Faith Kyoumukama

Whenever a meaty menu is presented to me, I often find myself torn between pork and chevon (goat meat). Always, in the midst of the ravenouse pangs, I don’t know which way to go. 

I recently patronised the new Big Square branch at Mountain View along Waiyaki Way, Nairobi. I had been to other Big Square outlets before, tasting only their pizza. 

Like many other foodies, I used to think the eatery is an American franchise, but a few weeks ago, Big Square MD Sebastian McKinlay, told me that it’s a Kenyan brand. The eatery is not a fast-food joint as people assume, but a chain of casual dining restaurants that serve food and drinks.

Right away, I wanted to try out three items on the menu; ribs burgers and milkshakes. And since I could not eat all that much food, I and two of my companions decided to order different meals to get a taste of everything. I ordered a platter with a choice of pork ribs, goat steak and a piece of chicken. (Sorry, doc, I love meat!)

 My foodie partner and a colleague ordered a double stack and a giant burger respectively. I also ordered an Oreo shake, while my partner chose a blueberry shake instead. 

Though I am not the type to order a milkshake just before a heavy meal, it was like an appetiser, kind of the calm before the storm. 

A super easy milkshake made from vanilla ice cream, milk and Oreo cookies. This sweet treat is a hit, especially on a hot day. 

I loved how less sugary it tasted, you know those milkshakes you buy and after a few sips it gets gooey. This shake is different, usually, lemonade would do, but this one worked just fine.

Then came the food, served 15 minutes after we ordered. Sizzling hot, rubbed and coated in BBQ sauce, and me ready to dig in. So saucy and enticing on the first bite, soft and tender with each bite. 

The table went very quiet; all you could hear was that the food was fine. The conversation devolved into fragmented celebrations of deliciousness. I loved their well-marinated  chicken; you could feel the moderate, tangy, yet juicy taste. I  also loved how soft and succulent it was.

The ‘double-stack’ appealed to the eye, but  was too much for one meal setting.  A single stack will do as we ended up carrying leftovers home. 

And just as the name suggests, my colleague’s ‘double stack attack square’ burger was one massive serving. If you want to try it out, make sure you live to tell the story. Their hamburgers range from chicken tikka, bacon jam, to honeydew smoked beef to Jalapeno chicken with some cheesiness topped with onion rings. 

Big Square has a wide menu including meals for children. Also, there is a kiddie section where the parents can let their children play as they enjoy their adult cocktail and beers, especially on Family Sunday outings. It’s not recommended to take a tipple while out with kids, but tell that to families upcountry and not to city bourgeoisie. 

The chain has 12 outlets in Nairobi.