Perhaps the acronym for the Japanese burger chain, MOS, to signify its love for people and nature, is slightly far-stretched but if that’s their secret formula it works. I heard about this burger chain while in Thailand and have to admit that I was rather intrigued – Japanese burgers? I said to myself with images of the tidy lines formed before boarding a Japan Air flight and a poppy Sailor Moon-esque Ronald McDonald in my head. Not so often do I get too turned on by the idea of burgers unless its the roquefort smothered, bacon-fat induced creation served up by the Spotted Pig, but this time I was intent on making a visit. So in the 90 degree heat, I headed over to the bustling food court within Siam Paragon in Bangkok, telling myself, Oh, I’ll just have a bite. I soon learned why BK and McDo only had a few scattered tables when MOS had a line forming (yes, it was an organized line). I’d intended on going for the classic hamburger with french fries set but the words of my friend that the spicy MOS burger was the best echoed and I figured in Thailand, where there’s always an extra dose of heat, I’d go for the spicy version. So with my order (fries and a Sprite at 119 baht or $3.80 US), I take my number 11 with me to a nearby table and wait for one minute before my Sprite in a chilled pint glass with crushed ice is served by a smiley waiter – elevated fast food. Three minutes later, my burger and fries arrive displayed nicely in a paper cone of sorts – stacked with a soft, fluffy bun, fresh sliced tomato, spicy sauce and jalapenos with mild heat, and juicy, quality meat. My expectations are met before moving on to the fries which are crisp, brushed with salt and without a speck of grease on the paper cone they are housed in…hhhmmmm. Maybe it is that mountain air!
