Hanbaagaasuuteeki gets a lot right (and a little wrong) in Victoria’s burger scene

Hanbaagaasuuteeki might be a mouthful to pronounce, but it’s also the name on everyone’s lips in Victoria’s burger scene. This new Asian inspired burger joint has drawn crowds for its quirky fusion of flavors. So we had to see what the buzz was about.

Tucked on Buckingham Palace Road amidst big name burger competitors, Hanbaagaasuuteeki boldly does its own thing. Each burger here riffs on a different Asian cuisine, from Thai chillies to Japanese mayo. It’s a fun concept that promises something fresh in a city flooded with smash burgers. But does Hanbaagaasuuteeki really deliver?

We dropped in for a feast to find out, and left with plenty to rave (and a couple of things to gripe) about.

Quick info before you order

• Restaurant: Hanbaagaasuuteeki
• Where: Victoria, London
• Must order: Shrimp burger (surf-and-turf perfection) and the Miso fries
• Skip: Isan burger (unless you crave heat for heat’s sake)
• Seating: Counter stools inside, a few communal outdoor tables
• Good to know: No customer bathroom (plan accordingly, especially with kids).

Read our Hanbaagaasuuteeki restaurant review to find out more.

Shrimp Kong ‘Baga’ burger, for when surf trumps turf

The shrimp Kong ‘Baga’ burger arrives looking towering and indulgent, and it absolutely steals the show.

This creation stacks a thin smashed beef patty with plump, crispy shrimp on top, effectively a delicious surf-and-turf in a bun.

The first bite is a revelation, with juicy beef and sweet and crunchy prawn, wrapped up in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that hits the ideal sweet-savoury balance. There’s a touch of spice (a whisper of gochujang style kick in the sauce, perhaps) and a sprinkle of nori seaweed adding umami depth.

It’s messy, it’s decadent, and it works. In fact, it works so well that it outshines the all beef burgers on the menu by a mile. The shrimp are cooked just right too, being bite-sized, springy, and not at all rubbery.

If you’re a die-hard beef burger fan, Hanbaagaasuuteeki’s shrimp burger might just convert you. We’re already planning a return visit for this beauty alone.

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Isan burger is spice over substance

Next up, the Isan burger sounded promising on paper but ended up being the curveball at Hanbaagaasuuteeki.

Touting inspiration from Thailand’s Isan region, this double-patty beef burger comes loaded with serious heat. Think green bird’s eye chili levels of spicy. From the first bite, a green pepper flavor lands first, followed by green chilli heat.

There’s supposed to be a mix of Thai herbs, but any nuance gets bulldozed by the chili onslaught. The two beef patties themselves are well-cooked and juicy, and there’s melty cheese and some kind of spicy relish, but honestly it’s hard to tell because the spice is in overdrive.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good chili kick, but the Isan burger feels one-dimensional. It’s spicy for the sake of being spicy, and there’s not much complexity of flavour here.

Hanbaagaasuuteeki isn’t afraid to bring the heat, but in the Isan burger’s case, a little more finesse would have gone a long way.

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Miso fries are an umami packed must-order

Every great burger needs a great sidekick, and Hanbaagaasuuteeki’s miso fries are the side to order.

These medium-cut fries come out golden and shatteringly crisp, robust enough to hold a plethora of toppings without going soggy. And oh, what glorious toppings they are!

Picture a drizzle of creamy Japanese mayo over the hot fries, with a smattering of pickled ginger (those thin pink slivers that add a zesty pop of flavour), and a final flourish of crumbled nori seaweed and sesame.

The result is a mountain of umami, salty-sweet, tangy goodness that we could not stop eating.

The contrast of textures and flavours is addictive, with the crispy potato, creamy mayo, punchy ginger, savory miso and seaweed. If you get only one side at Hanbaagaasuuteeki (and you absolutely should get at least one), make it the miso fries.

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Asian flavors in every bite of the Hanbaagaasuuteeki menu

The Hanbaagaasuuteeki menu isn’t your typical burger joint lineup. Instead of the usual one-note offerings, this menu reads like a mini tour of Asia in burger form.

Each burger is a nod to a different cuisine. There’s a Korean-inspired kimchi burger loaded with house-made kimchi and spicy mayo, and even a Chinese-tinged Szechuan chicken ‘baga’ featuring a massive crispy fried chicken breast dusted in numbing Szechuan pepper.

And don’t worry, purists – Hanbaagaasuuteeki hasn’t forgotten the classic smash burger with its ‘Another Double Cheese’ burger, a straightforward double beef patty with American cheese for those who like to keep it old-school.

Sides continue the East-meets-West fun. In addition to the miso-topped fries we inhaled, you’ll find Honey Gochu Sticks (think deep-fried cheese sticks coated in a sticky honey-gochujang glaze and sprinkled with seaweed).

Each item on the menu has a creative twist. It’s clear the team here set out to differentiate the Hanbaagaasuuteeki menu from the standard burger fare, and on that front they’ve succeeded.

You won’t find boredom on this menu as there’s always another bold sauce or unexpected ingredient waiting to surprise you.

Final thoughts on Hanbaagaasuuteeki in Victoria

At the end of our meal, we’re feeling pretty impressed, and very full. Hanbaagaasuuteeki delivers big on flavor, injecting new life into London’s burger scene with its daring Asian-fusion approach.

Not everything is perfect though. The no-customer-bathroom situation is a definite inconvenience (and very impractical if you were thinking of bringing kids). And the Isan burger’s spice level could use a dial-down in favour of balance.

The mostly counter seating setup also means it’s not the most comfortable spot if you’re in a big group or looking to linger.

But when a casual burger joint is serving up something as special as that shrimp burger and those miso fries, it’s easy to forgive a few quibbles.

The staff were friendly and efficient even amid the rush, the vibe is buzzy and fun, and you can tell a lot of thought went into the menu’s creation.

In a neighborhood packed with burger options, Hanbaagaasuuteeki stands out by offering a flavorful twist you won’t get elsewhere.

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Address – 36 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0RE
Nearest Tube – Victoria