The Big Burger Challenge!

The Big Burger Challenge! 

We sat down as a group and everyone had to come up with a burger that they had witnessed from all of their burger eating experiences, one that they did not feel like eating and we put them in a pile and one by one everyone got assigned a burger that they had to go out and try: and film the reaction.



Joanna had to eat a tower burger, a burger with lots and lots of layers

Judy had to eat a burger with bitter melon added to it

Luke had to eat a super chilli burger

Annabelle had to eat a vegan burger with a gluten free bun.



All in all, no-one really enjoyed their burgers as you can tell by the video and I think we'll stick with what we know and love  :)



The task was undertaken by all of us, we all brainstormed some different ideas for the video and filmed the first part together, taking turns of holding the camera and then our individual videos separately. Luke then volunteered to physically edit the video with production and editing ideas/technical help from Joanna, Judy and Annabelle where necessary.

All of these factors together created the 'Big Burger Challenge' 

share with your friends - Ze Pickle

Ze Pickle has been on my 'to visit' list for a while. Huge burgers, drinks and insane desserts, all with interesting choice of names! I got the "yo mum" burger which was a brioche style bun with a Wagyu patty, cheese, fries (yes on the burger), truffle flavour, bacon (an addition) and of course, a pickle! It wasn't as big as the pictures appear but it was delicious. I enjoyed it a lot. They have other options like vegetarian, chicken, pulled pork and other meat combos. There's also loaded fries, wings and incredibly crazy chocolates topped desserts, one called "whothe is max Brenner". It was table service, but seemed to take forever to order, and ask for the bill, they needed another staff member on I believe. They are also a bar, serving beer on tap, cocktails and an interesting range of cocktails too. Come for the burgers and get some add ons. 

-Shiyu Liu

Fat Fish

Fast Fish and Chips is located in Annadale, on the corner of Johnson and Booth street. Their slogan "Hook into Fat Fish; the Catch of the Inner West" may be corny but, they are able to live up to their names making some of the best burgers that I have ever tasted. Fat Fish like to look after their customers. They work hard at keeping the fish they serve fresh and have many health benefits to go along with their extensive menu which includes gourmet burgers, home made lasagne, fresh salads and a select, and delicious sweets.

By far, their best burger would have to be the Portuguese Chicken Burger. It comes with a Grilled chicken, cheese, lettuce, mayo and peri peri sauce. The burgers is valued at $8.50, but it is worth every penny to buy the combo deal which includes a large seasoned chips with a drink of your choice. The combo deal will round out your satisfying meal to $13.00, making you wanting more once you finish the burger.

If you are ever in the area, I would highly recommend trying Fat Fish to make your good day, into a great day. 

- Luke Astri

Create Your Taste!

Create Your Taste 

When it comes to burgers there's one establishment on everyones mind for a gross greasy burger: Maccas!! 

However, McDonalds improved their burger game significantly in 2014 with the introduction of "Create Your Taste". When they realised it wasn't enough to just rely on their greasy menu with the rise of burger chains such as "grilld" now serving gourmet burgers, McDonalds realised they needed to get with the times. 

Here's how it works: (as explained by McDonalds themselves) "Start with 100% Canadian Angus Beef and choose from 30 quality ingredients to have your perfect taste creation made fresh just for you." 

It does feel really weird having one of the workers bring out your meal to you, it feels almost a bit wrong not standing and waiting for your number to be called, but getting to make your own burger is a great concept (pineapple on it for daays). 

How very Un-McDonalds!! 

-Annabelle 

Bar Ume at Bourke Street

 Ume, formerly a fine dining Japanese restaurant on Bourke Street in Surry Hills, has reopened as a more casual izakaya-style bar and burger joint.

It's mostly table service here, but the compact space is home to a tiled bar with a few bar stools and is stocked with beautiful bottles of sake, shochu and Japanese whisky. The focus here is on the booze, but the food is a good reason to stay for the night.

