From the unrelenting sizzle on the grill to the anticipated first bite, a burger is more than just a fast food—it’s an experience. And what makes the best burger? The answer lies in the journey from the butcher to the bun. This guide will take you through ten critical steps in the journey to crafting the ultimate burger.
The Meat: The Heart of the Best Burger in London
The quality of the meat is the most critical factor in creating the best burger. The meat should be fresh, ideally ground on the day of cooking. Certified Angus beef, renowned for its rich flavour and optimal fat content, is the preferred choice. Fat plays a crucial role in the burger’s juiciness and sizzle on the grill. While lean meat might be better for your waistline, a fat content of around 15-20% ensures a juicy, flavourful burger.
Two of our classic burgers:
CLASSIC AMERICANA BURGER
Savour our fire-grilled, 200g pure beef patty paired with tomato preserve, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, crispy fried onions, tangy Alabama relish, signature burger sauce, a slice of robust beef tomato, crisp lettuce, and zesty gherkins.
What is Monterey Jack?
Monterey Jack, often simply called “Jack” cheese, is an American white, semi-hard cheese made using cow’s milk. It’s known for its mild flavour and excellent melting properties, making it a preferred choice for dishes like nachos, quesadillas, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
The cheese originates from the Mexican Franciscan friars of Monterey, California, dating back to the 18th century. The name “Jack” comes from David Jacks, a Californian landowner who was the first to widely distribute the cheese.
Monterey Jack can be found in various forms. For instance, when mixed with spicy jalapeño chilli peppers, it’s referred to as “Pepper Jack.”
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Flamed Venison Burger
Toasted brioche, topped with Mrs Bell’s Blue Cheese,
salad, ranchero sauce, redcurrant and tomato jam
salad, ranchero sauce, redcurrant and tomato jam
What is Venison?
Venison refers to the meat of a deer. It is a type of game meat and is considered leaner and richer in flavour than beef. The term “venison” originally described the meat of any game animal, but in modern culinary contexts, it specifically denotes deer meat. Venison can be used in a variety of dishes, such as steaks, roasts, sausages, and stews. Due to its lean nature, it is often recommended to cook venison with care to prevent it from becoming overly dry. It’s a popular choice among those who prefer wild game meats and is often associated with sustainable and ethical hunting practices.
What is Mrs Bell’s Blue?
Mrs Bell’s Blue is a renowned cheese, favoured by personalities like Rick Stein and Raymond Blanc. This creamy cheese stands out with its white body and contrasting blue/green veins. Crafted from high-quality sheep milk, the cheese undergoes meticulous processes. After being turned and formed for a day, it’s hand-salted. Subsequently, it matures for at least 10 weeks, acquiring a blue flavor reminiscent of Roquefort but possessing a creamier and gentler taste. Introduced in 1995, Mrs Bell’s Blue quickly garnered accolades, including two gold medals at the Nantwich International Cheese Show. It has since won over 75 prestigious awards
Note: The term’ hamburger meat’ is often misleading. What you want is ‘ground beef’, which refers to a specific cut of beef that’s been ground, rather than ‘hamburger meat’, which can have additional fat added.
The Art of Grinding: Precision and Coldness
Buying pre-ground meat is a roll of the dice. The best option is to grind your own meat; this ensures freshness and allows you to control the fat content. A coarse grind is preferable as it creates a juicy, tender burger with a robust mouthfeel.
Remember, when it comes to grinding, colder is better. Keeping the meat and equipment cold helps prevent the fat from smearing and maintains the burger’s texture and juiciness.
Perfecting the Patty: Size and Shaping
The size and thickness of your patty can make or break your burger. While personal preference plays a role, the general rule of thumb is to aim for a patty that’s roughly the same diameter as your bun. A thickness of about 2 cm ensures a satisfying bite.
When forming the patty, less is more. Overworking the meat can lead to a tough, dense burger. The goal is to just bind the meat together, letting it naturally form into a patty.
The Seasoning Saga: Keeping it Simple
The best burger in London isn’t seasoned with exotic spices—it’s seasoned with simplicity. A generous sprinkle of salt and pepper right before cooking is all you need. Adding salt too early can draw out moisture, leading to a drier burger.
The Power of the Pan: The Perfect Sear
Whether you’re cooking on a grill or a stovetop, achieving a perfect sear is essential. The heat must be high enough to create a beautifully browned crust, sealing in the juices. A cast-iron skillet is often the preferred tool for this job, as it retains heat well and ensures an even sear.
The Cheese Choice: Melting Matters
The choice of cheese can dramatically influence the flavour of your burger. While gourmet cheeses can add a unique twist, nothing beats the classic melt of American cheese or a great Monterey Jack cheese. Its high salt content enhances flavour and helps bind the patty together.
