Got a hankering for a juicy burger in Taipei? We rounded up some of the best tasting yet still reasonably priced burger joints in town. Keep in mind that Taiwan isn’t known for their hamburgers or American food, so if you’re seeking an out of this world gourmet burger experience… you’re probably not going to find it. But if you’re looking to satisfy a simple burger craving, these suggestions should do the trick!
1885 Burger Store
1885 is a popular go-to place for burgers located only a short walk from the Shida night market. You can find a wide array of standard cheeseburgers (Cheddar, Swiss, Pepper Jack, Blue Cheese) as well as some more interesting sauces and toppings (BBQ Pineapple, Smoked Salmon Havarti, Mexican Tartar). All burgers come with a side of delicious fries served in a bucket. Meals will run you about 130-340NT. Reservations are recommended to avoid a long wait given that this place is typically packed, especially during lunch and dinner hours.
Add: 57 Shiming Dadao, Songshan District
KGB Kiwi Gourmet Burger
KGB is a burger joint truly worthy of a visit, located just outside of Taipower Building MRT Exit 3 in an alley across from Welcome. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxing, with warm lighting and comfy seats. KGB offers both American style classics as well as New Zealand inspired burgers, like the CC Heaven that’s topped with Camembert cheese and cranberry sauce. All burgers (150-300NT) are served with your choice of fries or salad. You choose from four types of homemade patties: beef, chicken, vegetarian (lentil and walnut – a “must try”), and even lamb. Drink selections (100-150NT) include an extensive arrange of fruit smoothies, milkshakes, and imported New Zealand beers.
Add: No. 5, Lane 114, Shīdà Road, Da’an District
California Grill
Located on Taipei’s well-known Yongkang Street, California Grill uses all fresh ingredients, preservative free buns, and imported American beef. Not only are California Grill’s patties extra thick and juicy, but they also have a homemade flame-grilled quality to them. Healthier alternatives are also available, such as salmon, grilled chicken breast, and tofu burgers. Their signature Mofo burger is a popular choice that’s packed with flavor, piled with cheese, 2 strips of bacon, BBQ sauce and garlic mayo. Burgers alone will cost you about 155-235NT. For an additional 50NT, you can make it a meal with a drink and fries or salad. The interior décor includes diner style counter seating and bright yellow walls covered with vintage California wall art.
Add: No.53-1 Yong Kang Street
Forkers 佛克汉堡
Known for fusing unique toppings and flavors together, Forkers offers a wide selection of appetizers, salads, and 50+ types of burger combinations. Curious how Forkers came up with its name? The restaurant is famous for its open-faced burgers, so saucy and messy that you can’t help but use a fork to eat. Some examples of their one-of-a-kind burger creations: Monster Burger (spicy red hot sauce, blue cheese, fried onions, bacon, creamy ranch dressing), Australian (BBQ sauce, fried egg, beets, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onions), and Hack Burger (cheese, chicken finger slices, bacon, honey mustard). All meals come with your choice of patty (beef, chicken, fish, crispy chicken, veggie), two sides (fries, salad) and a drink. Expect to drop around 200-300NT per meal.
Add: No. 8, Aly. 10, Ln. 223, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Da’an District
Bravo Burger 發福廚房
With 3 branches located throughout Taipei, Bravo Burger is an American style burger joint. Aside from traditional classics, you can order burgers with unusual toppings such as peanut butter, cheese hash browns, or fried wasabi chicken. Meals (240-350NT) include a side (fries, fried mushrooms, onion rings, potato wedges) and drink. For an extra 60NT a pop, Bravo Burgers also offers good ol’ Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, and Canada Dry ginger ale.
Add: 72 Shiming Dadao, Da’an District
Burger & Co
Burger and Co.’s space is tiny, but cozy with pops of ketchup red and mustard yellow. There are only three tables inside and a row of counter bar seating so groups bigger than four would have to split up, and there are a few tables outside open for seating when the weather is nice out. Look for happy hour specials for beer and free wifi.
Burgers come playfully branded with a mustache atop each bun and are served with a wrapper you can wrap around to help minimize the mess. Our bacon cheeseburger (NT$170) was a good size and the proportion of meat and veggies to bun are nice and even. They don’t have a lot of add ons (I asked if there was avocado and the answer was no), but you can opt for a fried egg topper.
Add: No. 49, Tong An St