From LA to SG, go big at Fatburger with giant 4-patty burgers and all the toppings
What: Burgers and milkshakes never seem to go out of style. Coming with ferocity from Hollywood, American burger chain Fatburger—with a presence across the globe in 18 different countries, such as Japan, Canada, and China—has landed on Singapore’s sunny shores at two locations: Velocity at Novena Square, and KINEX (formerly known as OneKM Shopping Mall, I’m equally puzzled about the rebranding) in Katong.
What to expect: With more than 70 years in the business of satisfying burger fiends—celebrity fans include Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Quentin Tarantino and Heidi Klum—two key points this ‘Last Great Hamburger Stand’ (the fast-food burger chain’s tagline) has mastered are thick and juicy patties and freedom to customize your burger.
These same principles follow through at the Singapore outlets, where they are committed to using only chilled beef patties, with a perfected 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio, so we retain the flavourful juices of their Alberta Angus beef chuck patties.
Kids’ burger VS Regular burger at Fatburger Singapore
Sandwiched between pillowy, fragrant brioche (or wholemeal) buns, the coarsely minced beef patties, succulent and ever-so-slightly pink in the center, are both flavoursome and tender, and crumble nicely with each bite.
Highlights: It’s built-to-order burgers galore at Fatburger’s, where you’ll be able to order from a single-patty Original Burger ($7.90) up to a protein-packed, four-patty Quad Burger ($15.90). There is also a range of complimentary condiments—lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard, relish, onions and pickles—or you can choose to stack on additional toppings like cheese, egg, beef bacon, onion rings, and chilli at just $1 each.
Other options include a vegan Veggie Burger ($7.50), and a Beef Bacon & Egg Sandwich ($5.90) hiding amongst their ‘Fries & More’ section. You can also opt for a Skinny Burger ($7.50) where we hear a beef patty is halved to replace the buns that hold your sandwich together.
Co-branded with Buffalo’s Express, they also serve a variety of chicken items, from Bone-in wings, Boneless Chicken to Chicken Tenders.
Naturally, I had to be a rebel and order the Chicken Sandwich. The hearty chunk of fried chicken arrives piping hot, to which my dining companion’s mouth immediately regrets. Lucky for free-flow soft drinks, available as part of our upsized meal—top up $4 to enjoy free-flow soft drinks and a choice of Fat Fries or Skinny Fries.
Not that the chicken burger was bad, but it just wasn’t memorable, and lacked that meaty depth I seek when I’m craving a good burger.
I also tried the Double XXL ($10.90, two beef patties) with added chilli and cheese (add-ons $1 each), wrapped in a unique gluten-free bun option ($2.90). Terrible choice for a gluten-eating person.
The bun was really quite stiff—just a bit softer than a hard bagel—making it tough and messy to eat as the hard gluten-free wrappers smooshes the fillings out as you eat.
In case you’re wondering, there is a Quad Burger Challenge. There’s no time limit or record to beat, so not so much thrill there, but you do score yourself a certificate and have your picture up on their wall of fame.
From the sides, the Homemade Onion Rings ($5.90) were a standout. Made fresh, generously sliced sweet onions are dipped into a special batter then fried to crisp and light perfection.
Verdict: Won’t lie, one of my favourite burger joints is Omakase, because of their meltingly tender, premium patties. Fatburger’s may not be identical, but the experience definitely comes close and you get more bang for your buck. A regular burger at Omakase costs about the price of a Quad Burger ($15.90), but you’re getting FOUR patties here for that price!
This was an invited media tasting session, though all views expressed are my own.
Fatburger Singapore (Katong)
Address: #01-70/71/72, Kinex, 11 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437157
Tel: +65 6245 5563
Opening hours: Daily 10am-10pm
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Fatburger Singapore (Novena) OPENING END SEPT 2018
Address: #01-08/09 Novena @ Velocity,238 Thomson Road, Singapore 307683
Tel: +65 6253 2758
Opening hours: Daily 7,30am-10pm
