Burgers have come a long way from the classic cheeseburger. Every country has put its own spin on this beloved comfort food, adding local ingredients, bold sauces, and creative twists.
The best part? You can recreate most of these at home with the right sauce. So let's take a tasty trip around the world, one burger at a time.
1. Rice Burgers (Japan)
Japanese rice burgers swap bread buns for crispy, compressed rice patties. The filling is usually a glazed chicken or beef patty, drizzled with a sweet-savoury teriyaki sauce.
The rice adds a lovely crunch, and the sauce does all the heavy lifting for flavour. If you're curious about this style, Boombay's Teriyaki Stir Fry Sauce gives you that authentic glaze without any fuss.
2. The "Lot" Burger (Australia)
Australians don't hold back. A burger "with the lot" comes loaded with a beef patty, bacon, fried egg, melted cheese, grilled pineapple, pickled beetroot, lettuce, and tomato.
Yes, beetroot on a burger. It sounds odd, but the earthy sweetness balances all that richness beautifully. A tangy barbecue sauce ties everything together.
3. X-Tudo (Brazil)
X-Tudo means "cheese-everything" in Portuguese. And Brazil takes that literally.
Multiple beef patties stacked with ham, bacon, sausage, cheese, a fried egg, corn, peas, potato sticks, and a creamy sauce. It's a tower of indulgence. When you have this many ingredients, you need a sauce bold enough to hold its own. Something punchy, like a garlic chilli blend, works wonders.
4. Bøfsandwich (Denmark)
Copenhagen's favourite street food is basically a burger swimming in gravy. The bøfsandwich features a spiced beef patty topped with fried onions, pickles, and a creamy remoulade sauce. Then, it all gets drenched in warm brown gravy.
Perfect for cold evenings when you want something hearty and comforting.
5. Korean BBQ Burger (South Korea)
Korean BBQ burgers bring that smoky, slightly sweet, umami-packed flavour to the table. The patty is glazed with a sticky Korean BBQ sauce made with sesame, garlic, and a hint of sweetness.
Top it with kimchi and pickled radish. It's bold, it's flavourful, and it's incredibly satisfying.
6. Vada Pav (India)
Often called India's original burger, the vada pav is a spiced potato fritter tucked into a soft pav bun. It comes slathered with green chutney and a fiery dry garlic chutney.
Simple, affordable, and packed with flavour. If you want to level it up at home, add a spoonful of Schezwan Sauce for an Indo-Chinese twist that hits all the right notes.
7. Ramly Burger (Malaysia)
Street vendors in Malaysia wrap their burger patties in a thin egg omelet before tucking them into soft buns. The result is juicy, rich, and utterly delicious.
The signature sauce combines chilli, mayo, and a touch of sweetness. It's messy, it's indulgent, and it's worth every bite.
How to Bring Global Flavours Home
You don't need fancy ingredients to make these burgers. The secret is in the sauce.
Start with what you have. Experiment with toppings. Let the sauce be the star.
It's time to make tasty burgers, the Boombay way. Shop the entire collection here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What makes a burger "gourmet"?
Gourmet burgers use quality ingredients, creative toppings, and flavourful sauces. It's about thoughtful combinations, not just size.
Q. Can I make these burgers at home?
Absolutely. Most global burger styles use simple ingredients. The sauce is usually the key differentiator.
Q. What's the best sauce for Asian-style burgers?
A sweet-savoury glaze like teriyaki or Korean BBQ works beautifully. Add chilli oil for extra heat.
Q. How do I stop my burger from falling apart?
Don't overwork the meat. Press a small indent in the centre of the patty, and toast your buns lightly.
Q. Can I make vegetarian versions?
Yes. Paneer patties, mushroom burgers, or chickpea patties pair wonderfully with global sauces.
Q. What's the easiest global burger to try first?
Start with the Korean BBQ burger. It's simple, uses accessible ingredients, and the sauce does most of the work.
