TGI FRIDAYS challenges Taiwan’s largest American beef burger, weighing 130 kilograms

▲TGI FRIDAYS takes on an 80-centimeter-wide, 130-kilogram burger behemoth.

Reported and photographed by Huang Shiyuan, Taipei

The American dining chain TGI FRIDAYS, which recently updated its entire menu, is making its first attempt at creating “Taiwan’s largest American beef burger.” It has also launched TGI FRIDAYS’ “Burger Month,” featuring five new all-American burgers made with 100% pure U.S. beef. The massive burger, the largest in Taiwan, was crafted by TGI FRIDAYS’ Executive Chef Tony De Graaf and a team of six chefs, who spent 13 hours creating an 80-centimeter-wide, 130-kilogram burger behemoth. The challenge was successfully achieved for the first time at TGI FRIDAYS’ Dunhua branch in Taipei.

Video: TGI FRIDAYS takes on the giant burger challenge

Tony De Graaf explained that the most challenging part of making Taiwan’s largest American burger was handling the beef. With the double-decker beef patty weighing 50 kilograms, such a large piece could not be cooked on a regular grill, so a large oven was used to roast the massive beef layers. Other fillings included cheese, pickles, beef tomato, lettuce, red onion, and sauces. Slicing the tomatoes alone took one hour. The top and bottom buns of the burger, weighing 22 kilograms in total, were custom-made by a professional vendor and took six hours to bake. Chef De Graaf said this “Taiwan’s largest American beef burger” is equivalent to 270 regular TGI FRIDAYS American burgers.


▲TGI FRIDAYS launches “Burger Month” with five authentic American burgers.


In collaboration with the U.S. Meat Export Federation, TGI FRIDAYS is promoting American beef burger culture. As part of “Burger Month,” the restaurant has introduced five new all-American burgers, including the Ultra-Cheesy All-American Burger, Philadelphia Mushroom Cheese Burger, Spicy Beer Cheese Burger, Basil Tomato Cheese Burger, and Italian Sausage Cheese Burger. Throughout July, a different burger will be featured with a special discount every weekday. Additionally, on July 3 and July 31, customers can enjoy a TGIF-exclusive craft beer (orange wheat beer or pilsner) for just NT$1 when ordering any burger.