9 Guinness World Records: American influence hit Venezuela in full force during the mid-20th century, bringing with it a culinary jewel: the hamburger. This tasty “sandwich” that has conquered hearts and palates worldwide also found its special place on the Venezuelan table. Over time, we didn’t just adopt the recipe; we adapted it to our style, incorporating local ingredients and unique flavors. A perfect example of this is the delicious Tequeburger at PANNA—a gastronomic fantasy you shouldn’t miss if you’re looking for something truly spectacular.
9 Guinness World Records: THE HAMBURGER IN VENEZUELA
The popularity of the hamburger in Venezuela exploded in the ’80s and ’90s. I still remember how, after relentless begging, I finally got my parents to take me to the first McDonald’s in Caracas, located in El Rosal. It felt like a short, exciting trip out of the country.
My father, a lover of local traditions and not easily impressed by novelty, stood at the counter and, grumbling about the line, said in his deep, powerful voice: “Please, give me a hamburger with no mayo and no onions.” The girl behind the counter, following the corporate manual of the time, denied his request and invited him to look at the pre-designed menu on the screens. Indignantly, my father refused to eat there, crossed the avenue, and went to have arepas instead. But my mother and I stayed to try the first Big Mac of our lives.
Before the Big Mac, many will remember the Big Boy served at the restaurants of the now-vanished CADA Supermarkets, symbols of a golden era in Caracas. Who doesn’t recall the cashier at Tropiburguer shouting into the mic: “Give me a Double Guapo with cheese!” or ordering the popular chicken burger known as “El Granjero“? There were also the simpler ones at Taxco in El Paraíso or the massive ones at Le Drugstore in Chacaíto. Today, the burger remains a symbol of camaraderie and shared moments.
9 GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS
The burger is a global pop culture icon. Here is a small sample of the many official records related to the hamburger:
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The Largest Hamburger in the World: In 2017, a group of chefs in Germany prepared a burger weighing 1,164.2 kg (2,566 lbs). It measured 3.8 meters (over 12 feet) in diameter and required industrial equipment and hours of labor.
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The Most Expensive Burger: In 2021, the “Golden Boy” was sold in the Netherlands for $6,000 USD. It included Wagyu beef, beluga caviar, king crab, white truffles, and was covered in edible gold leaf.
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Most Burgers Consumed in 8 Minutes: In 2017, competitive eater Joey Chestnut set a world record by consuming 103 sliders in just eight minutes.
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The Burger with the Most Cheese: In 2019, Tío Che’s in Mexico prepared a burger containing 300 different types of cheese to celebrate National Cheese Day.
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Longest Burger Assembly Line: In 2018, Burgerville in Portland, Oregon, prepared 3,000 burgers on a 750-foot assembly line, donating them to local shelters.
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Most Burgers Sold in a Year: McDonald’s holds this record with 2.36 billion burgers sold in 2013 alone.
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Most Burgers Stacked in 1 Minute: In 2017, Chef Tom Reaney stacked 10 burgers in 60 seconds in London.
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The Tallest Burger: In 2011, Juicy’s Outlaw Grill in Oregon built a burger that stood 3.67 meters (12 feet) tall.
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Largest Human Image of a Burger: In Spain, 1,047 employees of a famous Venezuelan-founded burger chain gathered in Madrid to form a human representation of a giant burger, holding the shape for five minutes.
9 Guinness World Records: MORE THAN JUST DATA
The hamburger’s ability to integrate into different cultures—like our innovative Tequeburger at PANNA—highlights its global appeal. It has evolved and merged with ingredients of all kinds to create unique experiences.
In our next post, we will continue exploring more curiosities about this delicacy. Don’t miss it! In the meantime, visit us at PANNA New Food Latino and let the quality and flavor of our burgers surprise you.
