📍Japan, Osaka Namba
An American street burger restaurant from New York 🍔🍟
Shake Shack is a must-try fast-food chain whenever I travel abroad; I've had great experiences at Shake Shacks in Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, and Osaka, and it's truly one of my favorite burgers.
I didn’t expect to have a bad experience in Osaka, and it was even my first meal in Japan this time 🥹. Plus, I visited this Shake Shack on the first floor of the Daimaru department store last June and had an amazing experience then. I can’t believe that a year later, the quality of this place has significantly declined.
The indoor space is relatively spacious, and if it’s full, you’ll have to wait a little while for a seat. This time, I used the self-service ordering machine, and even though there were plenty of seats available, I waited over 10 minutes for my burger to be made.
🥘
Ordered items:
🍔 Smoke Shake Double (¥1,639):
Smoked bacon with double burger patties.
I don’t know what happened with the seasoning this time, but the burger patties were extremely salty! They didn’t have the usual level of juicy tenderness that the whole burger normally has. Plus, with the cheese and bacon, it turned into an incredibly salty burger with high oiliness 😮.
🥑 Avocado Bacon Chicken (¥1,430):
A burger with avocado and fried chicken thigh.
The chicken thigh I used to have was fresh and juicy, and the crispiness of the bacon would enhance the burger's layers; the avocado flavor also blended well.
However, the chicken thigh I had this time was somewhat dry, and the fried coating was too thick and heavy, making every bite feel like just the fried coating, and it was very salty. I struggled to finish the entire burger.
🥤 Classic Shakes - Black Sesame Small (¥649):
A Japan-exclusive flavor of milkshake.
The milkshake's texture resembled just-melted ice cream, and the sesame flavor gave it a smoothness that made it less sweet (though it was still quite sweet), making it very satisfying to drink!
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Would I revisit? Maybe 🤔
This experience was quite disappointing; it probably won't be a place I’d want to eat at when traveling abroad in the future.
✏️
Note:
🔸 Supports various payment methods
[Taipei Xinyi] Retro House - Vintage American Diner
This burger shop has a large screen to watch matches. It's packed during meal times! It clearly is a popular spot. This time I tried the top three popular dishes, and the most recommended is actually the fried chicken wings – super tasty! The bread looks like it's been buttered and toasted, and it tastes even better than it smells.
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🍔 Traditional Peanut Nut Burger (Beef/Pork/Chicken, choose one) $210
＞ I chose the pork patty; it's small and thick, marinated beforehand. There's only a little lettuce, and it doesn't have the peanut butter flavor you might expect; it seems to be made with a sauce mixed with other nuts, tasting somewhat like satay.
🍔 RETRO HOUSE Classic Burger (Beef/Pork/Chicken, choose one) $180
＞ +$150: Includes fries and a vanilla milkshake✨
The fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside; the red cheese powder sprinkled on top is really delicious✨ The milkshake is very sweet, like melted vanilla ice cream, very rich, topped with strawberry crispy rolls, small marshmallows, and cookie crumbles.
＞ For the Classic Burger, I chose beef; it has cheese but no sauce, pure marinated meat flavor, still a bit beefy – also small and thick, slightly dry.
🍗 Fried Chicken Wings✨ $160
＞ Today's top recommendation: fried chicken wings! The marinade is very flavorful, fried to a thin, crispy skin, and seasoned with pepper; inside, they are tender and not dry 👍🏻
The following are my personal preferences and ratings, for reference only:
◽ Burger aroma: None ● ● ● ◐ ○ Fragrant
◽ Meat texture: Soft ● ● ● ◐ ○ Hard (Beef)
Soft ● ● ● ◐ ○ Hard (Pork)
◽ Juiciness: Dry ● ● ◐ ○ ○ Wet (Beef)
Dry ● ● ◐ ○ ○ Wet (Pork)
◽ Sauce flavor: Okay ● ○ ○ ○ ○ Good (Beef) no sauce
Okay ● ◐ ○ ○ ○ Good (Pork)
◽ Ingredient variety: Few ● ● ○ ○ ○ Many (multiple types but given in small amounts)
◽ Overall value assessment: Low ● ● ○ ○ ○ High
■ Address: No. 551, Songshan Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City
■ Phone: 02 2727 0330
■ Hours: 11:30-15:00, 17:00-21:00
■ Service charge applies
■ MRT Yongchun Station
■ Parking information: Xinyi Administrative Center parking lot
HUGE BURGER is located in Shilin Night Market and is a long-established, affordable American-style hamburger restaurant that I've known about since my student days. They specialize in giant American burgers, but the overall dining experience is not quite as expected.
✲ Mega Burger (Super Rich Peanut Pork + Grilled Chicken Leg)
I ordered the so-called "bigger than the face" Mega Burger, which allows you to choose two types of meat. I selected Super Rich Peanut Pork + Grilled Chicken Leg. The burger is cut into four equal parts, with the meat evenly distributed among two halves of the burger.
The staff suggested it could serve 2-4 people, but some people do finish a whole burger by themselves... I chose to take on the challenge alone (only to find out afterwards that it was a bit much for me, haha).
