Hesburger: Finnish Fast Food

Hesburger is the leading fast food chain in Finland.  It was founded by Heikki Salmela and wife Kirsti of Naantali.  The first Hesburger location was opened in 1980 in Hansakorttali in Turku in 1980.  It is now the biggest fast food chain in Finland. (Hesburger.com, Hesburger-wikipedia). 

Hesburger has restaurants in Germany, Estonia, Russia, among others. Above is a map that came up in a Google search for Hesburger.  Not sure how accurate it is but could be close. 

The inside of a Hesburger is generally pretty clean.  When you place your order they give you a order number.  That's because they don't make your order until you place it!!!  Your food comes out hot every time you eat there! 

And since the food is made to order, your kids will need something to do while they wait for 10-15 minutes.  Almost, every Hesburger establishment has a play area for children 8 year and younger. 

Ahhh our food has arrived! One cheeseburger, one kids chicken, a Hesburger original, and a falafel burger!  Yes, that was falafel burger!! For us vegetarians! 

Warm French fries all nestled in their napkins! 

Kids meals come with "Luoma" which means organic milk!  It makes you feel a little better about feeding your kids at a fast food restaurant! 

Of course- the kids meals come with some sort of toy.  At least this year it is a frisbee which encourages outdoor physical activity.  The girls also got some fruit flavored Moomin gum!  I tried so save some to give to my friends and family as little souvenirs from Finland, but every last piece was chewed before we got home! 

Fries & ketchup! You can sprinkle with grill seasoning salt for a little extra kick! 

Here is my warm falafel burger in its wrapper.  This is to ensure that the hamburger does not get smashed nor does the mayonnaise leak out! 

Yes- I said mayonnaise.  To be exact they have three different varieties of mayo; chili, paprika, and curry! 

Sorry about the blurriness of this photo but don't be fooled.  That white dot in the middle of my falafel burger is an actual garbanzo been in the full!  Also, notice the leaves of lettuce and the sliced tomato!  I am hungry now!  Stay tuned for my homemade (in America) version of a Hesburger!  It is not quite the same but offers a bit of nostalgia!