the country within the next five years.

Best Known For: The specialty of Hardee’s is its juicy burgers, curly fries, and onion rings.

Where to Go? They have their own outlets usually in the food courts of malls and cinemas with a great variety of burgers which are loved by the people.  It is quite famous among people, especially those who are a fan of burgers. Hardees is undoubtedly making its name in Pakistan’s food industry with its increasing popularity. In Lahore, you can spot them at Baharia Town, Emporium and Packages mall. In Karachi, you can find them in Dolmen and Lucky One Mall.

When to Go?

• Hardees, Sector B Baharia Town, Lahore: Closes at 11 pm
• Hardees, Phase 6, DHA, Karachi: Closes at 3 am
• Hardees, F-7, Islamabad: Closes at 11 pm

What to Order? Star Meals, Charbroiled Burgers, Red Burrito, Desserts, and Sides.

↓ 02 – Papa John’s

Origin: Papa John’s is an American pizza chain that runs the fourth largest pizza delivery having its headquarters in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, a suburb of Louisville.

Best Known For: Tasty Pizzas and Pasta

Where to Go? In Sialkot, you can find them at Sialkot cantonment. In Lahore, you can find them at Gulberg, Johar Town, Model Town, and DHA.

When to Go?

• Papa John, Sialkot cantonment, Sialkot: 11 am – 3 am
• Papa John, Johar Town, Lahore: 11 am – 3 am

What to Order? Pasta, Dips, Sides, Pizza, Drinks, and Desserts

↓ 01 – Nando’s 

Origin:  Nando’s is a prevalent South African restaurant chain that is well known for its Portuguese food, such as peri-peri style chicken dishes. It was established in Johannesburg in 1987. Nando’s operates over 1,000 outlets in 35 different countries around the world. Their logo is the famous Portuguese symbol, the Rooster of Barcelos.

Best Known For: Peri Peri and Coconut Shrimp

Where to Go? Nando’s has been established in Pakistan since 2001. It currently has ten restaurants nationwide.

When to Go?

• Nando’s, D.H.A Phase 6, Karachi: Closes at 1 am
• Nando’s, Emporium mall, Lahore: Closes at 11 pm
• Nando’s, F 6 Markaz F-6, Islamabad: Closes at 2 am

What to Order?One of their delicacies that aren’t often in many other countries are their peri bites – these are hot green chillies, stuffed with a chicken-cheese mixture, covered in their special coating and then deep-fried. They might be heavy on the calories but they’ll definitely win your heart.

Increasing Possibility of more international chains opening their doors in Pakistan:

Today, the customers have a wide variety of food options to choose from that they could have ever imagined, from fast food to Chinese, Asian to continental, all sorts of food is being served in Pakistan nowadays. Also, with the growing food business, it will be no surprise if many other famous eateries like star bucks, taco bell, and wendy’s open their franchises in different parts of the country to respond to this growing demand of people.