The food menu is burger focused with a meat and veg specials list that's updated daily and might feature snacks like fried oysters or charred asparagus.
As well as the whisky and sake menu, they have a blackboard wine list and some simple cocktails with spirits and mixers on offer and a really delicious non-alcoholic ginger and passionfruit soda.

The Ume burger

The Ume burger, is good. The bun isn't too sweet, the meat isn't too rich and the accompanying sauces and garnishes are simple with onion, cheese, tomato and Japanese mayo.

The Ebi burger

 The ebi burger is awsome as well — a crisp prawn katsu patty is sandwiched with shredded cabbage and a nice, sharp tartare.

At the moment, Bar Ume is the only place to get Kerby Craig's burgers — but not for much longer. The owner and chef has been busy, and will open Ume Burger in Barangaroo later this year. In the meantime, Bar Ume is doing a good job for his reputation between the bun. Kanpai.


-Yee Na, Lok

El Jannah

El Jannah is located at Granville, but the franchise has recently expanded to many more store locations across Sydney. It is a family run business which began operation in 1998 as a small takeaway shop. The first ever store that opened was at Granville, and ever since the business hasn't looked back.  Many customers travel many kilometres from all over Sydney to enjoy El Jannah's great tasting charcoal chicken and legendary garlic sauce. The impressive quality of food service from the the staff and the great value for money that the store provides has proven to be difference between the business and it's competitors.

The most popular meals that people like to order are the Chicken Roll Meal/Burger or the 1/2 Chicken Meal. Both servings come with large chips and you choice of soft drink, but the Chicken Roll Meal/Burger comes with a succulent chicken breast with lettuce and mayonnaise wrapped inside a roll/bun. The 1/2 Chicken Meal come with a tender 1/2 chicken.

I would definitely recommend trying one of El Jannah's Chicken Roll Meal/Burger, as it will well and truly satisfy your tastebuds.

- Luke Astri

Top burgers: Bang Bang!!!

If you haven't been to Bang Bang Burgers, you are missing out! I love the Elizabeth spot because it's quiet away from the hustle of uptown and the service is fast and friendly. My personal favorite is the Cowboy Burger with grilled onions, BBQ sauce, and bacon. My friend grabbed the Pimento Burger with pimento cheese and jalapeños which was delicious!! There isn't a bad burger there! Honestly, as much as I love the hand cut fries, I tried the homemade BBQ chips and they are my new favorite! Next time, I will try my favorite sweet potato chips~~~Go, stuff your face and be merry. You'll thank me!

-Shiyu Liu

Benbry Burgers

I recently stumbled across an absolute hidden gem of a burger place! Twas a hot day in Manly and in an attempt to maximise beach time we decided to get some takeaway food and eat it on the beach. (conversely that was a terrible idea as sand + food = bad). The upside to this decision was that we walked into a take away burger joint on manly's corso named benbry burgers. The menu features 30 Gourmet Burgers, cooked fresh to clients when they arrive, this can mean long waits but it is certainly worth it. They additionally have a scope of scrumptious sides freshly made once ordered, including chips which were named best chips in Manly by the Manly Daily in 2012.

- Annabelle 

The Heart Attack

The Orchard tavern is known for boasting crowds of people for after work drinks but what people don't realise is that it is not just its for its Friday night bevies but it has quite an impressive menu too. One meal in particular; The Heart Attack Burger.

Wagyu Beef, Crispy Southern Fried Chicken, Pulled Pork, American Cheese, Bacon, BBQ Sauce, Slaw, Jalapeños, Peri peri Sauce, Chips and topped with a ranch dressing. 

You can see by what is in it, how it got its name. I challenge anyone to finish it without feeling seriously ill, but for the first few bites it is heaven inside two milk buns.

