Exploring Chinese & Western-style burger joints in Taipei: Evans Burger, PiPi Hamburg Steak, kgb-kiwi gourmet burgers, YuanBao Rice Burger

Evans Burger

27, Lane 13, PuCheng St, 1F
(02) 2368-2225
Hours: 11 am-11 pm
Credit cards not accepted.
No service charge.
MRT: GuTing Station, Exit 5

As the owner of Evans Burger would tell you, "Making the hamburger patty is the hardest part of the cooking process. Every hamburger is made with effort and quality." To help cut down the fat in the burgers here, the chefs mix the patties themselves, removing the fattiest part of the meat to make it a little healthier for customers. The Evans Jumbo Burger (NT$280) is made with two five-ounce beef patties that are cooked to medium-well. Their other signature burger, the Tornado Beef Burger (NT$230), is stuffed with fried onion rings, giving it a crispy texture. Apart from enjoying great burgers at Evans', you can also enjoy its pleasant atmosphere. The part that makes the owner most happy is that a lot of foreign customers have made several visits back to his burger joint, which he believes is a testament to the quality and authenticity of the burgers here. Every Wednesday, Evans offers cheeseburgers for only NT$100, which is a great weekly special. --By Sharon Huang

PiPi Hamburg Steak

45-2, Lane 187, DunHua S Rd,
Sec 1, 1F
(02) 2775-2968
Hours: 11:30 am -10 pm
Credit cards accepted.
10% service charge.
MRT: ZhongXiao/DunHua Station, Exit 2

If it's not served in a bun, it's not a hamburger, right? Well...maybe not! In Japan, hamburger steaks are usually served with the same sticky rice that's used to make sushi. Here in Taiwan, we have Pipi. This restaurant refers to itself as a hamburger restaurant that specializes in making delicious Japanese-style sandwiches. The hamburgers are made fresh with New Zealand sirloin steak on the day that they're served; with limited quantities, it's important that customers get here early to ensure a tasty burger. After a tenderizing process and a spin around the grill, these juicy burgers are topped with a Japanese sauce. The large, Double Cheese Hamburg Steak (NT$360) comes with two beef patties, rich cheese, sushi rice, and a red wine sauce that takes a full seven days to make. Try it with a cold drink. After your meal, try a dessert like Handmade Pudding or Panna Cotta, which is made from organic soy bean and fresh milk. Their afternoon tea set hamburger steak sandwiches (NT$199) come with coffee or tea. --By Eunice

kgb-kiwi gourmet burgers

5, Lane 114, ShiDa Rd
(opposite Wellcome supermarket)
(02) 2363-6015
Hours: noon-11 pm
MRT: Taipower Building Station, Exit 3
Credit cards not accepted.
No service charge.
Chinese & English menu.

What exactly is a New Zealand-style burger? Well, you can find out for yourself when you visit kgb, a burger shop owned by Antoni and Matt. The name "kgb" has nothing to do with the KGB of Soviet Union fame. Actually, the "G" is for "gourmet", the "K" for "kiwi" and the "B" for "burger". For most people used to eating American-style hamburgers, a New Zealand-style burger is a new experience. Apart from having a really different flavor, kiwi burgers tend to be a bit healthier; the offerings at kgb are no different. The owners know that quality is the most important thing, which is one reason they top sandwiches with things like red/green lolla rossa instead of typical iceberg lettuce. They also use free range chicken and various imported cheeses. Currently, you will find beef, chicken and vegetarian burgers, plus about 20 other menu items at kgb. The most popular burger is the CC Heaven (NT$280). Made with a New Zealand beef patty, Camembert cheese, and cranberry sauce, it's an unbeatable taste combination. The restaurant also sells salads, fruit yogurt, milkshakes and other beverages from New Zealand. --By Josie Wu

YuanBao Rice Burger

5-2, Lane 89, NanJing E Rd , Sec 3
(02) 2507-8995
Hours: 7:30 am-9 pm
Credit cards not accepted.
No service charge.

Instead of the usual bread buns, YuanBao hamburgers are served on a bed of rice. Burger toppings include flavors like Gong Bao Chicken, Sweet & Sour Fish, Curry Pork Chops, Braised Minced Pork, and Pig Knuckles. Watching the staff make these rice burgers is to truly observe watching experts at work; from a ball of rice and some ingredients, their quick, knowing hand movements create a masterpiece. Each rice burger costs between NT$55 and NT$70 and there are quite a few choices. One of the most popular burgers here is the Seafood Shrimp Burger (NT$70), a mix of fried shrimp, crab roe, scallops and a rice bun that's decked out with tiny fish. Another creative choice is the Gong Bao Chicken Burger (NT$55), which is stuffed with diced chicken and spicy peanuts, and served on a rice bun with celery mixed inside. Other items on the menu include Onion Beef Sukiyaki and Fried Pork Chops. YuanBao also recently started serving breakfast items (NT$26-69) and iced soy bean milk (NT$30). --By Josie Wu