The burger craze had its run last year in the Klang Valley. Burger joints were popping up a dime a dozen; everyone was jumping onto the hot bandwagon and the Klang Valley folks were spoilt for choices. Not only were the outlets competing ferociously with each other, the playing field was littered with enthusiastic food reviewers who were battling each other to see who could win the crown of being the “burger king” or “burger queen”!
I stayed away from the battle field. Simply because I’m not much of a burger fan. But then lately, I was a bit intrigued by talk of Korean burgers hitting the local dining scene.
Bulgogi Brothers, the popular Seoul-based BBQ franchise restaurant is revolutionizing their classic favourite by introducing 4 burgers in their menu. Inspired by their signature bulgogi – a traditional Korean barbeque speciality of grilled marinated meats, Bulgogi Brothers’ burgers use premium Australian marinated sliced beef or marinated homemade beef patties. On top of these, Korean ingredients like kimchi, pickled radish, gochujang (Korean chilli paste), fresh vegetables and gooey eggs are sandwiched in between charcoal buns.
Kimchi Burger
I was initially sceptical about Korean burgers but once I had a bite of each of them, I was pleasantly surprised. In fact, I must say the burgers are really good. The combination of tastes and textures is a hit from the word go!
In the Kimchi Burger (RM22.90), tangy sautéed kimchi is layered with earthy mushrooms and these are slathered on top a perfectly seared thick juicy beef patty. Sandwich this between flavourful charcoal buns and there’s a damn good burger for you.
Bibimbap Burger
How do you incorporate Bibimbap into a burger? Take away the rice and stone pot, just pile on the sautéed vegetables like bean sprouts, carrots, zucchinis flavoured with Gojuchang sauce and let the thick beef patty underneath soak in the juices. The same charcoal bun encases this exotic mound of vegetables and beef and there you have the Bibimbap Burger (RM25.90). As I munch on the huge burger, I must admit the flavours do actually remind me of bibimbap!
My favourite is the spicy Gwangyang Burger (RM25.90). Not only do I love the fire in the Osam sauce, this burger has tender sliced beef brisket, instead of a beef patty. Oh, those beef brisket are evil, I tell you. I guess the mushrooms and melted cheese on this burger seal the deal for me.
Gwangyang Burger
The towering Unyang Burger (RM28.90) has everything going in it and a carnivore’s wet dream. Besides the thick beef patty, sautéed beef brisket is added on top of melted cheese and a pile of crunchy shredded potato crown the ensemble. Be prepared to use bare fingers to tackle this monster
Unyang Burger
No artificial tenderizer is used in the beef patties. Instead, blended apples, pears and kiwis are used in the beef marinade and the natural enzymes do a good job tenderising the meat.
So why is Bulgogi Brothers introducing their burgers now, when the craze has passed? I think it’s a good move. With topnotch quality ingredients used and provided their standards are maintained, these burgers will go far.
These 4 burgers are available at all Bulgogi Brothers outlets in Malaysia NOW!
Bulgogi Brothers are located at:
@eCurve 03-7722-3633
@ Mid Valley 03-2282-2292
@ Paradigm Mall 03-7887-3541
@ Pavilion Kuala Lumpur 03-2141-9620
Website: www.bulgogibrothers.com.my