In summary: The meat is not bad, but the burger is very ordinary.
The bread itself lacks any special flavor and is bland. In comparison, the extra cheese sauce I chose for 40 NTD was more impressive. A small bowl of cheese sauce to dip the burger into added a bit of complexity to the overall flavor.
The Super Rich Peanut Pork is a handmade burger patty infused with peanut butter, which is actually quite tasty, and the patty is juicy. The grilled chicken leg is also noteworthy, somewhat reminiscent of the texture of New Orleans chicken legs.
The fillings of the burger only consist of lettuce and two types of meat (Super Rich Peanut Pork and grilled chicken leg), with no tomatoes, onions, pickles, or special sauces that could add more layers to the burger, which is a bit disappointing.
Simply having meat and lettuce can become somewhat monotonous. It feels like a burger costing over 400 NTD should have a more diverse filling to enrich its flavor.
The dining environment at HUGE BURGER is a bit worn but carries a retro vibe. The staff's attitude is acceptable, but it’s clear they are students working part-time. A glance at the dining crowd shows that mostly students frequent the place.
If they could improve the quality of the environment and the burgers, HUGE BURGER might attract a more diverse clientele.
One of the best burgers in Taipei
The decor and music in the store are more reminiscent of the style found in the Eastern District, which is relatively rare near Lane 30 on Yongji Road.
The classic Burnt burger has the perfect amount of char and is complemented well by the unique sauce drizzled over the tomatoes and sesame leaves. It's quite delicious without the need for complicated ingredients or seasonings; it's simply straightforward and tasty.
However, the fried chicken burger and fries didn't leave much of an impression.
Very delicious hamburgers. This time, I ordered the classic beef burger and the fried chicken burger. There is a lot of juice from the meat, and the vegetables balanced the overall flavor and texture very well. During my first visit, I tried the peanut beef burger, which also had bits of bacon inside; it was a bit greasy but still tasty. Currently, among American-style burgers in Taipei, this is my number one choice. I must say that the size of the burgers is slightly small, but it doesn't take away from their deliciousness. The environment in the store, whether in the dining area or the restroom, is very clean.
Burger Now Taipei, New Taipei City, Banqiao
I remember seeing this place online before. The environment is very spacious and clean, plus it is located near the MRT station. When I saw they had smoked-flavored burgers, I decided to check it out. Although the smoked burger didn't meet my expectations, I was unexpectedly won over by the chicken burger. 😍
The staff is friendly, and if there are any ingredients in the burger you don't eat, you can let them know beforehand. The self-service area in the shop provides gloves, baskets, and water, which is very considerate. They currently have an opening promotion until the end of November: for every burger ordered, you get a pair of chicken wings or a drink for 60 TWD.
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🍔 Smoked BBQ Beef Burger - NT$240
＞ Combo: None
＞ The bacon 🥓 is really generously thick! It has a strong presence, but it's a bit dry and tough. The beef patty isn't very thick, and it's a bit dry when eaten alone, but it tastes okay when combined with cheese. 👌
🍔 New Orleans Cheese Chicken Burger - NT$210✨
＞ Combo: None
＞ Surprising deliciousness! The chicken is marinated beforehand, tender and flavorful; it's super tasty with cheese. 🥺 I used to prefer beef, but this burger has made me a fan of chicken.
🍟 American Crispy Fries - NT$60 (a la carte)
＞ You can tell they are a bit oily, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Below are my honest ratings based on personal preference for reference:
◽ Burger Aroma: None ● ● ● ○ ○ Pleasant
◽ Meat Texture: Soft ● ● ● ○ ○ Hard (Beef)
Hard ● ● ● ● ○ Soft (Chicken)
◽ Juiciness Level: Dry ● ● ● ○ ○ Wet (Beef)
Dry ● ● ● ● ○ Wet (Chicken)
◽ Sauce Flavoring: Average ● ● ○ ○ ○ Good (Beef)
Average ● ● ● ● ◐ Good (Chicken)
◽ Ingredient Variety: Few ● ● ● ● ○ Abundant
◽ Overall Value for Money: Low ● ● ● ● ○ High
📍 No. 2, Alley 22, Lane 1, Songbai St., Banqiao District, New Taipei City
☎️ 02 6603 9069
⏰ 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
💰 No service charge
🐶 Pet friendly
🚇 MRT Jiangzicui Station
🚌 Bus stop names: MRT Jiangzicui Station, Shuangshi Road
🅿️ Map search: Jiangcui Elementary School Underground Parking Lot
It's somewhat like a chain burger shop similar to Mos Burger. The decor of the place is very retro American. They start serving in the morning, so when you want breakfast in Tokyo, this burger shop is the place to go.
In addition to beef and chicken burgers, they have a unique offering of "plant-based meat burgers," which seems to be less common in Taiwan. I had already tried their fried chicken burger before, and it was quite good. So this time, I decided to try their avocado plant-based meat burger.
