NBCB, Somerset: Home-based burger business turned passion project— and it’s vulgarly good
Have you heard of NBCB? Now now, I’m not referring to that meaning you heard your friend say this week— I’m talking about Orchard Central’s latest burger house Nothing But Cheese Burger. Trust me, this article is about to get juicy, spicy, dirty and seriously punny.
Originally a home-based business, owner Tommy Wong said the extra time from lockdown fuelled his burger experiments. He shared how he vividly remembers the first patty he grilled, using off-the-shelf pre-packed supermarket minced meat— and from then on, the rest is history.
When asked why he decided to open right in the heart of the city, the free-spirited boss said this is his passion project— otherwise cheekily known as his CB kia (cheeseburger child). With only two unique burgers on his menu, Tommy shared that variety is not his priority at the moment and rather, focusing on perfecting his burgers together with customer feedback was more important.
What I tried
Enough talking, it was time to give the DCB (Double Cheese Burger) (S$15.90) a try, to see if it was sibei hojiak (super delicious). