Eat like a local in Kuala Lumpur: 5 joints serving up the sloppiest, most satisfying gourmet burgers in town

Malaysians are no strangers to burgers. Having grown up on a steady diet of street burgers that evoke joy with every bite (and the mere sighting of a Ramly stall), locals love a good burger – the sloppier, the better. Here, we’ve rounded up the best Kuala Lumpur has got to offer: gourmet renditions of a universal favourite that’s sure to please every palate.

Define: Burgers, Bukit Jalil

It may have only just swung open the doors to its first brick-and-mortar earlier this month, but Define: Burgers is anything but amateur. Popular demand saw it outgrow its humble kiosk within a year, and it has since expanded its menu and premises to include even more tasty creations by award-winning celebrity chef Malcolm Goh.

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Although the cool and casual joint offers both chicken and beef varieties, the skilful way in which it fries beautifully seasoned chicken thighs to crispy perfection is something you must experience. The Malaysian Buttermilk burger is a fine example of this, its lightly battered chicken elevated by creamy buttermilk sauce and curry leaves. It packs a flavourful punch without overpowering the poultry, which, in our definition, is scrumptious.

Address: C-8, 1, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 1, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur

myBurgerLab, Sunway

There’s no doubt about it: myBurgerLab takes fun seriously and makes its burgers seriously fun. With names such as Ultraman (crunchy chicken thigh drenched in salted egg yolk sauce), Bulbasaur (fried chicken patty with green salsa and seaweed mayo), and Jammin’ With Elvis (beef patty with peanut butter and blueberry jam), the creative “geeks” (as they like to call themselves) behind this wacky laboratory know how to cause a chuckle and delight taste buds with unusual yet delicious combinations.

Don’t be surprised to find Konnyaku jelly and deep-fried salmon between its signature charcoal buns, or toppings of pineapple rings coated with mango mayo – it’s all part of creating explosive flavour combinations that will leave you craving for more.

Address: 3, Jalan PJS 11/9, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya

The Daily Grind, Bangsar

For some of the freshest gourmet burgers in town, look no further than The Daily Grind, a veteran on the scene that consistently delivers knockout meals every single time. Its succulent patties are made from prime cuts of beef, chicken, and lamb, which are ground in-house to ensure freshness and quality.

You’ll be spoilt for choice when ordering, but the Japanese Yodel is hard to beat with its chargrilled beef patty that’s drenched in a decadent cheese fondue sauce and topped off by sautéed and tempura mushrooms. There are delectable options for vegetarians and even those on a Paleo diet, too. Green With Envy features a tempeh, chickpea, and mushroom patty complemented by beetroot relish and avocado ranch, while the Portobello Paleo sandwiches the classic combination of beef, cheese, and tomato between two Portobello mushroom steaks in lieu of buns.

Address: LG, Bangsar Village, 1, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur

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Red Kettle, Damansara Uptown

Comfort food finds its home in Red Kettle, a cosy cafe at Starling, Damansara Uptown’s neighbourhood mall.

In a place where F&B outlets abound, Red Kettle stands out for its contemporary Asian-Western menu, which includes hearty burgers that are well worth the peak-hour queue.

Artisan breads are a speciality here, so it comes as no surprise that their buns are baked fresh daily to serve as fluffy companions to home-made patties, of which pork is the highlight.

Surf ’n’ turf lovers will undoubtedly salivate over the Cajun Prawn Pork burger, a towering dish of chargrilled prawns and crispy bacon stacked atop a juicy pork patty. A side of salad and fries will have you rightfully stuffed, but it would be remiss of us not to recommend Red Kettle’s wildly popular Portuguese egg tart to finish – if they’re not already sold out, that is.

Address: F130, The Starling Mall, Damansara Uptown, Jalan SS 21/37, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya

Real Food, Mont Kiara

Honest, wholesome fare is the order of the day at Real Food, and it does not disappoint. This vegetarian cafe serves up healthy burgers jam-packed with so much flavour, even the most veggie-averse wouldn’t miss the meat.

Real Food prides itself in using only fresh and recognisable ingredients, and its Signature Lentil Coquette burger nails it. Handmade in small batches, the patty is filled with roasted walnuts, mushrooms, quinoa, flaxseed and Himalayan lentils.

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It’s then indulgently covered with oozy cheese (vegans have the option to do without) and held together by organic sourdough buns. For a more colourful bite, try the Beetroot Millet burger that celebrates the earthy flavours of beetroot, potato and carrots capped off with avocado slices and fresh greens.

Address: G-11, No., 1 Mont' Kiara, 1, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

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