I think my first resolution of the year was to complete this list – best burgers in Delhi. The idea started with actually finding good places, of course, ones that have nailed the balance right. Bun to patty to dressing ratio, the complementary sides and moving beyond the fast-food genre.
Hamburgers, the American staple finds its first inspiration from Hamburg, Germany. It wasn’t until the beginning of the 20th Century that burgers became popular in the fast service model. From Michelin Star restaurants to drive-throughs, who doesn’t like to get their hands messy with a big, bad burger.
Where did it all begin?
We have all had mom-made aloo burgers at home. And who can really get over the Gupta burgers on the streets? But it all began with McDonald’s debut about 20 years back, Burger King and Carl’s Jr elevating the game. Even though we still haven’t got the real deal – Shake Shack, Inn n Out or Five Guys. And to be honest, burgers from fast-food chains just never suffice. At least in Delhi, they haven’t, but Delhi cafes have surpassed themselves and here goes my list for the best burgers. (Finally!)
PLATS
The most recent hidden gem and discovery – I literally wrote a love letter for their 8 oz Tenderloin burger. Everything was perfect – from the butter sesame topped brioche buns, to the beautifully rendered medium-rare patty. The enormously messy burger elevates the humble dish and adds all the possible layers of gourmet food. Thick cut bacon, Cheddar cheese and a double fried egg aren’t unusual ingredients but used optimally and of the best quality, and they give you the greatest burger. Served with thick-cut French fries, fresh home-ground mustard and pickled cucumbers. Plats also does beautiful sandwiches and European plates. More here.
Cafe Delhi Heights
It was Cafe Delhi Height’s Juicy Lucy burger that took Delhi by sprawl. Juicy Lucy was my first experience with a real burger back in 2014. Each of Cafe Delhi Height’s outlets has a board saying the number of Juicy Lucy’s they have sold, evident of the popularity of the burger. The lamb patty burger, stuffed with liquid cheese is everything you look for in an indulgent burger. 250 grams of pound meat, seasoned with in house rubs and spices, stuffed with cheese and jalapenos. Sesame seed bun, coleslaw and lettuce dressing. The burger comes with a knife upright and you are advised to let the fried patty cool down before biting in.
AKU’s – The Burger Co.
Aku’s located at Defence Colony is a peppy burger place, which sort of lies in between gourmet and QSRs. But none the less whips out some of the best burgers in the city! They serve you with Freshman and Sophomore range of burgers. The Meister is the one I would recommend. Classic sesame seed bun, lightly toasted, lettuce, red onion and the house secret A-sauce which adds all the punch. Fresh lamb patty, crunchy bacon and a fried egg make it protein-rich. I have also tried the Chalapeno, and comparing the two, it’s the A-sauce that makes the burger what it is.
Cafe Tesu
Not all burgers are classical with the perfect meat and insanely good cheese. The lamb bourguignon at Cafe Tesu marries a French classic with the glutton goodness. Lamb bourguignon is a take on the traditional French stew – beef bourguignon. Made with chunks of meat, vegetables, slow-cooked in red wine like a stew. The burger at Cafe Tesu takes on a French outfit. Ground lamb, stuffed with brie, and topped with a red wine reduction. Arugula leaves, tomatoes, held together in a brioche bun, with a side salad, the most delectable truffle scented fried and a smear of beetroot sauce.
Reve Bistro
From infusions of the French cuisine to burgers at a French bistro. Reve, is a cozy space at Aerocity and one of the few places serving French cuisine in the city. But they also serve a range of the most kickass burgers. Fresh, in-house baked buttery brioche buns, served with fresh greens and crinkle fries. The two burgers that stand out most – slow-cooked pulled lamb burger and the beetroot burger. Pickles, lettuce and pulled lamb in a brioche bun works as an instant hit. It is the beetroot burger that deserves a special mention. Smoked beetroot and feta crumbled patty, Emmental cheese, tomatoes and burger mayonnaise. The beautiful purple of the patty, and the creamy, yet toothy bite, is absolutely worth a try!
Pulled lamb burger 
Beetroot patty burger
The best burgers in Delhi would be incomplete without also mentioning the excellent burgers they do at Sly Granny and Hotel Delmaar. Since both brands are from the same parent company, both the burgers are very similar – the difference being one is chicken and the other lamb. Brioche buns in both cases, cheese melted on the patty, crispy onions or gherkins. Although, just slightly under-dressed to hold it all together.
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