Annabelle 

CHUR Burger - Pulled Pork Burger

I have heard wonderful things about this place and I am always on the hunt for a good burger in Sydney! Chur, located at Surry Hills, offers diners $10 burgers which is a steal. The menu is quite simple 6 different types of burgers and you can add extra pattie, bacon or cheese and sides – chips, sweet potatoes and coleslaw.

Pulled pork Chur w/BBQ sauce, red slaw & fennel mayo

Truth be told, the pulled pork burger is pretty objectionable. It’s easily the weakest of the five meat burgers in Chur’s lineup, at least at the time I tried it. The burger loaded with crunchy red slaw CHUR BBQ sauce and fennel mayo, each element played a stellar role in supporting the tender pulled pork. The brioche buns were light, which soaked up the juices .However, tThe pulled pork was very dry, and it was cooked in a way that made it taste like tuna which is quite a big disapointed. Without its constituent fat, sauces and braising methods, pulled pork really can just taste like tuna after awhile – especially if it’s dry.

Anyway, Chur has created a very cool and laid back environment that's great for a casual cheap feed day or night. Check it out and come back with a comment on other those burgers!

-Yee Na,Lok

Frangos Charcoal Chicken

Frangos Charcoal Chicken is located in Petersham.

Their Authentic Chicken Burger with chilli sauce is to die for. Food service is relatively quick for the staff to make the burgers on the spot. If you order Pack 1, your tastebuds will thank you in advance. For $10.95 you get large chips, a chicken burger with lettuce tomato, chilli and mayonnaise and your choice of any drink.

I would highly recommend dropping into Frangos, as it is highly affordable and great value for money. This helps the restaurant retain market share for the fast food industry and keep existing customers happy while retaining new ones.

- Luke Astri

Just Open: Royal Stacks~~ Bling Bling~~

Melbourne burger don Dani Zeini bringing their popular Royal Stacks up the east coast to Sydney’s Chatswood in a little over a month from now. Confirmed recently, the popular burger joint will be opening up its first ever NSW store in Westfield Chatswood, sharpening a focus on fresh, simple, and high quality burgers, mirroring the modern interpretation of U.S chains that has characterised Sydney’s scene.

Though Sydney is brimming with juicy burgers right now, there’s always room for a name that’s already well established with Australian burger fiends. Royal Stacks should slot in well on the North Shore, where the local scene is already being handled well by Five Points in North Sydney and Chef’s Kitchen in St Leonards.

Royal Stacks won’t be coming without a point of different though, with Zeini also including his playful frozen custards, waffles, and potato gems as some of the many extras that will be accompanying the burgers on the menu, a list which features the classic Single Stack (beef patty, tomato, butter lettuce, American cheddar, special sauce, and pickles), the Prince Harry (with a horseradish, shallot, and gherkin mayo sauce), Miss Elizabeth (with truffle mayo), and The King (which stacks on some mac’n’cheese croquettes for good measure).

The choices of frozen custard is of particular interest, especially since the flavours include a Ferrero Rocher, some Nutella Swirl, indulgent Cookie Dough, and others created by Mark Mariotti of St Kilda’s 7 Apples.

-Shiyu Liu

The Almighty Trufflenator

The Almighty Trufflenator Burger! 

The Deewhy hotel on Sydney's Northern Beaches is home to the "Trufflenator" - double wagyu beef pattie, truffle mayo, truffle butter, truffle infused havarti cheese, truffle maple syrup, bacon, American cheddar and onion rings on a milk bun. Chips are optional and if selected, will take the burger to over 2/3 of  the recommended adult daily calorie limit! 

so consume with caution! 

If you don't feel like trying  this monstrosity of a meal, the Deewhy Hotel also has an extensive burger selection of ones such as pulled pork and more standard chicken burgers if someone doesn't feel like consuming gazillion grams of fat. 

It is definitely considered a "sometimes" burger and I wouldn't recommend adding it to your regular diet however it makes for a perfect "treat yo self" 

-Annabelle 

Shake Shack!