The Bun Factor: A Pillowy Embrace
The bun is not merely a vessel for the burger—it’s an integral part of the experience. A great bun should be soft yet sturdy, slightly sweet, and, most importantly, toasted. Toasting the bun not only adds a satisfying crunch but also prevents it from becoming soggy.
The Topping Talk: Complement and Contrast
When it comes to toppings, think about complement and contrast. Choose toppings that enhance the flavour of the beef and add contrasting textures. Fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, crunchy pickles, and caramelised onions are all classic choices. However, don’t be afraid to get creative—think fried eggs, tangy pickled jalapenos, or even a dollop of guacamole.
The Burger Sauce Secret: The Final Flourish
The choice of sauce can elevate your burger from good to great. Classic options include ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, and barbecue sauce. For a gourmet twist, try aioli, truffle mayo, or a homemade ‘special sauce’
The Final Word: Creating Your Best Burger
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “What makes the best burger?” The best burger in London is the one that satisfies your cravings and brings you joy. Whether you like your burger simple and classic or loaded with gourmet toppings, the key is in the quality of the ingredients and the care in the cooking.
Here at Americana London we believe we have one of the best burgers in London, so come along and try it; tasting is believing!
Frequently asked questions about burgers
What is the most expensive burger in London?
As of my latest data, the “Glamburger” at Honky Tonk in London holds the title as the city’s most expensive burger. This extravagant dish was created in partnership with Groupon to celebrate the selling of its five millionth food and drink voucher. Retailing at a whopping £1,100 or roughly $1440, the burger includes luxurious ingredients like Kobe Wagyu beef, lobster poached in Iranian saffron, beluga caviar, hickory-smoked duck egg covered in gold leaf, and a gold-leaf coated bun. Served with a side of Canadian lobster meat and black truffle, this opulent burger also comes with a mango and champagne jus to complete the dish.
What must you eat in London?
London has a vibrant and diverse food scene. Here are some quintessentially British dishes and where to try them:
1. Fish and Chips: You can’t visit London without trying some traditional fish and chips.Poppies in Spitalfields or The Golden Hind in Marylebone are known to serve Some of the best.
2. Sunday Roast: This meal, typically featuring roasted meat, potatoes, and Yorkshire pudding, is a staple.
3. Full English Breakfast: This hearty breakfast usually includes eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding, baked beans, tomatoes, and toasted bread.
4. Pies: Another great British tradition.
5. Afternoon Tea: A classic British experience with sandwiches, scones, sweet pastries and tea. No better place to indulge than The Ritz or Claridge’s if you’re looking for a really top-notch afternoon tea.
6. India Food (curry): Dishoom, with several locations in London, serves some of the best Indian food in the city.
7. Street Food: Borough Market, where you’ll find a wealth of dishes from around the world.
Remember, London is a culinary melting pot, so while you’re there, be sure to try food from other cuisines too. From Chinese dim sum to Italian pizza to Middle Eastern treats, London has it all.
What is the most expensive burger in London?
As of my last update, several places in the UK are known for their extravagant burgers:
1. The Glamburger at Honky Tonk in London was once recognised as the world’s most expensive burger by the Guinness World Records, priced at £1,100. The burger boasted a patty with Kobe wagyu beef and New Zealand venison, topped with smoked Himalayan salt, black truffle, lobster poached in Iranian saffron and maple syrup-coated bacon. However, the Honky Tonk restaurant has since closed down.
2. The Burger Shop in London sells a black truffle burger kit, which is made from beef aged in whisky and comes with a “gold leaf” used in the truffle mayonnaise. The entire kit is priced at £75.
3. Upmarket London restaurant Maze Grill, which is one of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants, had an £80 burger on their menu. The luxury version includes seared foie gras, truffle Pecorino cheese, and fresh black truffle.
While these aren’t everyday prices for burgers, they demonstrate how some restaurants really push the boat out when it comes to luxury ingredients! Prices change and new contenders can appear, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest information online.
What is Europe’s biggest burger?
Various restaurants throughout Europe have attempted to create the biggest burger for special promotions, events, or competitive eating challenges. However, the record for Europe’s biggest burger was created in Germany. As of my last update, the record-holder for the largest hamburger commercially available is the “Burger99” at Project 7-10 in Pilsting, Germany. This burger has a weight of 70 kg (154 lb 5.12 oz), a height of 57 cm (22.44 in), and a diameter of 80 cm (31.50 in). This record was verified by Guinness World Records in September 2020. However, for the latest updates and records, please check the official Guinness World Records website.
Which country has the best burger?
Determining which country has the best burger can be quite subjective as it largely depends on personal preference and taste. However, the following countries are often praised for their burgers:
1. United States: As the birthplace of the modern hamburger, the US has countless styles and variations from fast food chains to gourmet restaurants, with regional styles like the California-style burger or the smash burgers of the Midwest.
