
There’s a fast food chain in a small number of the western states in the US that is popular among the locals for its ridiculously tasty burgers. It goes by the name of In-N-Out Burger and is a place that our Japanese reporter Yoshio makes a point of visiting whenever he’s in the US. Join us below as Yoshio lists four solid reasons why, even for a man who grew up on Japanese food, In-N-Out Burger shouldn’t be missed.
1.) The food is cooked after the customer has placed an order
What is great about this burger chain is that all meals are cooked after an order has been placed. This means that the finished product is fresh and packed full of flavor. What’s more, the way the crispy lettuce and onions complement the juicy hamburger meat is second to none!
2.) A price that is easy on the wallet
When you think about how much time and effort the staff put into making your order, you’d be forgiven for expecting a much steeper price. But this establishment’s prices are ridiculously cheap. Just to give you an idea of exactly how low the prices are, a hamburger comes in at US$1.95, and a cheeseburger at US$2.25. There’s also the Double-Double Burger which contains two patties as well as two slices of cheese and costs just $3.30!
3.) Such a price can’t be right can it?
The secret behind keeping the price so low lies in the limited menu. In short, this fast food chain keeps its menu simple by offering only three types of hamburger. Of course, you still get to choose a side order but this too is limited to fries and a drink. By keeping things simple, not only is it possible to cut costs but also to come up with a product that packs a punch in terms of both quality and taste.
Our reporter Yoshio made the analogy of it being like some ramen shops in Japan that are insistent on serving only one particular flavor of ramen. Such ramen shops are proud that the type of ramen they serve is perfected to such a level that you don’t need anything else.
4.) Ordering ‘off the menu’
Although strictly speaking the burgers on offer are limited to just three types, for those customers looking for something that little bit more exotic there’s also an unofficial menu. For example, there’s the ‘protein style’ menu which ditches the burger buns and replaces them with lettuce, which is wrapped around the patties. It’s a simple idea but when our reporter got his jaws around the juicy treat, by no means was he disappointed. There’s also ‘animal style’ which nets diners additional sauce, mustard fried into their patties and grilled onions.
Japanese fast food chain MOS Burger also released a limited time salad wrap burger earlier this year, but in terms of taste it doesn’t even come close to In-N-Out Burger’s offering, Yoshio said. Can you tell he’s converted yet!?
There you have it, folks! Four solid reasons why In-N-Out Burger should make it onto your must-visit list. By the way, In-N-Out Burger can only be found in some parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, Southern Utah and Texas. Therefore, it might be best to check out the official website to confirm the exact location before you head out. One last thing, the burger chain is so popular that its recommended avoiding the lunch time peak as you’ll be in for a long, long wait!
[ Read in Japanese ]















California’s In-N-Out Burger opening popup restaurant in downtown Tokyo
McDonald’s releases Come on Baby New York Burgers in Japan…but where’s the N.Y. flavour?
We try deliciously meaty US-style “Inside-Out” ramen burgers at Ramen Burger Tokyo
Japanese schoolgirls from the ‘70s are the reason we have teriyaki burgers today
We try Freshness Burger’s latest creation, the Blueberry Cheese Burger【Taste Test】
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
7-Eleven Japan has a lot of famous food, but its new burrito needs to be on your radar
Japan’s Mocchurin donuts declared too popular to exist by creator Mister Donut, will disappear soon
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
Sanrio collaborates with Sesame Street for adorable merch and sweets in Japan[Photos]
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Mos Burger brings out a Mac and Cheese burger in Japan
Is this epic Japanese tofu burger better than a teriyaki burger?
Mos Burger’s new Mac and Cheese burger: Does it taste as good as it looks?
Red is the new black (burger) as Burger King rolls out sandwiches with crimson buns and cheese
Our Japanese Reporter Eats Donut Burger in Search of “Real” American Hamburger, “I never want to eat that again”
Kura Burger: Japanese sushi chain restaurant offers burgers in Tokyo for a limited time
Why does MOS Burger break from actual burgers for their Japanese-style menu?
Burger King releases new Plant-Based Whopper in Japan
Burger King’s new all-cheese The Real Cheese Burger looks crazy, sort of makes linguistic sense
Lotteria’s new Twin Burger is not to be confused with a double burger
Burger King is releasing a Fake Burger in Japan
Mos Burger brings back its hugely popular “White Mos Burger”, but is it any good?
Foie gras hamburgers being added to the menu at Japanese fast food chain
Japanese burger chain no longer serves onion rings, but offers intriguing replacement【Taste test】
Lotteria continues to try making burgers out of noodles, this time they brought rice to the party
Ooh la la! MOS Burger’s new premium hamburger packs a sophisticated punch