If there is one thing the U.S.A is known for it, it's their burgers and fries and the Shake Shack definitely lived up to this expectation. It caters for everyone (there's even a section on the menu for dogs!) The line was incredibly long but after tasting one their burgers I immediately understand why. Once I had received my burger and cheddar/bacon fries, I am ecstatic! The burger softens in your mouth, joined by an immediate impact of flavour. It's exceptionally tasty and the cheddar melts splendidly over the patty, finished with a Shack Sauce and red velvet milkshake, its a great combination.  I am definitely a converted Shake Shack supporter. It's one of those things that might just be a fad but while its popular its worth the trek of queue!

- Annabelle 

Kepos Street Kitchen - Lamb Kefta Burger

My friend brought my to one of the cafe alloated in Redfern with highly recommendation on their home-made burger. I didn’t realise that it was a fancy restaurant and when we turned up I have to admit I sulked a bit. Like most cafes, Kepos Street Kitchen has a range of pastries/baked goods for instant sale. I was sure they couldn’t do great burgers if they weren’t in our favourite American style. (I was wrong!)

What did I ordered?

The Lamb Kefta Burger – $18

This burger was really special and very different. The meat on this burger was served medium rare but it was definitely on the rare side of things when I ate it it was almost like a juicy steak tartare on bread . The harissa relish and kohlrabi slaw further heaved this little middle eastern inspired delight into enjoyablility.

This was a massive burger!

The freshness of the apples and mint was perfect with the richness of the lamb. It was a really great burger. Not our usual style as the meat was super rare but delicious.

-Yee Na, Lok

The Bronx - Five Points Burgers

Five Points Burgers is located in North Sydney, where they have incorporated a New York themed style into their restaurant to create an authentic atmosphere. I was lucky enough to find the opportunity to taste a burger from Five Points, and even though the line was a bit long, it was definitely worth it.

The Bronx Burger is by far their most well known burger. It consists of a brioche bun with a charred but tender patty cooked medium-rare. The fillings of the burger include melted slices of American cheese, sweet onion jam,sour pickles and iceberg lettuce. Five Point's also add's bacon, tomato sauce and mustard.

The Bronx would have to be one of the tastiest burgers that I have ever tasted. I would definitely recommend if anyone is ever near North Sydney to drop in at Five Points and just enjoy yourself. 

- Luke Astri

Grill'D Burger: Healthier Healthy Burgers

The burger uses the Grill’d Low Carb SuperBun that contains less than 10 per cent carbs, has no refined sugar, dairy or grains and is paleo and gluten-friendly. Between it, there’s beef, avocado, Dijon mustard, pickle, shredded carrot, lettuce, tomato and egg mayo.

LOW CARB SUPER BUN $1.50 extra

Probably the worst thing that has come out a Grill’d kitchen. Yes it might be low carb but it does not fulfill its purpose. The thin pancake does not hold the contents of the burger and within a bite; it tore leaving a bunch of ingredients on a plate. This was the first time that I had to use a knife and fork at Grill’d. Adding insult to injury is to pay $1.50 extra where having no bun would have been better. If they want to keep this option, make a wrap or pocket shape and make the low carb bun more elastic or thicker.

The low carb bun is a failure for me, just a marketing gimmick. No bun is better than having this sort of bun. On top of that $1.50 extra is very infuriating.

-Yee Na,Lok.

Most surprised cheese burger~~

Today, I go to The Ground of Alexandria with my friends. The brilliant burger that I taste is in The Potting Shed. The Potting Shed is a place to meet, eat, drink, relax and chat your day and night away – where hanging plants, terracotta pots and timber beams meet brass, brick and iron. Where you can plant yourself down on the swing seat, bench or at the bar and feel like you are on your family’s porch.

The menu offers a number of cozy share options for groups, three course substantial meal choices for those wanting to make an evening of it and a fun selection of nibbles for people wanting a light after-work snack with their cocktails or a share jug amongst friends.