2. Australia: Known for their Aussie-style beef burgers, which often come topped with beetroot, pineapple, and a fried egg in addition to the usual suspects of lettuce, tomato, and onion.
3. Germany: You might find a more diverse variety with influence from their sausage-making traditions.
4. England: The UK has seen a gastro pub revolution, which has led to high-quality, gourmet burgers being widely available.
5. Japan: Not so traditional, but they’ve made the burger their own in many ways with unique twists, including the famous Wagyu beef burgers.
6. Argentina: Known for their beef, so naturally, they make some really good burgers.
Each country puts their unique spin on this universal dish, making burger exploration a tasty treat around the world. Be sure to try local flavours and styles wherever you find yourself!
What country eats the most burgers?
As of my last data update, the United States is the country that consumes the most burgers. They are widely recognised as one of the largest consumers of beef, and the hamburger is a staple in American cuisine. However, it’s important to note that data can change, and consumption can vary year by year. To get the most accurate and current information, performing an online search or checking a reliable source would be recommended.
What burger is the most eaten in the world?
The most eaten burger in the world is likely the Classic McDonald’s Hamburger or the Big Mac, given McDonald’s is spread across more than 100 countries, serving millions of customers daily. McDonald’s is considered to be the largest fast-food chain globally, which contributes significantly to the popularity and consumption of their burgers.
Where is the world’s largest burger?
As of my last update, the largest burger ever made was cooked in Pilsting, Germany, by the local restaurant Project 7-10. The monster weighed in at a hefty 70 kg (154 lb 5.12 oz)—a whopping feat that earned them a spot in the Guinness World Records. This record was established on July 9, 2020. For the most current information, check with the official Guinness World Records sources. A burger of this size is not a regular menu item and was created specifically for the record attempt.
Where can you order the most expensive burger in the world?
The most expensive burger in the world can be ordered at the Dutch restaurant De Daltons. The burger named “The Golden Boy” costs $5,964. The burger features A5 Wagyu beef, Beluga caviar, king crab, white truffle, ham aged for 36 months, and Paleta Iberico Bellota. The bun is coated in gold leaf, and the burger is served with a Dom Perignon champagne-based sauce. This record was made official by the Guinness World Records in early 2021.
What are the three largest hamburger chains?
As of my last update, the three largest hamburger chains globally, in terms of sales and number of locations, are:
1. McDonald’s: Founded in 1940, and now with over 39,000 locations worldwide, McDonald’s is the largest hamburger chain in the world.
2. Burger King: Founded in 1954 and now with over 18,000 locations worldwide, Burger King is globally recognised and is the second-largest burger chain.
3. Wendy’s: Founded in 1969 and now with over 6,700 locations worldwide, Wendy’s is the third largest hamburger chain.
These rankings are based on the number of establishments globally and could change with time or based on different evaluation criteria. For the most current and accurate rankings, a reliable recent source should be consulted.
What do they call burgers in London?
In London and throughout the UK, burgers are typically referred to simply as “burgers”. You might see variations on menus such as “beef burger”, “cheeseburger”, “veggie burger”, or “chicken burger”, among others, depending on the ingredients. Special gourmet or unique creations may have their own names at different restaurants. The term “burger” is universally understood in London.
What is the most expensive sandwich in London?
As of my last update, one of the most expensive sandwiches in London is available at the department store Selfridges. It’s a Wagyu beef and black truffle sandwich priced at £85, which equals about $100 or more. Named “the Billionaire’s Sandwich”, it contains 24-hour slow-cooked Wagyu beef, fresh lobe foie gras, black truffle mayonnaise, 100-year-old balsamic vinegar and bread made with champagne.
Apart from that, many luxurious restaurants offer high-end sandwiches made with premium ingredients that can also be fairly pricey.
Please note, that prices and availability can change, so it’s best to check the menus and websites of specific restaurants for the latest information.
What is the most expensive restaurant bill in the UK?
The most expensive restaurant bill in the UK was reportedly from a meal at Park Chinois, a Chinese restaurant in Mayfair, London. It totalled over £200,000 for a single dinner for 13 guests in March 2017.
What burger is sold the most?
The burger that is sold the most is the Big Mac from McDonald’s.
Who is the expensive burger chef?
Chef Hubert Keller is known for making one of the most expensive burgers in the world, the “FleurBurger 5000”, which costs $5,000 at his restaurant, Fleur, in Las Vegas. This pricey burger is made with Wagyu beef and topped with foie gras and truffle. The price also includes a bottle of Château Pétrus 1995, served in Ichendorf Brunello glasses, which the guest gets to take home.