11 McDonald's alternatives with pick-up or delivery service to satisfy your burger cravings
The catastrophic closing of McDonald’s due to a cluster of COVID-19 cases in several outlets have left Singaporeans shocked and completely unsure of what to with life now. Not that McDonald’s burgers are the best in the world of burger gastronomy. But they do invoke familiar feelings of nostalgia, having been around for as long as many of you readers have been born. Look, we all have our favourites which we will order at the drop of a hat when we’re unsure of what to eat for lunch. It’s easy, it’s quick, and it’s not half bad.
With McDonald’s shuttered till 4 May, perhaps it’s time to look at other burger joints in Singapore that offer great-tasting grub with toppings limited only by one’s imagination. Who knows, you might find a new favourite burger joint from this list that I’ve compiled for your dining pleasure. Most of it comes with a side of fries (of course) and drinks, but I say, why settle for the ordinary when the options available for sides are limitless. Time to up your burger game, readers!
Shake Shack
I’ve always wondered what the fuss is about when it comes to Shake Shack’s snaking queue at Jewel Changi Airport. Pre-COVID-19, having to wait in line for close to one hour for burgers and fries, seems like such a ridiculous preposition. That is until I tried their Chick’n Shack—crispy chicken breast with lettuce, pickles, and buttermilk herb mayo. Any place that breads their chicken to that beautiful crispy consistency deserves a huge thumbs up from me. There’s also that chunky crinkle-cut fries that you absolutely must order, drenched in cheese. It’s heaven.
Shake Shacks delivers through Foodpanda and accepts takeaway at both outlets at Jewel and Neil Road. Do visit their Facebook page and website for more information.
Facebook | Website | Various outlets
Fat Burger SG
As its names suggest, the burgers here are fat and full of meaty goodness. All their burgers come with "The Works" which includes: Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles, Onions, Relish and Mustard. One burger they carry that most other places don’t is the Skinny Burger where the traditional buns are replaced by two patties—that’s double the meat without that carbs!
Fat Burger SG delivers islandwide. Do visit their Facebook page and website for more information.
Facebook | Website | Various outlets
Zoey's Diner
Zoey’s Diner is brought to you by the same people behind Winnie’s bubble tea at Fusionopolis. For their first F&B expansion, Zoey’s Diner offers burgers made with either a brioche or a bao bun. First-time customers must try the Pepper Braised Steak burger—a slab of tender Australian Beef Short Rib slathered in black pepper sauce and topped with tomatoes and a wild rocket salad.
Zoey’s Diner delivers through GrabFood, Deliveroo and Foodpanda. Do visit their Facebook page for more information.
Facebook | Compass One 1 Sengkang Square, #01-01 Singapore 545078
Burger+
Burger+ is what happens when you marry Korean cuisine with a ubiquitous Western favourite. If you’re ordering from here, head straight for the Korean Bulgogi Burger—a potato bun with butter, Bulgogi mayonnaise, Bulgogi glaze, baby romaine lettuce, seared onion, mayonnaise, and a 130 grams beef patty. While you’re at it, you may want to check out their Fried Chicken selection as well that comes with four delectable sauces—my favourite is the popular Yangnyeom Chicken.
Burger+ delivers islandwide. Do visit their Facebook page and website for more information.
Facebook | Website | Various outlets
Mo & Jo Sourdough
The thing with a sourdough bun is that, unlike other common burger buns made of white bread, it doesn’t leave you feeling too stuffed. Mo & Jo is the offshoot burger bar of Baker and Cook, so you can be assured of quality buns all around. There’s an array of options here; beef, chicken, pork, and vegetarian burgers to satisfy every palette. But the one I highly recommend is The Barra—Grilled Aussie Kuhlbarra Kimberley barramundi, lemon and caper mayo, and tomato relish. For all the burgers at Mo & Jo, you can choose from three artisan buns—sourdough, soy and linseed, and gluten free.
Mo & Jo Sourdough delivers via Deliveroo and Foodpanda. Do visit their Facebook page and website for more information.
