Mos Burger Osaka, Japan (Photo: Tjeerd Wiersma / CC BY 2.0)

MOS Burger Osaka

Japan's original gourmet burgers

Mos Burger Osaka, Japan (Photo: Tjeerd Wiersma / CC BY 2.0)
Michelle Montano   - 3 min read

MOS Burger originated in Japan and is the second biggest fast food chain in the country. The restaurant specializes in gourmet burgers with a Japanese twist.

Don't let the name gross you out; MOS Burger prides itself on its use of fresh, local ingredients to make tasty food. In fact, "MOS" stands for mountain, ocean and sun in accordance to the company's focus on natural and healthy ingredients.

The MOS Burger, after which the restaurant is named, has a meat sauce that resembles chili. In Japan, burgers often come in a paper pouch for easy handling. The meat sauce left over in the pouch is great for dipping fries.

Among other burgers served at MOS Burger are teriyaki burgers, a shrimp burger and the tobikiri hamburg sandwich, which is topped with caramelized onions, cheese and bacon soy sauce. MOS Burger has a number of unusual items, such as rice burgers, which use rice instead of hamburger buns.

MOS Burger doesn't just have hamburgers, though. Hot dogs are also a popular item. The standard hot dog comes with onions, ketchup and mustard, but there are chili dogs, too. If you want soup, MOS Burger has that as well.

Among available sides are chicken nuggets, salad, fries and even onions rings, which are uncommon in Japan. Sides and drinks can be added to a burger or hot dog to make a set. Sets usually cost around ¥700.

MOS Burger has a breakfast menu, too. Typically breakfasts lasts from 7-10:30 a.m. and serves items such as sausage and egg sandwiches, soup and biscuits. If you're craving a burger or hot dog in the morning, those are available, too.

A MOS Burger can be found nearly anywhere in Japan, but despite there being so many stores, quality doesn't seem to vary. When you go to a MOS Burger, you can expect a fresh and tasty meal. Moreover, the food tends to look pristine, just as good as or even better than the pictures. Hamburger buns are smooth and fluffy and fries are cooked just right.

Portion sizes here are a bit small, but surprisingly filling. Food is brought out in a basket, and while there's a tray return area, employees are so helpful, they usually take your tray for you before you can make it to the return area. Overall, employees are friendly and provide good customer service. It is one of the things that distinguishes MOS Burger from other fast food chains. Employees are happy to help and show great respect with low bows when bringing food to the customers.

For those who don't have time to eat inside the store, take out is available. The wait tends to be about five minutes.

Look here to find a MOS Burger near you.

Michelle Montano

Michelle Montano @michelle.montano

I'm an Asian studies and journalism student who has been studying abroad at Hiroshima Jogakuin University for a year. My hobbies include studying Japanese, reading and writing poetry and traveling Japan. I love cats, visual kei and any and all cartoons.