Nope. That not me. I'm the ugliest duckling that hides behind the camera.Its been the longest time since I've heard lots of good comments and recommendations, yet surprisingly not many food blogs have done reviews on this place. After finding much needed time and star alignments, I finally did the plunge and had the opportunity to review this place. Just a bit background information on The Handburger. Did you know that they are established by the same management as the Soup Spoon. Well. Now you do.
Intriguing MenuInteresting play for they menu design. The clipboard reminds me of the waitress taking your orders in road dinners in America which the whole burger industry is born from. Now gone are the routes and up with the shopping malls, but its subtle touches like this that remind us of the root which we origin.
I bet you can't say no to these.
Beer Battered CalamariThe Beer Battered Calamari was huge and were piping hot went they arrived on the table. Each ring is cover with a chunky crust, which is crisp and not oily. Upon biting into the ring reviews a tender and not too elastic squid. There are also a variety of dipping sauces condiments that are paired with the calamari for your choice. Unfortunately, you can only choose one of of the whole array of assorted flavors which makes it rather disappointing. I went with the Garlic Aioli which is surprising better than the normal mayo or Tatar sauce that is commonly served. Its slightly similar to mayo, but with a bit spicy and garlic tangy in it. I couldn't stop dipping into it. Make sure that you eat these hot to truly enjoy them at their highest potential.
Pulled Pork BurgerWhen one think of burgers, the instead though is patties. The Pulled Pork Burger as the name suggests is shredded pork which is pulled from the bone, which the tender pork flesh is slowly cook to a tender. Each mouthful is a juicy meat is drowsed with homemade barbecue sauce that engulfs all senses. The slaw on top seems to be a mix of onions and skinless tomatoes which has a sweet and tangy vinegar slight sour, compliments the heavy and robust barbecue sauce. Striking a balance between sweet and savory. All these sits on a bed of coral lettuce, tomato and toasted rustic bun. Just make sure to pick your teeth later with all those gummy strings of pork stuck between your teeth.
Tandoor Chicken BurgerHave craving for Indian food or satay. Not to worry. Handburger has many burgers to satisfy anyone with any craving. As one would come to expect this burger would take many traits from what its name suggest, tandoori chicken. The chicken is fragrant and well seasoned, a little less spicy that what I expected. The thigh meat was marinated in yogurt cucumber, red onions, hand cooked masala sauce and mint mayo. Sits on a sweet mango chutney, coral lettuce, tomato and toasted spinach and parmesan bun.
Duck Leg Confit BurgerThe French come to detest what of which is American food, the burger. Thus you don't see the presents of it in french cuisines. Asking for it would invite stares and a slap across the face. Interesting the people in Handburger beg to differ from tradition and includes this fusion burger into their menu. This is also one of the more raved burgers in Handburger.
No wonder praises of this are sang. The duck is tender and moist. The meat simply flakes off when cut into, shows a slight pretty pink. No pungent duck smell could be detected. Instead the pairing of the mandarin oranges bring this dish is a even new high. The impossible natural sweet of the thin wedges of oranges preach on the boneless duck leg confit makes prefect bliss that words can describe. The mix of baby snow pea sprouts and coral lettuce add texture and the much welcome of green. All sits on a toasted caramelized onion bun. Only difference between this and the original duck leg confit is that the skin here is limpy instead of the crispy texture that one would expect. Though this is a small trade off of a wonderful gastronomic burger. If there are 5 stars I would give a 7. Highly recommended.
No wonder praises of this are sang. The duck is tender and moist. The meat simply flakes off when cut into, shows a slight pretty pink. No pungent duck smell could be detected. Instead the pairing of the mandarin oranges bring this dish is a even new high. The impossible natural sweet of the thin wedges of oranges preach on the boneless duck leg confit makes prefect bliss that words can describe. The mix of baby snow pea sprouts and coral lettuce add texture and the much welcome of green. All sits on a toasted caramelized onion bun. Only difference between this and the original duck leg confit is that the skin here is limpy instead of the crispy texture that one would expect. Though this is a small trade off of a wonderful gastronomic burger. If there are 5 stars I would give a 7. Highly recommended.
I noticed that different burger buns are selected based on the respective ingredients that goes into making the burger. Shows that intricate planning and careful consideration was really taken to bring out the best of each burger. Not some random cash cow industry that churns out money.
All burgers comes served with a choice of either Straight Cut Fries or Chilled Stuffed Tomato for the sides.
Straight Cut FriesThe fries here are deep fried still with the skin attached. Its crisp in the outside and fluffy in the inside. Love the extra texture that the skin brings about compare the normal fries that we are accustom to get. The default dipping sauce is barbecue sauce, unless you request accordingly.
Chilled Stuffed Tomato
Bursting with natural goodness.This is a rather unique dish. A chilled peeled skinless tomato is stuffed to the brim with coleslaw of purple lettuce, carrots and onions. The coleslaw has a minute nature sweetness and seems to be toss with a slightly sweet and mild vinegar. A splash of special carrot and sesame sauce to add for dressing. This dish is extremely unique and at the same time health, a must try for the health conscious. Taste wise it may not appeal to everyone, but I urge you to give it a try.
Lemonade MintThis is basically crushed iced lemonade with mint. The mint does add a refreshing touch to the drink. However, I find it a bit too sour. If the drink were to be slightly sweet that would be the better.
Lychee MintThe sweet fragrances of the lychee and the refreshing cool mint together with crush ice makes this a real winner drink. This two ingredient do not overpower one another, one can taste both lychee and mint distinctively. Really nice drink to wash down those greasy burgers. Makes all my friends jealous for now ordering this.
The environment is brightly lit and compact seating. Thus sitting can troubling if you were to go in large groups. The tables reminds me of the canteen and school diners that we have in your childhood days. Service wise the staff are usually young waiters and some are a bit slower to react, but do not let this falter the great kitchen staff that prepares your food. Due to the small kitchen, you may not to wait a while (depending on the crowd) for your meal to arrive. However, trust me its worth it.
Handburger dares to be difference and innovative, greatly differentiating the man from the boys. Breaking every rule that there is to making a burger and yet succeeding in across that thin line between gastronomic explosion and total disaster. It is not art here that we see, but a stroke of genius that makes creatively melts all the flavors together in present harmony. Proofing that there is more to it, then just plain hamburger.
The Handburger
252 North Bridge Road
#B1-77/78 Raffles City Shopping Centre
Tel: 6334 4577
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