Where to eat

Brothers Burger

Curiosity got the better of me and I went to check out Dili’s newest fast food restaurant, Brothers Burger. A lot of people have been down on Brothers Burger, but the place isn’t all that bad. It’s located before Dili Backpackers and Tiger Fuel on the same road. You can’t miss it; there are huge banners outside.

The joint is Chinese-run and the place is usually empty. Those guys have put a lot of effort into recreating the Western fast food experience, plastic seats and all, but no matter how hard they try, the whole setup will always look a bit odd in Dili.

On my visit there were three Chinese people: a girl who looked as if she’d just taken a shower, another girl who was doing her hair in a mirror and a guy who took my order but was unsure how to use the till. The two Timorese staff looked confused by the whole thing. They were all happy and surprised to see me.

The food is cheap enough. A burger with fries and a Coke is $3.50. Dare I say it: the burger tasted better than a McDonald’s hamburger. The whole experience was inoffensive and if were a bigger fan of fast food I’d go back there every day just to dig the staff there. The location isn’t ideal so it’s anyone’s guess how long Brothers Burger will be around.

You have to go just so you can say you’ve been.