Fast food chain from Netherlands that ‘beats McDonald’s’ to open 100 new UK sites

We’ve seen an influx of American and Canadian fast food chains setting up shop over the pond lately – from Dave’s Hot Chicken to Carl’s Jr.

But in a surprising twist, it’s a burger joint from the Netherlands that you could soon see popping up all over the UK and Ireland.

Fat Phill’s, which is said to be home to Amsterdam’s ‘best burger’, quietly launched in Clapham Junction in London at the end of 2024, serving up smash burgers, American style sandwiches, loaded fries and mac and cheese.

And it’s just been announced that a new restaurant will be opening in the Republic of Ireland in June, located in Dublin’s Temple Bar.

The chain, also known as Fat Phill’s Diner, is still relatively new, having only been founded in 2019 by Armin Vahabian, but it’s already got 18 locations across the Netherlands. 

It’s been brought over here by Freshly Baked Ltd, the franchisor behind pretzel joint Auntie Anne’s UK and as part of this deal there are plans to open several more sites on London high streets in the near future and develop up to 100 sites nationwide over the next 10 years.

Multiple sites also look set to roll out across Ireland by 2030.

What’s on the menu at Fat Phill’s?

The menu is all about the burgers, and the theme is very much the bigger the better, with customers able to triple any of the items as they please.

Perhaps the largest item on the menu is the Big Belly – a quadruple cheeseburger served with crispy bacon. However, it’s the signature Double Cheeseburger that the chain is best known for.

There’s also a Tamale Burger for those who like it hot which features a Double Cheeseburger, glazed onion, grilled jalapeños, spicy mayo and mustard.

But if you prefer chicken to beef, there are also a few chicken options made using Nashville Hot chicken. 

Other items on the menu include the Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich which sees thinly sliced ribeye steak topped with cheese, onions, jalapenos and Phill’s secret sauce. There’s also loaded or layered fries, Buffalo Wings, a selection of sauces such as Ranch and Truffle Mayo, and milkshakes in flavours like pistachio.

What do customers say about the food at Fat Phill’s?

Online the chain has garnered numerous rave reviews, with people branding the food ‘amazing’, ‘delicious’ and ‘insane’.

Food blogger By Row claimed the chain is better than competitors like McDonald’s, writing: ‘I can confidently say that this restaurant beats out McDonald’s and KFC any day of the week.’

While many said they make the ‘best’ burgers. On Reddit u/Dependent_Monitor215 posted: ‘Fat Phill’s Diner has the BEST burgers in Amsterdam. I’ve ordered from everywhere. Trust me on this one.’

The current London branch has drummed up some great reviews, garnering 4.7 stars on Google.