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12 of the best burgers in Dubai
Sun, December 12, 2021
Well done, medium or rare, piled high with toppings or simply with a slice of cheese, these are the best patty and bun combos fans need to sample.
Well done, medium or rare, piled high with toppings or simply with a slice of cheese, these are the best patty and bun combos fans need to sample.
1
High Joint
This fan favourite may be tiny – its original Jumeirah branch has just five counter seats while a second outpost at Al Khawaneej is a tad bit bigger – but its fame ensures loyal diners are happy to take-away or eat in their cars. The High Jamz is a particular hit, with caramelised and crispy onions, Pepper Jack cheese, beef bacon and a ranch sauce melding together beautifully with the wagyu beef patty. Vegetarians are well served by the excellent aioli-topped King Shroom too.
2
Ugly Burger
Don't be deceived by the name – the dishes served up at the recently opened Ugly Burger are utterly delicious. The trademark versions at the buzzing Dar Wasl spot incorporate interesting Asian accents like a crisp shrimp katsu encased in a soft bun, served with Thai-style mince topped Pow Pow fries. Craving something sweet? The honey yuzu Silky Milkshake is a winning partner to their mains.
3
Brasserie Boulud
French Michelin starred chef Daniel Boulud is ironically best known for a dish that is decidedly all-American, the burger. He has appropriately titled his elevated take on the classic the Frenchie Burger au Feu de Bois – a juicy, wood-fired triumph with raclette cheese, onion and tomato compote and pickle sauce. This is the unabashedly fine dining take on the humble patty, and definitely worthy of a treat night.
4
SALT
What started out as a roving food truck has become a regional slider empire – and with good reason. The original mission was to "Find Salt", as clues dropped on social media but now you can pop into one of four branches. Their al fresco Kite Beach space not far from where they first started, is still a favourite among locals. Specials drop periodically but you can't go wrong with their Jalapeno-topped Hook, or Cheeto Chicken. The success of SALT also sparked sister chain Parker's, where the white cheddar, crisp onion and ranch topped Truffle Burger steals the show
5
Pickl
Its signature offering may be called a Chicken Sando, but it's definitely a burger – and a contender for the best crispy fried chicken in the city. Regulars add heat with their Jeff It Up spice mix, order tubs of Secret Sauce and complete the feast with beef bacon and pickle-topped Messy Fries with extra chicken tenders. Their buttery brioche karak ice-cream sandwiches will cool down the heat too. There's a reason that this outfit, which started in 2019, has already proliferated to six outlets in such a short time – you can even find their food at the Time Out Market food hall.
6
She Burger
If you haven't been lucky enough to try Shaikha Eissa Al Lutfi's spectacular burgers then now is your chance as her previously delivery-based business has its own home in Dar Wasl Mall. Although there are several snap-worthy concoctions like the literally towering Holy Grail plate of potatoes, what draws regulars are the burgers. From Nashville-inspired chicken and short rib sliders with sauerkraut to fish fillets, veggie patties and the popular Buffalo chicken, there are ten options to pick from.
7
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Shakes
Multi-tiered burgers and mammoth over-the-top milkshakes – that light up photo feeds – are the order of the day at this American import that has taken Dubai by storm with branches at The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Rixos JBR and Jumeirah Al Naseem. Upbeat tunes set the scene as you decide on your choice of 'griddled' burger; we recommend the award-winning Greg Norman with blue cheese, house buttermilk-dill and rocket atop a thick wagyu beef patty in a potato roll.
8
Salt Bae
Seasoning social media sensation Nusret Gokce has completely embraced his Salt Bae nickname with his eponymous burger bar. This dish was so popular at his first Dubai restaurant, Nusr-Et Steakhouse, that the Turkish meat maestro decided to go one step further, serving seven options at the DIFC space ranging the basic 'Wet' burger to a pricey gold-leafed version. Our tip? If you're going to splash out, opt for the signature shake that also bears his moniker and team your main with onion rings or truffle fries.
9
3FILS
Alongside the sushi and seafood at this popular Asian eatery is The Wagyu Overload, which is surprisingly one of the waterside spot's signature items. You'll be showing off your foodie credentials if you order the beloved dish, which has proven to be most popular by Dubai's diners. It's building blocks? A potato bun, provolone cheese, chipotle mayo and juicy patties – it's worth heading there for this alone.
10
Common Grounds
You don't usually associate burgers with healthy eating but Common Grounds is determined to change that with their wholesome recipes. Swap the sweet potato fries for green salad, and you can even skip the vegan potato bun and ask for crisp lettuce when ordering the Avocado Burger. Luckily, you're not compromising on flavour as the crisp, crumbed avocado and chickpea patty is a filling, multi-textured delight and comes complete with vegan mayo and pickled onions.
11
The Burgr Factory
One of the latest fast food joints to open its doors in Dubai is The Burgr Factory. Originally from Romania, this burger spot in the heart of Jumeirah specialises in culinary creations that are ingenious as well as gigantic. There's plenty to choose from, including the 'hot spicy mess' with secret sauce and hot pepper jam, and the 'Texas mad cow' with beef bacon, onion rings and an irresistible barbecue flavour.
12
Five Guys
Five Guys is a family-friendly eatery located inside The Dubai Mall and one of the best spots to refuel with a view. The menu is compact, which makes deciding even easier. Our favourite is the signature cheeseburger with two fresh beef sliders on a sesame seed bun with all the toppings we can fit, while the little hamburger is ideal for smaller appetites.
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