(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
When Fatburger Okinawa opened its doors in December 2025, I was one of those who rushed to the store. Leading up to its pre-run period starting Dec. 15, the L.A. hamburger franchise created a lot of buzz in Okinawa. So, I should not have been surprised to see a long line of people in front of the burger joint.
Still, it was overwhelming to see so many customers patiently waiting outside even before its opening time at 11 a.m. So, I gave up, and I did not return to the store until recently.
I didn’t try again until the late summer, when I needed a big burger to boost my energy. Contrary to the time of my first visit, there was not a long line of customers in front of its door.
It was around noon, and inside locals, as well as Americans, were enjoying hamburgers for lunch.
I ordered “The Original Burger” (1,390 yen approx. $8.74), a signature product of the franchise at the counter. For a second, I was tempted to go for “Double Burger” (1,980 yen) or even “Triple Burger” (2,640 yen).
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
Also enticing were various menu items listed on the wall like the “1000 Island Burger,” “Skinny Burger” and “Avocado Burger,” but I went for the most basic one since this was my first experience at the shop.
For an extra 600 yen, I could have added fries and a soft drink, but instead, I coupled my burger with a milkshake made with real ice cream for 880 yen.
Unfortunately, the vanilla shakes were sold out, so I chose matcha in the hopes that this would be a slightly less caloric, healthier option.
I picked a seat near a wall featuring the photos of customers who had successfully completed the “Triple Challenge,” meaning they’d finished a Triple Burger in a set amount of time. The folks in the photos looked pretty happy to have reached the goal.
Soon my meal was ready, and I went back up to the counter to pick up the tray.
I wasn’t surprised by the size of Fatburger’s Original Burger, but I found the presentation a bit peculiar. The hefty burger was half wrapped in paper making it easy to grab and immediately dig into without danger of ingredients falling out from the bottom.
The first bite was greasy, and it had a smoky aroma making me feel like I was at a barbecue. Inside, the burger came loaded with mayo, mustard, pickles and relish, a bold and tangy flavor balanced with the fresh lettuce, onions and tomatoes on a soft bun. Each bite was delightful.
The tasty burger was over as quickly as it started, making me think that perhaps I should get the triple next time.
The milkshake was sweeter than I expected, washing away any hope of making this lunch a less guilty one. I wanted to finish my drink, but I was starting to get full. I took the rest to go and figured I could finish it on the drive back home. With every sweet sip, I convinced myself that I should have had a double burger instead.
Whether you’re up or a challenge or not, Fatburger has great options for a tasty meal!
Things to know
GPS coordinates: 26.356489, 127.745391
Hours: Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (open daily).