Bangladesh's fast food market has become a magnet for international chains, as its booming urbanization, rising middle class, and increasing dining-out habits fuel demand for global flavors. Here’s a breakdown of the key international fast-food brands making significant strides in Bangladesh—past, present, and future.
Global Fast Food Brands Expanding in Bangladesh
1. Domino’s Pizza: Slicing Deep into the Market
Domino’s Pizza has made a robust entry into Bangladesh. The first outlet opened in Dhaka in February 2019 through a joint venture between Jubilant FoodWorks and Golden Harvest. Jubilant steadily acquired full control by mid-2022.
By late 2024, Domino’s had launched its 34th restaurant in Uttara’s Jasimuddin, bringing its outlets to cities like Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Cox’s Bazar, Narayanganj, and soon, Sylhet by September 2024. The brand also partnered with Bangladesh’s rising food delivery app foodi in January 2025, enabling seamless pizza delivery plus attractive promotions like a 40% discount on first orders.
2. Burger King: Flame-Grilled Growth
Burger King entered Bangladesh in December 2016 with its first branch in Banani, Dhaka, under franchisee Tiffin Box Ltd (Bangla Trac Group). The company emphasized local sourcing of halal meat and pledged expansion across Dhaka and beyond. As of 2024, approximately nine branches operate, revealing moderate but strategic growth.
3. Herfy: Saudi Arabia's QSR Giant Goes Local
Herfy, Saudi Arabia’s largest fast-food chain, made its first overseas foray in Bangladesh in December 2017, opening in Gulshan. By early 2020, it had expanded to at least three branches across Dhaka—including Gulshan, Banani, and Uttara—with plans to open in Mirpur, Dhanmondi, and Bashundhara. As of 2021, Herfy launched its fifth outlet, signaling steady expansion
4. Pizza Hut & A&W: Pioneers That Paved the Way
The arrival of international fast food franchise began with Pizza Hut, opening in Gulshan in December 2003, pioneered by Transcom Foods. By 2020, there were 17 outlets spanning dine-in, delivery, and fast-casual formats. Expansion plans include five more stores across several cities
Shortly after, A&W Restaurants debuted in 2004, offering the iconic root beer float and a retro dining experience. Though no current expansion numbers are reported, A&W remains a beloved legacy brand in the market
5. Other Noteworthy Entrants: Nando’s, Sbarro, Krispy Kreme, Baba Rafi
• Nando’s, famed for its peri-peri chicken, began operations in Dhanmondi in 2007 and remains popular among local consumers
• Sbarro, the New York-style pizza chain, launched in Bangladesh in 2015, bringing Italian-American flavors to urban diners
• Krispy Kreme introduced its doughnuts and coffeehouse experience in May 2016, and even announced plans to open at least 20 stores in Bangladesh over the following five years
• Baba Rafi, an Indonesian kebab and shawarma franchise, also entered the Bangladeshi market in 2016, offering sandwiches, shawarma, and other quick bites.
6. The Broader Trend: Global Flavors, Local Tastes
These brands reflect an evolving landscape, from early pioneers like Pizza Hut and A&W to newer players such as Domino’s, Herfy, and Burger King. Notably, many of these chains emphasize halal offerings, local sourcing, and strategic delivery partnerships as they expand.
According to Business Inspection, the advent began with Pizza Hut (2003), A&W (2004), and KFC (2006), followed by CP Five Star Chicken in 2010. By 2016, international chains like Burger King and Baba Rafi joined the lineup, reshaping Bangladesh’s fast food scene.
7. What Makes Bangladesh Attractive?
Bangladesh’s allure for international fast food brands lies in its:
• Large, young, and urbanizing population
• Growing disposable income and appetite for variety
• Rapid expansion of food delivery platforms
• Local franchisees with strong market knowledge
Final Thoughts
Bangladesh's fast-food industry is undergoing a dynamic transformation. International chains, from global giants like Domino’s and Burger King to regional powerhouses like Herfy, are strategically expanding—leveraging franchise partnerships, digital delivery platforms, and local tastes. With continued urban growth and evolving dining preferences, this flavorful trend looks set for continued acceleration.
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