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Damn straight we’re encroaching upon capital territory. We ran right out of fresh burger options in Bombay, sweet Bombay, so naturally, being the gluttonous gourmands we are, we’ve been exploring greener pastures. But is it really greener? Well, you’re about to find out.
Delhi’s culinary scene started with a big bang, and that explosion has carried them past almost any other Indian destination in this category, if we’re being truly impartial, so it wasn’t easy picking these out. But we asked around and made some tough decisions on a spectrum of iconic to downright delicious, gourmet to no-frills. In a diverse landscape of patty melts, double doubles, fancy chef creations and more, there’s a burger out there for every diner, whether you grew up eating at a bistro or at Nirula’s. Ultimately, what came of it all were these burgers that don’t have too much in common except for being Delhi’s absolute best. Full disclosure — we did our best to look but low budget and tasty burger options were difficult to come by so this list is most definitely skewed in the mid to upper priced range of prices. Still, we do have a few good options for the cheap and evolved culinary palate.
[There are exceptions to every rule of course, and this being the internet, we expect nothing less of you all than to call us out on your favourites not being featured. But breathe easy because that’s what the comments section is for. Till then, just enjoy our picks.]
I. Chalapeño at AKU’S - THE BRRGRR CO.
Where: Shop 47, Ground Floor, Main Market, Defence Colony
A fairly new player to the game, Aku’s is already making waves in Delhi. Offering one the choice between a sesame or multigrain bun, the rest of their menu keeps each burger simple yet incredibly tantalizing. Our current favourite is their Chalapeño but given that we’re going to be visiting each time we’re back in the capital, that’s bound to change. The Chalapeño (Grilled Chicken, Peppers, Jalapeños and Jalapeño spread) balances spice with flavour, ensuring your mouth isn’t (entirely) on fire, allowing you to enjoy the burger for what it is — a beautiful, dome shaped blessing from above.
Cost: INR 330.
II. Dizzy Duck Burger at Bun Intended
Where: Vasant Kunj, Greater Kailash 1 and Malviya Nagar.
Gourmet burgers at your doorstep? Heck yes. Think Cranberry Glazed Pulled Duck, Lean Bacon, Emmental Cheese, Gherkins, Cucumber and Lettuce, put between a soft, fresh bun — a prelude to the ideal afternoon siesta or a new, classy companion to your Netflix binge. Bun Intended may be home delivery only but boy, oh boy, do they deliver. Big on quantity and quality, you can be rest assured that your appetite will be thoroughly satisfied with a bun from here.
Cost: INR 495.
III. The Juicy Lucy at Cafe Delhi Heights
Where: 308, 2nd Floor, DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj
This beast of a burger warrants four times the usual number of tissues you use and an immediate appointment with a cardio surgeon post eating it. Having said that, we wouldn’t give up a single opportunity to have a go at this burger and we also don’t regret a single time we have done the same. This 250 grams of lamb mince with cheese and jalapenos in a sesame bun is served with a knife plunged through the heart of the burger, some kind of twisted reference to whatever’s going to happen to your own heart perhaps? If you’re second guessing yourself, just take one look at their counter, numbering every Juicy Lucy ordered till date. Now don’t you want to get a gloriously greasy bag of fries while you’re at it? Don’t try to pretend you don’t want it.
Cost: INR 425.
IV. Asian Chicken Burger at Depot48
Where: N 3, Level 2, N Block Market, Greater Kailash (GK) 1
Known for their great food and ambience, Depot48 becomes a favourite for most, instantly. Their burgers are innovative, and truly make you want to tread the more adventurous path when it comes to experimenting with your food. It’s no secret that their signature Lamb burger is the go-to but there’s just something about the Asian chicken burger that calls out to us each time. Bursting with the quintessential flavours of soy, chilli and hoisin sauce, further complemented by wasabi mayo; we’re just thankful this is all put between a bun made out of dough and not ramen — ramen burgers are a fad we never understood.
Cost: INR 560.
V. Build-Your-Own-Burger at Fork You
Sometimes all you want is to customise a burger right down to the kind of bun you want, and Fork You offers just that. Our recommendation would be an 8 OZ medium-well tenderloin patty, with american cheddar, caramelised onions, cajun spiced bacon, jalapeños and garlic aioli, in a sesame bun, served with a side of (some more, still) gloriously greasy french fries. And if you feel like your arteries could do with a little more blockage, a side of mozzarella sticks is your answer. Having said that, the options are varied and refreshingly new, so go ahead and experiment with feta cheese and/or chipotle sauce, and if it doesn’t work out, there’s always a next time... to order what we recommended.
Cost: Depends on what you order.
VI. The 6 OZ Burger @ Hard Rock Cafe
Where: Unit 4/5/104/105, R Block, Cyber Hub, DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon
A constant winner in Burgerville, The 10 OZ Burger at Hard Rock Cafe is one of, if not the most, legendary of all Burgers. Even their menu reads “Famous the world over,” and they really aren’t joking about that either. Topped with crispy onion rings, seasoned bacon, melted cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and pickles, this burger comes with a disclaimer: it’s going to get messy but you will thoroughly enjoy the ride anyway.
Cost: INR 485.
VII. The Six Chillies Burger at Smokey’s BBQ & Grill
Where: 51, 1st Floor,Khan Market, New Delhi
Although, better known for their steaks and barbecues, and an old Texas-grill vibe, Smokey’s actually has a damn fine burger. If you’re in the area and not down to gorge on an entire steak, the Six Chilies Burger makes for a solid choice. This one isn’t for the weak hearted. It’s an 8 Oz. patty spiced with oregano and thyme, served with braised chillies and a tobacco glaze. What? Moreover, don’t say this often but their vegetarian option, a curried vegetable burger with madras curry and curried mayoare one of the best vegetarian burger options in the country, let alone the city!
Cost: INR 625.
VIII. Chipotle Cheese Burger at The Blue Door Cafe
Where: 66, Middle Lane, Khan Market
A tenderloin patty with melted cheddar cheese, smoked bacon topped with chipotle mayo — that should be enough to tempt you into wanting this burger. Actually a cafe/ bakery, their attempt to venture into the dangerous territory of burgers does not go unnoticed by us so we’re giving them extra points for risk-taking too. Incidentally, they have a whole range of burgers here, all of which are fairly delicious, so we’d recommend you experiment if you’re not feeling this one. P.S. — these might just be some of the best hand-cut fries on this list.
Cost: INR 595.
Special Mention:
It wouldn’t be fair to leave out the very buns that got us through college or the day when payday was still a day or two away. Our top three OG’s will always remain Nirula’s, Wimpy’s and Kents. We really wish Delhi had more cheap and delicious options but we’ll have to make do with just these. Regulars know that the Big Boy Burger at Nirula’s, the no-frills, old-school Mutton Burger at Kent’s, and the Spicy Chicken Burger at Wimpy’s are the go-to. Also, what’s with all the cheaper options having way better pictures of their food? Marketing 101’s being taught right in Dilli.
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