Eat Different, Think Different – at Burgerland!

Burgerland on Andarzgoo Boulevard in Tehran

Who would have thought that some of the best beef burgers are to be found in Tehran?

Our trek into the world of fast food in this fair city would lead us to a place called Burgerland.

Burgerland is a zippy little restaurant located at 62 Andarzgoo Boulevard in Farmanieh, which lies in the northern part of Tehran.  You can’t really miss it, as it is set right on the main street with a huge sign adorned with a neon burger, fries and a drink which flash at you from the outside wall.

The brightly-lit exterior does rather remind me of the fairground attractions from my youth in Scotland.  But the effect is successful and we are drawn in for a fun food ride of juicy burgers and chips.

Gary enjoying one of his Juicy Burgers

The journey starts with the large group of friendly gentlemen behind the counter just waiting to take your order.  And, ordering is not difficult, even if you don’t speak Farsi.  The menu is bi-lingual and, as Gary found out after valiantly requesting – in Farsi – four Juicy Burgers (two for himself), fries and drinks, so is all the staff. 

So what is on offer, you ask with your mouth watering?  Well, it’s quite simple.  There are six different types of burger: the Land Burger, the Smokey Burger, the Double Burger, the Juicy Burger, the Aioli Burger, the Chicken Burger and not forgetting the Special Fries.

All of the ingredients are fresh, juicy and tasty.  And if you are worried about what the meat might be made of, fear not, it is 100% pure beef (well maybe the chicken is 100% chicken) and tastes delicious.  The burger buns are soft and just the right size.  The fries really are special: coated in a spicy flavouring and dribbled with Thousand Island Dressing and a smattering of Parmesan cheese on top.

The Special Fries

It is worth noting that Iranian fast food doesn’t mean having your food slapped down in front of you on a tray in record time.  You do have to sit and chat with your friends for a little while, but the Burgerland burger is worth the wait.

But there is more to the restaurant than friendly faces and fabulous fast food.  Sitting in the diner-style restaurant we were very much reminded of another world far away.   With foot-tapping modern music surrounding us, we could while away our time reading the graphic designs on the wall – all written in English.

Even more entertaining perhaps are the three quirky photographs on the walls of the restaurant owners.  For Burgerland is the brainchild of the three members of the popular underground group known as Barobax. 

I’d give your recipes if I could, but I can’t.  You will just have to come to Tehran and do what Burgerland urges you to do – Eat Different, Think Different!