I asked 3 chefs for their favourite fast food burger and they agreed
Do fast food burgers really hold their own against the more expensive gourmet versions? Let's find out.
When it comes to burgers, we’ve never had more choice. From fast food staples like McDonald’s and Burger King to the on-trend smash burgers, burger van pop-ups and restaurants devoted to gourmet burgers featuring toppings like peanut butter and jelly, it seems we can’t get enough.
Burger King even launched a wagyu beef version last week with a marketing campaign involving one of the world’s best chefs, Gordon Ramsay.
But with all this choice, how are you meant to know where to get the best burger? And where do you get the best value for money? Does shelling out for an expensive burger really mean you’re going to get something so much nicer than a Big Mac? When one writer tried the Burger King wagyu burger, she didn’t think so.
To try and help, I asked chefs where people in the UK can get the best burgers. And they seem to agree.
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Dennis Littley, chef and recipe expert at Ask Chef Dennis, said: “For me as a chef with decades of experience, when it comes to a great burger it is all about balance. Firstly it starts with good quality meat that’s well-seasoned and cooked properly, a bun that holds everything together without falling apart and toppings that complement rather than overwhelm.
“A burger should feel indulgent, but it should also be something you can finish without it becoming a mess or losing its flavour halfway through. When those different components come together, even a fast food burger can be better than average.
“At the top of my list is Five Guys — they make one of the best fast food burgers in my opinion. The beef patties are cooked fresh and have that caramelized crust from the griddle, which gives a real depth of flavour.”
“The toppings are customisable, and while that can sometimes be overwhelming, it means you can build something simple and classic or have the choice to go all out. What really always stands out to me is the freshness of the meat, and the fact that it tastes like real meat, which sadly can’t be said about many fast food chains.
“The vegetables are crisp, and the bun is soft but sturdy. And one of my favourite parts is the unlimited amount of sauces you can add in. It can be messy but in the best way and a satisfying burger that feels closer to homemade than fast food, which is always a great sign to me.”
Dennis said another good choice was Shake Shack: “Their beef has a rich flavour and stays juicy, the buns are soft, buttery and perfectly toasted. The ShackSauce ties it all together, it’s tangy and smooth without hiding the flavour of the meat. What I like about Shake Shack the most is how consistent it is. No matter where you order it, the burger always tastes balanced and well put together.”
Jack Slobodian, chef at the Marriott Grand Hotel River Park five-star hotel, said: “For me, there are two top fast food burger places in the UK and it really comes down to what I’m craving. Five Guys make the best classic smashed burgers, with freshly cooked to order beef patties, crispy bacon, American cheese, and a soft bun. And when I’m after a charred, smoky flavour, Burger King makes the best option out of the fast food chains.”
Joe Scholey, founder of The Otley Burger Company from Leeds, who supply party firm Poptop, said: "I believe the Bacon Double Cheese XL from Burger King is the best fast food burger because it’s a simple burger done very well.
“The meat-to-bun ratio is bang on, not too much cheese, and just the right amount of bacon. It’s meaty and beefy, everything a beef burger should be. It’s also not a messy burger, which is ideal for eating on the go. And the best thing: no salad!"