🍔 Avocado Plant-Based Meat Burger ¥650
This flavor is the most expensive among all the burgers. The other burgers only cost around ¥400-500. But I must say, the plant-based meat is cooked very well. It has the texture of hamburger meat without the greasy feeling that comes from animal meat. It's very refreshing. Meat lovers might find it lacking in flavor and not satisfying enough, but I personally really enjoy this fresh taste. Plus, it comes with half an avocado 🥑, making the whole combination light and delicious. The burger bun itself is nothing special, but the plant-based meat part definitely scores high.
👉 For an additional ¥490, you can get a set meal, which includes a choice of chicken nuggets, a small salad, or regular fries, along with a drink.
I thought I wouldn’t want fried food for breakfast, so I opted for the small salad. It turned out to be a very bad decision. Their small salad was super unappetizing, made entirely of very bitter cabbage shreds, and it was just a tiny bowl with no other vegetables. The salad dressing tasted like sour yogurt, resembling a bad sour sauce. My friend and I both disliked it, so this part really took away from the experience.
For the drink, I chose iced American coffee. It was neither good nor bad, but iced is always nice!
The environment and service were both quite good. The staff noticed we were foreigners and proactively turned the menu over for us to see the English version (the prices were the same as those on the Japanese menu, which is great).
There were also some people using laptops, and it seemed like some seats were equipped with power outlets.
This burger shop that opens in the morning is a nice option if you want a simple burger for a meal. Just remember to avoid ordering the salad!📌
【Taipei Da'an】Three Pugs by Baba Burger Truck
Overall, the bun here lacks fragrance when eaten on its own. The lettuce is really fresh, and the toppings are abundant. The beef patty is soft and loose in texture. I prefer it slightly charred on the outside. The bacon mixed in is hardly noticeable.
When served, the burger is placed upside down, causing the sauce to seep into the bag. It's a bit of a hassle to push it up when eating. The burger could do without the paper box packaging, saving costs and being more environmentally friendly.
Since all the burgers ordered are beef, the texture is the same, only the sauce is different.
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🍔 Oil Garlic Mayonnaise (Beef/Pork)
$270 (Single), $350 (Double)
＞ Side dishes: None
＞ The garlic mayonnaise is quite fragrant.
🍔 Three Pugs Homemade Caramel Peanut Butter (Beef)
$280 (Single), $360 (Double)
＞ Side dishes: None
＞ Thick peanut butter, but couldn't taste the caramel flavor.
🥤 Intense Brew New Pugs Cocoa Milkshake $150
＞ Milkshake with a slushy texture, quite thick
＞ Tastes like coin chocolate, which I personally don't like
＞ Contains some dark chocolate crisps inside, quite hard to bite
◽Burger Aroma: None ● ● ○ ○ ○ Fragrant
◽Meat Texture: Soft ● ● ◐ ○ ○ Hard
◽Juiciness Level: Dry ● ● ● ● ○ Wet
◽Sauce Flavor: Average ● ● ● ◐ ○ Good
◽Topping Richness: Low ● ● ● ● ◐ High
◽Overall Value for Money: Low ● ● ◐ ○ ○ High
📍 1F, No. 15-2, Alley 5, Lane 107, Section 1, Fuxing South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
☎️ 02 2711 1460
⏰ 11:30–21:00 (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
💰 No service charge
🚇 MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station
🚌 Bus stop name: Breeze Center
🅿️ Map search: Breeze Parking Lot, Sun Moon Pavilion - Zhonglun RT-Mart Parking Lot
🍔 From ingredients to preparation, we insist on freshness, health, and deliciousness! A burger shop that leaves your body feeling satisfied 🥗
This place is my go-to when I’m not very hungry, as the overall feeling is light, somewhat resembling a healthy meal box, and it's super high in value for the price.
They make fresh handmade burgers every day, and the bread is baked from scratch with flour on the same day, resulting in a fluffy texture with a hint of wheat aroma. The burger patty is made from whole pieces of meat, making it very juicy, and the lettuce and tomatoes taste very fresh too.
Today, I ordered the limited-time laksa chicken thigh burger, and I was shocked by the huge thigh piece 😂 It's incredibly juicy, and the seasoning of the sauce is just right, although there was still a lot of sauce left in the bag after I finished eating 😂
I also added some thick-cut fries which I personally really liked as they were not heavily seasoned; it just felt very pure, like eating potatoes.
I have also tried the 15-grain rice and Mexican bean dishes before, and they really give off a healthy meal vibe, all for under 1000 yen!
I recommend it to those in Japan who need a healthy meal, or anyone who doesn't want to indulge too much while traveling 😂
📍Near MRT Xinyi Elementary School Station in Kaohsiung's Xinxing District
The exterior is very modern, and there is a large brand sign at the entrance. The interior space is also spacious and comfortable, making it great for taking photos. There are two floors with plenty of seating; you can order at the kiosk on the first floor and then find a seat on the second floor.
Meals 🥘
In summary, this is a fast-food restaurant with a pleasant dining environment, perfect for hanging out and grabbing a bite with a few friends. Given the price range, I think the quality of the meals is quite good. Although I had high expectations for the beef burger and was slightly disappointed, I would still like to come back and try other items next time.
