Not too long ago, dining out in Pakistan meant enjoying a plate of biryani, a hot karahi sizzling away, or sipping a steaming glass of tea at your favorite corner stalls. But as the cities grew, so did the appetite for international flavors. Slowly but surely, the world’s top restaurant chains began to make their way into the country, transforming Pakistan’s culinary scene forever.
It all kicked off with McDonald’s, which opened its first outlet in Lahore back in 1998. The golden arches lit up the skyline, and people rushed in to try their very first Big Mac. Not long after, KFC made its entrance, and fried chicken lovers found a new obsession. These weren’t just restaurants; they became symbols of status, weekend hangouts, and places where childhood memories were created.
Then came the café culture: Coffee Planet, Second Cup, and Gloria Jean’s brought cappuccinos and caramel lattes to a generation that had grown up on chai. Hardee’s added thick, juicy burgers to the mix, while Domino’s and Pizza Hut battled it out for pizza supremacy.
But the most exciting chapter is just around the corner.
Here’s a sneak peek at the international restaurant chains set to arrive in Pakistan soon, based on the latest and most reliable sources:
Future International Restaurant Chains in Pakistan
1. AlBaik (Saudi Fried Chicken Chain)
Status & Timeline: It’s been consistently confirmed that AlBaik is entering Pakistan, with AlBaik and Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd (GO) signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in October 2024—anticipating a grand opening around July 2025.
First Locations: Flagship stores are being proposed for major city centers like Karachi (Clifton, Gulshan-e-Iqbal), Lahore (Gulberg, DHA, Johar Town), Islamabad (F-7, Blue Area, G-9), Rawalpindi (Commercial Market, Saddar), Faisalabad (D-Ground, Civil Lines), and possibly Multan and Peshawar in the first phase. Once it opens, delivery will be available from day one through all major food delivery platforms.
2. Salt (Middle East Gourmet Burger Chain)
Status & Timeline: This premium burger chain from Qatar, Salt, is gearing up to make its debut in Pakistan, with plans to kick things off in Lahore around Q1 2025.
Menu & Appeal: Salt is famous for its Arabic Wagyu sliders, brisket and truffle burgers, and creative chicken “Cheetos” sliders. They might even spice things up with some local flavors to cater to Pakistani taste buds. Courier delivery will be available to conveniently bring your orders right to your doorstep.
3. BonBird (Dubai-based Fried Chicken Chain)
Launch Plan: BonBird, a fried chicken brand based in the UAE and part of Yolk Brands, is all set to open its first store in Lahore, Pakistan, in December 2025.
Future Expansion: Their local franchise partner, Eat Brands, is planning to invest over $5 million to roll out 12 stores across Pakistan in the next three years.
Why It’s a Standout: BonBird is marketed as a modern, quality-driven chicken chain, serving up fried chicken that’s free from hormones, antibiotics, and preservatives, along with melts, rice bowls, and burgers.
The rise of international restaurants in Pakistan is shaking up the country’s food scene in a big way. From well-known fast-food chains to elegant fine-dining spots, these brands are starting to see the potential in Pakistan’s lively market, fueled by a youthful population, a growing middle class, and a changing urban lifestyle.
This wave of global cuisine isn’t just about making money; it’s also a cultural milestone. It shows how open Pakistan is to global influences while still holding onto its rich local identity. Cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are turning into vibrant hubs of flavors, where sushi can be found next to seekh kebab and tacos sit comfortably alongside traditional tikka.
Additionally, the arrival of these restaurants has sparked improvements in local service standards, food safety measures, and culinary creativity. Pakistani entrepreneurs are reaping the benefits of international collaborations and franchising opportunities, which in turn boosts job creation and economic growth.
Yet, there’s still a challenge to ensure that this growth is inclusive and sustainable. While international brands thrive in urban areas, it’s crucial to promote local culinary traditions and support homegrown food businesses so that both global and local flavors can flourish together.
In summary, the influx of international restaurants into Pakistan is more than just a passing trend — it’s a sign of the country’s increasing global connections and changing consumer preferences. With the right mix of tradition and innovation, Pakistan is on its way to becoming a true culinary hotspot in South Asia.
