Be honest, how many times have you Googled the term ‘best burger in…” in whichever country or city you are visiting? If you’re a meat eater and a food lover like me then probably many, many times. According to my search history I pretty much run that search every time I’m about to jump on a plane to a new destination – and almost once a week here in Dubai.
Feeling that I have put in the man-hours and ground work, I’m often frustrated with the host of ‘best burgers in Dubai’ articles that can be found on pretty much any website, blog or Facebook account, so much so I’ve developed my own metrics on what makes a good burger.
I take into account the following questions: Is it the bun? Is it because it has sesame seeds on it? Is it soft and fresh? Is it because its butter-glazed and soaks in the juice of the meat? Or is it the meat and how it’s cooked? Is it a minced meat patty? What has been used to bind it? Is it steak or wagyu? How long has it been marinated for and what was used? Was it cooked on a griddle or open flame? Perhaps it’s the sauce or relish? It is spicy, slightly sweet, tangy or explosive?
When compiling the countdown list below, I looked at these three key factors: the bun, the meat and the sauce. Everything else is a frill and a bonus. I also don’t discriminate between fast food and gourmet outlets. A smile on my face after I’m done is all that matters.
***
5. The Clinton Street cheeseburger
It’s got a crusty, yet soft, bun, a thick generous patty that is perfectly grilled to a medium temperature and a choice of Swiss or Cheddar cheese. I always pick the Swiss because it melts so much better. Chipotle mayo is optional but I prefer mine without.
While the bun is soft and malleable and the meat is extremely tender it’s the incredible sauce that binds it all together. I always go for the simple cheeseburger option but if you want to experiment then throw some grilled mushrooms and/or grilled onions in there as well.
3. The Nusr-Et Steakhouse Lokum off-the-menu burger
It doesn’t exist as an option unless you specifically ask for it, which you should, because it features several thinly sliced pieces of beef filet marinated in something amazing and grilled over an open flame. It is then stacked one upon each other in the shape of Mount Kilimanjaro. I like to scoop the bread out of the top bun so it fits perfectly like a hat. It comes with handcut fries and I recommend you sprinkle on some oregano as well as salt.
2. The Elevation double patty burger
with double cheese and hot pepper relish: Two thin juicy patties, two layers of cheddar inbetween the lower bun and meat, topped off with hot pepper relish on the inside of the upper bun. Cheesy fries are a must.
1. The Firebird Diner all-american burger
This is, in my opinion, simply the best burger you can get in Dubai today – for these simple reasons: It has a great soft, warm sesame seed bun with a perfectly cooked patty, a thin layer of savoury coleslaw and some sweet marmalade. Order it medium and get ready for a party in your mouth. Take your time with this one and get one of the fine craft beers to go with it.
So, that’s my list for now. But these establishments need to stay on top of their game, because a little birdy told me that a few prominent, established restaurants in Dubai are ready to unleash their own burgers in the coming months. I’ve tried one of them and it simply devine.
But more of that another time. Happy eating!
