20 Burgers From Around the World That Put American Burgers to Shame
Are These Better Than American Burgers?
American burgers have earned their place in fast-food history, but the rest of the world has developed some seriously delicious alternatives. From Japanese rice buns and Korean-inspired toppings to Australian beetroot slices and South African boerewors flavors, different countries have found plenty of ways to reinvent the classic handheld meal. Some of these burgers stick closely to the familiar beef patty and bun, while others take such creative approaches to ingredients and toppings that you might reconsider your usual order.
1. Japan's Teriyaki Burger
There is nothing that goes better with a sweet-glazed burger than some lettuce and mayonnaise. Teriyaki burgers in Japan normally come with all three. These burgers can be found at many of Japan's fast-food places, one of which is McDonald's.
2. Australia's Classic Works Burger
In Australia, they never skimp on toppings for their burgers. The classic works burger can contain everything from bacon and fried eggs to beetroot and pineapple. With your burger having so much flavor going on, it can sometimes feel like you're eating too much.
3. South Korea's Bulgogi Burger
The Korean version of the burger takes inspiration from the Korean dish known as bulgogi. There are many recipes for this burger, but most of them include beef and ingredients that are normally used when preparing bulgogi, such as soy sauce, garlic, and sesame.
4. Japan's Rice Burger
If you thought that burgers had to consist of a bread roll, then think again. Rice is what is used to make this burger's buns. This Japanese burger will typically have grilled beef or other meats stuffed inside.
5. India's Aloo Tikki Burger
India's aloo tikki burger swaps the traditional beef patty for a spiced potato patty, making it a popular vegetarian option. The potato is typically seasoned with spices and herbs, coated or crisped on the outside, and served with chutneys or sauces that bring tangy, spicy flavors. Some versions also include onions, tomatoes, and lettuce for extra crunch. McDonald's India helped popularize its own version, the McAloo Tikki, proving that a burger doesn't need beef to have plenty of personality.
6. Brazil's X-Tudo Burger
As you can see, Brazilians pack their burgers full of toppings. The everything burger means that the possibilities are endless. Your X-Tudo burger could have any amount of cheese, meat, lettuce, tomatoes, and even potato sticks. If you like having several textures and flavors in one meal, this Brazilian street-food favorite certainly doesn't hold back.
7. Turkey's Islak Burger
Better known as the wet burger, the Istanbul burger is served on a small bun that is dipped in a garlic-tomato sauce. Since your bun is soaked in this sauce, it will have a softer feel to it. Vendors often keep the burgers warm in glass steam cabinets, making them a familiar late-night snack around Taksim Square. It's a messy little burger, but that's part of its appeal.
8. Mexico's Cemita-Inspired Burger
The state of Puebla is known for its famous cemita. A cemita isn't technically a burger, but we can make one with its fillings. This Mexican burger could contain beef, avocado, onions, and the famous Mexican herb papalo.
9. South Africa's Gatsby-Inspired Burger
Cape Town's Gatsby is a massive sandwich traditionally made with a long roll filled with ingredients such as fries, meat, salad, and sauces. While it isn't technically a burger, its generous fillings have inspired plenty of burger-style variations. A Gatsby-inspired burger might combine a beef patty with crispy fries, spicy sauce, cheese, and pickled vegetables.
10. Canada's Poutine Burger
This is a Canadian favorite that includes two comfort foods in one. The poutine burger will have fries on top of your burger, along with some cheese curds and gravy. It's certainly not the tidiest burger to eat, but anyone who loves poutine will understand the appeal.
11. France's Raclette Burger
Another great cheeseburger that can be found in France is the raclette burger. Your burger will consist of cheese on top of your meat, and you can also include some caramelized onions on top of that. Raclette cheese will melt nicely over your burger, giving you that creamy burger taste.
12. Italy's Parmigiana Burger
Taking some Italian flavors, we have the parmigiana burger. Just as you would when making eggplant parmigiana, we'll be adding some marinara and cheese to our burger. Your burger will have a nice tangy flavor from the sauce and melted mozzarella.
13. Argentina's Choripán-Inspired Burger
Argentina's choripán is a beloved sandwich featuring grilled chorizo sausage in bread, usually served with chimichurri or other sauces. Although the traditional version doesn't use a ground-beef burger patty, its combination of grilled meat, bread, and punchy condiments makes it an excellent source of burger inspiration.
14. Colombia's Loaded Hamburger
When it comes to Colombians and their burgers, you'll never run out of options. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this hamburger. What makes this style stand out is its willingness to mix sweet, creamy, crunchy, and savory ingredients in a single burger.
Juan David Naar Ortiz on Unsplash
15. The Philippines' Longganisa Burger
There are many varieties of the Filipino sausage called longganisa. It can be made sweet or garlicky. You can also use some garlic rice and put a fried egg on your burger. The result offers a distinctly Filipino twist for anyone who wants something different from a standard beef burger.
16. Indonesia's Rendang Burger
Rendang is associated with the Minangkabau ethnic group in West Sumatra. Using spices to cook your meat will give you this amazing burger. Ingredients such as chili, lemongrass, galangal, and coconut bring warmth and depth to the flavor profile. It takes a familiar burger format and gives it the complex, aromatic qualities of a celebrated Indonesian dish.
17. New Zealand's Beetroot and Egg Burger
New Zealand has its own take on the loaded burger, often featuring beetroot and a fried egg alongside the usual beef patty and salad ingredients. Beetroot adds sweetness and an earthy flavor, while the egg contributes richness when its yolk breaks over the other toppings. Cheese, tomato, lettuce, and sauces may also appear, depending on the burger shop.
18. Germany's Frikadellen-Inspired Burger
German frikadellen can be used as burger patties because they're similar to hamburgers, although they may have a few extra ingredients added to the meat, such as onion. You will still have a burger that consists of beef and all the toppings you like.
Maheshkumar Painam on Unsplash
19. Thailand's Thai-Inspired Burger
Thai-inspired burgers bring together the familiar burger format and the bright flavors found in Thai cooking. Depending on the recipe, a burger might feature a pork or chicken patty seasoned with garlic, lemongrass, chili, and herbs, then topped with pickled vegetables or a spicy sauce. Some versions borrow the sweet, sour, salty, and spicy balance associated with Thai cuisine, while others incorporate ingredients such as Thai basil or peanut sauce.
20. Switzerland's Rösti Burger
Switzerland's rösti is a potato dish made from grated potatoes that are fried until crisp and golden. In a rösti burger, the potato preparation can be used as a crunchy topping or as a substitute for one or both bread buns, depending on the recipe. Pairing crisp potatoes with a juicy beef patty, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce creates a hearty combination with plenty of texture.
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