Now if there’s one thing we love to fight about – it’s the heated topic of what is the best burger in Dhaka? There are no two people that like the same burger – some love old classics like American Burger & BFC while another half throws shade at them for not being ‘gourmet’ enough. Some believe the beauty of a burger is in the patty – well seasoned and medium-rare, while some argue that what is a burger, if not the gateway to the world of condiments? It’s all about the sauces, they say – who cares about fancy brioche buns, the magic lies in the deshi twists – the green chutneys, the spicy naga sauce, the works. Other burger purists will say that sauces are for the weak.
What makes a great burger, isn’t the meat to bun ratio or the cook on the patty, but really, how well you’ve enjoyed it. Let’s just agree that when it comes to burgers – the only bad burger is one you didn’t eat. So brace yourselves as we list out some of the most loved burgers in Dhaka’s meaty, cheesy burger scene, ranked in no particular order.
An old-school favourite, American Burger is the OG burger haunt that sticks to the simple union of a moderate-sized burger bun, a juicy flame-grilled patty, and cheese. With no extra frills, their burgers are as elegant as they are delicious. It’s survived the test of time, standing tall and proud as one of the most loved burgers, for over 15 years. Ideal for both picky and no-fuss eaters, at a price point of Tk. 230 for a Beef Cheese Burger, this is a safe go-to burger recommendation for just about any kind of burger enthusiast (or not).
Crowds flock to Madchef to polish off burgers that can be called nothing short of fusion sensations. While many deshi burger joints have done a naga burger, none have done it as successfully as Madchef – their Naga Blast combines a potato or garlic crusted bun with a perfectly cooked patty and of course, their well-balanced naga sauce. Their famed Dhakaiya burger, the holy union of poneer, green chutney, and the beef patty are also another fusion favourite. While fusion burgers are worthy of a try, classics like Madame Lucy and Smokin Chic are also excellent burgers to try.
Fresh buns, a perfectly juicy patty, the ideal meat-to-bun ratio, and just the right amount of house sauce, and you’ve got Takeout. They pay extra attention to keeping it consistent regardless of how many branches they have, whether you eat in or get takeaway. With over 4 branches across town, one of their best sellers is the Beef Cheese Delight (Tk. 320) consisting of double beef patties with a hidden layer of melted cheese. Twice the beef fun, and a seductive melted cheese center, need we say more?
At Tk. 425 (without VAT & SC) for their classic burger, Farmhouse Burgers are often considered ridiculously expensive by some, but also known as super luxe, gourmet burgers. Where does it get its reputation from? Some say it’s the homemade brioche bun, some argue it’s all about the fresh – not frozen – patty, while others say it’s all about the sauces – homemade and in the right amount. Maybe it’s one of these, or maybe it’s all three. What we know for sure is that a list of Dhaka’s best burgers is incomplete without Farmhouse. Try the Millionaire Burger with truffle sauce at Tk. 550+ or the classic Farmhouse Burger at Tk. 425+.
Boma Burge
A fairly new entry to the burger scene, Boma has garnered mixed reviews. Some rave about it, calling it one of the best beef burgers in town, some say it’s not worth the hype. Others say it’s simply a good burger but not great enough to merit its place on a list. But as they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating – might as well try it before dismissing it. The Classic Cheeseburger starts with their handcrafted patty – 100 grams, with the holy union of tomato, onion, and lettuce. Oh, and their fries? The perfect treat to round out a superb meal. Don’t forget to try their garlic sauce while at it and don’t be surprised if you’re hit with nostalgia, taking you back to Helvetia’s iconic garlic sauce. There’s also the Banani Bombastic Burger, combining hot sauce, ghost pepper sauce, and beef bacon, or the Joss Burger that comes with tamarind mayo and cottage cheese. Both are priced at Tk. 350 and come with 100 grams of beef patty. Definitely, worth a try.
BFC
Another OG burger and fried chicken joint – BFC is a local favourite that has a special place in our hearts. Different franchises have come and gone, but nothing has been able to take away the love people have for BFC’s iconic fried chicken burger. Priced at Tk. 240, the star of the Best Burger is the fried chicken itself. Many will claim that you can’t call yourself a true Dhakaite without having a soft spot for BFC’s Best Burger.
Pitgrill
When one of the city’s best steak joint’s burgers beat some of the city’s best burger joints, there isn’t much you need to say about this bad boy. Their outrageously good, cult favourite Pits Mega Steak Burger isn’t for the faint-hearted. Think, thick premium aged beef patty done to your liking, served with melted cheddar and a bun that holds its shape throughout. It’s the perfect burger for people who believe that a burger’s virtues lie 90% in the meat and 10% in everything else. On the pricier side of the burger spectrum, despite their price point, most burger aficionados unanimously love this burger. You best believe, these guys bring it.
When rounding off some of the best burgers in town, it would be unfair not to mention Holey, Bistro E, and even simpler burgers like Burger King’s Tendercrisp. Regardless of what floats your boat – classic no-frills burgers or gourmet double-pattie’d monstrosities – find just what you need on foodpanda, delivering these bad boys in just 30 minutes.