Facebook | Website | 8 Greenwood Ave Singapore 288951
Fatboy's The Burger Bar
Established in 2009, Fat Boy’s The Burger Bar is one of the original purveyors of specialty burgers in Singapore. They have since expanded the menu to include fries with an array of toppings, pasta, and sandwiches. My favourite here is The Burgatory-Grilled beef patty slathered in signature chili queso and topped with jalapenos, melted aged cheddar and topped with crispy tortilla straws on a sesame seed bun. As you can tell, this is for folks who love themselves a good kick of spice.
Fat Boy’s The Burger Bar delivers islandwide. Do visit their Facebook page and website for more information.
Facebook | Website | 187 Upper Thomson Rd Singapore 574335
Wolf Burgers
I was enticed by Wolf Burgers not just for their fantastic signature burgers, but for their sliders that come in familiar local flavours and served in pairs—Hainanese chicken, rojak beef, sweet and sour fish, and Szechuan beef. If you’re hankering for a more classic option, you can choose from the premium burgers in the menu such as Wagyu beef, King Salmon, or Dry-aged beef—all at wallet-friendly prices.
Wolf Burgers delivers through GrabFood, Deliveroo and Foodpanda Do visit their Facebook page and website for more information.
Facebook | Website | PasarBella at Suntec City Tower 2 Singapore 038983
Burger Bar New York
The Singapore outfit of Burger Bar New York is equally mysterious as the original. It’s hidden behind heavy black doors, its presence indicated only by the neon sign of a burger outside. Inside, Burger Bar offers sloppy but satisfying burgers that pair perfectly with their thick milkshakes. Yes, it’s calories overload, but go big or go home, am I right? I recommend the newest addition to their menu—the Fried Buttermilk Chicken Burger served three ways. Take your pick from a topping of spicy coleslaw atop melted cheese, Swiss Cheese and Bacon with ranch sauce, or simply choose your favourite toppings and have it all.
Burger Bar New York delivers islandwide. Do visit their Facebook page and website for more information.
Facebook | Website | #01-03, 115 Amoy Street Singapore 069935
BurgerLabo
Ranked the best burger by a panel of food reviewers and restaurateurs, BurgerLabo’s Basic Burger is a hulking chunk of a blend of grass-fed Black Angus beef neck with Toriyama Umami Wagyu A4 tenderloin, topped with grilled organic tomato, green ice lettuce, American cheese, house-made bone marrow ‘butter’ and sauce. Yes, it does sound as decadent as it reads. No guessing my recommendation from here.
BurgerLabo accepts takeaway. Do visit their Facebook page and website for more information.
Facebook | Website | Block 41 Malan Road Singapore 109454
Fat Papas
FatPapas is the Halal offshoot of Fat Boy’s Burger Bar and is co-owned by Singaporean rapper and entertainer, Sheikh Haikel. You can expect the same choices from the original menu at FatPapas but with the thoughtful omission of pork. A standout here that you can’t find at the OG outlet is the Bolly Wooly—juicy lamb patty on a bed of lettuce, smothered with homemade curry remoulade, and served with onion marmalade on a honey oat bun. An easy recommendation for the burger connoisseur.
FatPapas Burgers and Shakes delivers islandwide. Do visit their Facebook page and website for more information.
Facebook | Website | Various outlets
Three Buns Singapore
If you’ve been reading every entry above diligently, thank you. And if you’re wondering how dare this food writer not recommend a vegan burger for diversity and inclusivity dining, that’s because I’ve saved the best for last. Not that the previous listings don’t offer vegan burgers—they do, if you read the menu closely. But Three Buns Singapore wins top accolades for a vegan burger that’s full of flavours and dripping with vegetable goodness. I recommend the Truffle Shuffle—Roasted portobello mushroom, simpligood spirulina, garlic miso cashew butter, vegan cheddar raw slaw and truffled soya milk aioli in a toasted mango flour sesame bun. It’s a burger not to be messed with.
Three Buns Singapore delivers islandwide. Do visit their Facebook page and website for more information.
Facebook | Website | 60 Robertson Quay, #01-01 Singapore 238252
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