Is Al Baik really coming to Pakistan? And why are we all losing our minds?

Rumor has it that Al Baik, the legendary Saudi fried chicken chain, might be setting up shop in Pakistan soon. Yes, you read that right — the crispy, garlic-infused goodness could finally land on our shores. But wait, before you start planning your Al Baik dine-out in Karachi or Lahore, let’s take a moment to ask the real question: What on earth is Al Baik, and why is everyone acting like it’s the Holy Grail of fast food?

Headquartered in Jeddah, Al Baik is known for its broasted chicken, fries, and a sauce lineup with people singing ballads. It’s not just fried chicken, folks — it’s an experience. People even say their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia is “incomplete” without devouring a bucket of Al Baik chicken. Yep, that’s how crazy the fan following is.

Naturally, the hype didn’t stay confined to Saudi borders. In Pakistan, people have been known to smuggle frozen Al Baik nuggets through “personal imports,” just to recreate that magic at home. There are even entire Facebook groups where die-hard fans exchange tips on how to get their hands on that crispy gold. Desperation? Maybe. Dedication? Definitely.

So, is Al Baik really coming to Pakistan? Well, sort of. A memorandum of understanding has been signed between Saudi Arabia’s Al Baik Food System Company and Gas and Oil Pakistan Ltd, with the backing of the Saudi Ministry of Investment. Fancy, right? This agreement will explore the possibility of opening Al Baik outlets in Pakistan. Translation: Don’t get too excited, it could still end up being as elusive as your New Year’s resolutions.

Now, why the obsession? Is it really just about fried chicken? Partly, yes. But the real star of the show is the garlic sauce. Thick, garlicky, and downright addictive, this sauce is what dreams are made of. In fact, some local chains (we see you, Kababjees) have tried to mimic it, but honestly, it’s like comparing a paper plane to a jet. Close, but no flight.

Pakistanis, being the food fanatics we are, are buzzing with excitement. Will Al Baik live up to the massive hype if it finally opens here? Only time — and our soon-to-be greasy fingers — will tell. But one thing’s for sure, if an outlet does pop up, you’ll probably find half the nation queuing outside, ready to dip their crispy chicken into that famous garlic sauce. Will we be in line too?