BYOB Outpost, Ministry of Burgers or Howdy: Which is the best burger joint in Lahore?

LAHORE: Apart from good old desi food, it’s safe to say that Lahoris have an ongoing love affair with burgers. Whether it’s chicken or beef, a juicy patty slathered in flavorful sauces, sandwiched between freshly toasted buns makes for great comfort food.

Initially, McDonald’s paved the way for this burger revolution, leading to renowned international chains like Fat Burger, Hardees, Johnny Rockets and Burger King, but now, a number of local burger joints have cropped up. These local eateries have become a favourite among many and so, we went on a quest to find out which one is the best.

Ministry of Burgers

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The restaurant cropped up a year-and-a-half ago, and boasts of making their own buns that no other burger joint claims to do.

Extremely soft and fresh, their burger named ‘The Yolo’ is beautifully composed. It is packed with caramelised onions, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, juicy beef patty and a thick, tangy sauce. For people who like it spicy, 'The Yolo' is the burger for you. Just the first bite gives immediate satisfaction causing a sense of elation. Juices ooze down the different layers and the whole meal is drool-worthy.

Other burgers on the menu are just as tasteful and well-complimented with fresh lettuce and other veggie toppings. Their French fries also deserve a special mention and come in seven different options: Masala, Cajun, BBQ, Garlic mayo, Hot sauce, Ketchup and Plain. We recommend going for the Plain or Masala fries, otherwise the whole meal gets too heavy.



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Even though MOB has attracted a large clientele in a short span of time, the restaurant exudes a small, unfinished house-turned-into-eatery feel. There are a total of five to six tables and the stools/benches are rather uncomfortable to sit on because of the absence of back extensions. Orders are taken at the counter and presented in wooden trays. Moreover, asking for extra hot sauce is frowned upon. In fact, a charge of Rs20 was demanded.

Location wise, the restaurant is far from the city – opposite Lahore airport at Ex Park View society. However, what the restaurant lacks in interior, presentation and location, it more than makes up for with its high food quality.

Rating: 3.5 stars

BYOB Outpost

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As the name suggests, Build Your Own Burger provides delicious charcoal grilled burgers just the way one likes it cooked.

They provide their menu in six steps; starting with options like seeded or plain bun, and proceeding to chicken or beef patty, double or single patty, medium or well done and so on. Options for veggies include lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cucumbers and raw mushrooms. Three toppings are inclusive, with an added charge of Rs50 for extras.

For the sides, one option can be chosen from three - potato wedges, onion rings or french fries. Of the six sauces on the menu, four are signature specialties that include BBQ, mustard, honey mustard and salsa.

We went for the seeded bun with a single beef patty topped with lettuce, jalapeños, raw mushrooms and onions covered in salsa sauce. The meal arrived within 20 minutes of ordering and it was accompanied with a fresh aroma, leaving one wanting to dig in the moment it's served.

The burger reveals its true character after two-three bites, after which one starts to enjoy the spectacular taste of its ingredients. The bun is soft and fresh, seeded enough to our liking. The beef patty is perfectly cooked, seasoned with spices and flowing with juices, leaving a succulent legacy with each mouthful. The jalapeños however, slightly overpower the flavour of the meat as they were sprinkled in excess. The salsa sauce concoction added an interesting element but it was so heavy that the burger crumbled halfway through.

We recommend going for a lighter sauce if the meal is overwhelmed with voluminous toppings. Nonetheless, complimented with melted cheese, crunchy lettuce and crisp golden fries on the side -- it makes a dynamite meal.



Although the eatery is best known for its burgers, it also offers chicken and beef steaks garnished with butter on top, sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions.

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BYOB’s main branch is located around the same locality as MOB -- inside park view society, but its seating arrangement is more spacious and inviting. Their outdoor space gives a vintage, Western-style feel and on a breezy day, it’s the perfect place to enjoy an evening out with a loved one.

Rating: 3 stars

Howdy

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When Howdy's first branch opened in Johar Town a few years ago, it quickly caught every burger-lover’s attention, mostly by word of mouth. Today, the restaurant has expanded to two branches; the new one conveniently located in the heart of the city, just off MM Alam road.

Often with expansion, a restaurant chain loses its food quality but Howdy’s beef burgers remain as delicious as ever. Whether it’s 'Son of a bun' or 'Tickle pickle', each burger on the menu packs a flavorful punch, tantalising the taste buds with each bite.

The beef patties are thick, juicy and tender, drenched with their secret recipe sauces with a hint of ketchup. The veggies don't overflow the burger and instead, allow the savory juices of the meat put you in a food coma. Promising deliciousness till your plate is squeaky clean, it is surely the ultimate hamburger experience. We recommend their 'Tickle pickle' if you like it spicy or 'Son of a bun', which is the house’s favorite.

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On the downside, weekends are always full and there’s approximately a wait-time of 20-30 minutes. Moreover, a ridiculous rule of no takeaway over the phone is in place. Either one can dine in or get takeaway after ordering in person at the restaurant.

Rating: 4 stars.



Verdict: In terms of food quality, Howdy is the clear winner followed by Ministry of Burgers. In terms of ambiance however, BYOB Outpost located in Ex Park View Society triumphs over the two. All three of these local eateries provide top-notch quality food in reasonable prices and are a must visit.