What differentiates a really good hamburger from an average one?

Monday 05th May, 07:10 AM JST

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EurajReturns at 08:53 PM JST - 6th May

The ones you make yourself are the best, of course. You know what you put in it for one thing. And of course, the hard work makes it taste better, and perhaps, can kill some of those calories you just put on.
Sarge at 09:04 PM JST - 6th May

Ah so - "a Freshness Burger does the trick for me"

Negi-Miso? Classic? I like both of those.

Cleo - Well, let's have the curried lentil burger recipe already! I'm licking my chops...
M_Lammerse at 11:30 PM JST - 6th May

A good hamburger is not cheap, fatty, is not killed by an overdosis of fatty sauces, is not sold at Mac Donaldo, Dom Dom burger or any other fast fat restaurant, is not hold by 2 slices of bread made out of eatable clay. It is not made of soy, rice but of 100% beef, prepared on a hotplate or roast fire.
timeon at 12:40 AM JST - 7th May

I like Mos Burger. not great, but a good choice in Japan
Triumvere at 12:51 AM JST - 7th May

Home grilled.
thepossum at 12:55 AM JST - 7th May

A great burger starts with a good side of beef. And barring none that is a black angus ! Hands down ! The key is in the marinade. At least 4 hours, in the fridge, and don't forget the garlic... cloves, paste, or powder, it all works. Slap it on an open grill and just let it sizzle ! Throw it on a bun with plenty of fressh veggies and a relish and viola ... heaven ! Unfortunately there is not one single restaurant in Japan able to complete such a simple task. So for anyone interested in a really great burger, try Pilot Butte Drive In or Deschutes Brewery in Oregon... simply the best !
Sarge at 07:23 AM JST - 7th May

Possum - Since "there is not one single restaurant in Japan able to complete such a simple task" are you doing this simple task at home?
frontandcentre at 03:14 PM JST - 7th May

Big chunks of avocado enhance any good burger
thepossum at 04:53 PM JST - 7th May

Sarge... I complete that "simple task" anytime anywhere they let me near the grill ! I find it simply astonishing that of all the experts on America out there, not one of them has the ability to put together a really authentic American style burger ! We're not talkin' fast food here either. Calling McDonalds a representative of American style hamburgers is dead wrong and humurous at best. However with Japans ongoing bans to keep out "all" things American, its safe to say the only place the Japanese will have a real American burger is in... the USA !
Ultradude at 05:03 PM JST - 7th May

Try Kuai Aina (various locations: Aoyama, Kanda, Gotanda, Marunouchi)or my favorite Franklin Ave in Gotanda (the nice part). Both are excellent and it is always a good sign when they ask you how you'd like it cooked and it takes a while to prepare. AS Classics is near Komazawa Koen and isn't bad either.
thepossum at 05:09 PM JST - 7th May

"Try Kuai Aina"

I have, in Ikkspiari next to Disneyland ! Absolute krap ! The buns were hard, which is fine if we're talkin about the waitress... but we're not ! Anyway, the meat was flavorless, the seating impolite (I had to show a receipt to be seated), and the staff no-where to be found. Overall a horrible disappointment !
Ultradude at 05:22 PM JST - 7th May

thepossum - Sorry to hear that, maybe they've overexpanded too much and quality has suffered accordingly... Been a fan ever since I went to the original on the North Shore of Oahu about 15 yrs ago but haven't been in 2+ yrs. Have a grill at home now so I do my own just like I ordered...
Sarge at 05:37 PM JST - 7th May

Possum - "the only place the Japanesae will have a real American burger is in the USA!"

What about Hard Rock Cafe?
PuffinMuffin at 12:17 AM JST - 8th May

"frontandcentre at 03:14 PM JST - 7th May Big chunks of avocado enhance any good burger"

No kidding? Perhaps in Mexico or Hawaii, but I wouldn't take chances with that risky combination (too much fat/oil together). A burger's pure grease anyway.
Ivespoken at 07:08 AM JST - 18th June

Well any burger with that special Jack Daniel's sauce is a really good hamburger, LOL honestly..... The bigger the badder... esp. when the meat is kosher and and all the condiments are on juuuuusssttt right, lol