I think The Shed Cheese Burger is perfect with medium. This is perfection in a bite. Imagine a Big Mac that's everything you ever dreamed it could be: quality ingredients, soft buns, juicy meat with that sauce you know and love… that is the closest we can get to describing The Potting Shed’s Angus Beef Cheeseburger which comes housed in a pretzel bun. The most surprised point is cheese is not too heavy! I'm really enjoy it~~~ 

-Shiyu Liu

Bar Luca Sydney

Bar Luca has established itself has one of the best burger cafes in Sydney. From it's great service to its wide variety of burgers, Bar Luca offers up some of the nicest burgers int he country.

It is located at the centre of Sydney CBD,  making it easily accessible to the public. Bar Luca is known for it's 'Classic Cheese' and 'Blame Canada' Burger, having won awards all over Australia.

One of my favourite burgers from Bar Luca would have to be the 'Peppa Pig'. It is served on a classic bun with Dr Pepper Braised Pulled Pork, Curly Fries, Crispy Fried Pigs Ears , Changz BBQ Chipotle, Chimmichurri and Mayonnaise.

- Luke Astri

Limited Pokemon burgers in Sydney CBD!!!!

Burgers is always the best food for us, do you ever think of putting the most popular game in a burger?

Down n' out which located at George street has recently created a limited Pokemon burger. There are three burgers each available for only two weeks and inspired by three of the most popular monsters in the game, they are Pikachu, Charmander and Bulbasaur.

The burgers are quiet mystery because there is no menu showing up in the restaurant and no complete list of ingredients and elements of the burgers is unknown. Also it is not available for us in choosing our favorite monster, you may not ever know which monster burger are you going to have, they are just given one at random upon ordering - just like a lucky draw.

On this Saturday, I went to the restaurant and ordered two Pokémon burgers with my friend. I was willing to get a Pikachu burger, which is my favorite monster in the game, however, there is a bit disappointed as we have been severed one Charmander and one Bulbasaur. (What a bad luck! L)

-Bulbasaur burger

-Charmander burger 

For me the Charmander is a little bit spicy and too heavy, there's a piece of bacon and kind of a volcanic cheese dripping off it. Compare with this, the Bulbasaur is grassy and cleaner which is quite nice. There’s has plenty of green veggies, including lettuce, pickles and a broccoli crown on top.

Let’s find a day on next week and try their special limited burgers!!!

-Yee Na,Lok.

Brilliant burgers in Burger Project

I experience the Burger Project at Macquarie shopping center, and it's totally surprised me. The chips are pretty excellent: thin, hand-cut, served skin on. An outrageously chocolatey malted milkshake is icy, frothy, and generously ice-creamed. The double cheeseburger is your best chance of meat-to-bun perfection - two thin patties, melted cheese, lettuce tomato and some milk-bar-sized slices of raw onion, all on a toasted bun.

Image retrieved from: http://spunny89.blogspot.com.au/2016/08/burger-project-cbd-melb.html

SPICY FRIED CHICKEN KATSU

Spicy Fried Chicken Katsu is my favorite. Whilst not technically a burger, the Chicken Katsu is one of mister eats top picks for a chicken-filled bun. The fried chicken was beautifully crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside. The crispness continued in the bacon, which also lent some very welcome smoky flavors. The crunch kept coming thanks to coleslaw, pickles and lettuce which all came together to round out the protein. There was just the right amount of Katsu sauce to bring everything together without the milk bun becoming soggy.

There’s plenty to like at Burger Project - a fast moving queue, giant pump packs of mustard and tomato sauce, proper hand towels in the bathrooms and Neil Perry-era power tunes. So here’s our verdict: it’s a tasty burger, served in good time, and we’d eat another one. Is it the best burger in town? Maybe not, but it’s certainly in the running.

Stand by for more updates!!!

-Shiyu Liu