Where: BurgerFuel, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai
What: 1/3 Pounder with cheese
Build: 1/3 pound 100% pure New Zealand beef, melted cheddar, bread and butter pickles, Dijon mustard, relish and fresh natural BF aioli.
Comment: Decorated in bright turquoise and indigo, the restaurant looked attractive, and did its part to be eco-friendly by using paper bags and cups to serve the food in. A ‘Doofer’ is provided which is a patented cardboard holder for the burger to prevent your hands getting dirty. The buns are fresh and gluten-free, giving the burger an extra kick in flavour. The New Zealand beef was well cooked and juicy, and the combination of sauces created a sensation my taste buds didn’t know was possible.
Recommendations: Food and service was great and was still in my budget! I felt I was doing my part to support BurgerFuel’s cause to conserve the environment and would definitely come back for more.
Saniya’s rating: 5/5
Where: Chili’s, Khalidiya Mall, Abu Dhabi
What: Bacon Burger
Build: Beef patty, crispy beef bacon, aged cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, shredded lettuce, tomato & pickle.
Comment: The homely atmosphere and welcoming staff made me feel like I was eating at a local diner instead of a world-renowned American franchise. The menu was difficult to pick from but I decided on their trademark ‘Big Mouth Burger’. The meal took a little longer to arrive than expected, and came with a side of homestyle fries and the meat and condiments placed in a sesame seed bun. With cheese oozing out the sides and beef so juicy that it dribbled down my mouth, it was hard to resist and soon the burger was gone.
Recommendations: Food was good and right in my budget, and the service was acceptable. I would happily eat there again.
Saniya’s rating: 4/5
Where: Fuddruckers, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi
What: Swiss Melt Burger
Build: Beef patty, sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions and Swiss cheese.
Comment: This restaurant chain has been an all-time favourite in the UAE for good reason. Their incredibly filling servings go hand in hand with the unique and loved flavours. A friendly waiter took my burger order and asked how I wanted the meat done. There’s nothing extraordinary about how they serve it but you can visit the salad and condiment bar to load up on extras to your liking. Fuddruckers is especially good with keeping the juices of the meat intact. The best thing about the food is the consistency in flavour, quality and service.
Recommendations: Nothing fancy but everything is just right. Food and service was great as always.
Saniya’s rating: 3½/5
Where: Grand Central, Abu Dhabi
What: Chicken burger
Build: Organic chicken patty, lettuce, chopped tomatoes, onions and pickles.
Comment: A small restaurant that looks great from a distance; however only the brave would venture on this journey in summer with its outdoor-only seating. The heat is enough to stifle any appetite. The typical condiments didn’t do it for me either; I was looking for innovation from this New York-style restaurant. Extra condiments can be added for an additional cost which is, I think, quite steep. Their limited menu consists of only three burgers: beef, chicken and veggie. The chicken burger didn’t knock me off my feet but their milkshakes were rather delicious.
Recommendations: Ideal location if you plan to dine in winter but not in summer! Not high on my ‘must visit again’ list.
Saniya’s rating: 3/5
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