It's the final countdown: Taco Bell, the 56-year-old Tex-Mex fast-food chain from the U.S., is about to throw open its doors to Bangkokians.

The date has been set for Jan 24, when you can expect a crowd to rival last year's In-N-Out pop-up queueing up at MercuryVille (next to BTS Chidlom station) well before the slated 10am opening time. 

The team behind the Bangkok venture are no doubt confident of strong showing and will be hosting a small opening-day event outside the mall promising games, activities and lots of giveaways to keep people entertained while they’re lining up.

First opened by Glen Bell in 1962 in Downey, California, Taco Bell is known for its cheap tacos, quesadillas and nachos, and now has about 7,000 franchises across the U.S. The chain has also forged name for its late opening hours, with some branches operating 24/7. Here in Bangkok, however, it appears we'll have to make do with fairly standard mall opening hours of 10am-10pm. 

Abroad Taco Bell has a history of incorporating forms and ingredients familiar to the local culture—any guesses for what will be the Thai equivalent to the kimchi quesadilla?

News of Taco Bell's impending opening in Bangkok first broke mid-way through 2018. 

MercuryVille, 540 Phloen Chit Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Chidlom.