Restaurant review: Caliburger, Wan Chai - health-conscious burgers

CaliBurger, often compared with fellow Californian burger joint In-N-Out, opened its first branch in Hong Kong in September. It’s a nice option for the growing clan of health-conscious diners, as it boasts the use of fresh ingredients and zero trans-fat oils.

However, we’d take a few more calories if they used more fat in their slightly crumbly patty, made with 100 per cent lean US beef. Fortunately, the crunchy lettuce, juicy tomato, soft bun and tangy special sauce add flavour.

The sauce also spikes up the Wild Style Fries (HK$28), topped with caramelised onions and cheese. The buffalo chicken wings (HK$38) have a spicy kick, but all five pieces were drumettes instead of the more tender middle joint. The onion rings (HK$25) were too chewy and the batter too thick.

We like the creamy ice cream milkshakes (HK$48), in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. The burger menu basically comes down to number of patties; topping variety is limited. Try a hamburger (HK$48), double hamburger (HK$68), cheeseburger (HK$58), grilled cheese (HK$36) or Calidouble (HK$78). Add fries and a drink for HK$20. They also serve the Calichicken sandwich (HK$45) and Chipotle BBQ Chicken sandwich (HK$55).

Everything is made to order. The interior design is simple in wood and orange tones, while attention to details such as hooks on the table for hanging bags, and cables for charging phones, are thoughtful touches.

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CaliBurger, 68-76 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, tel: 2696 9008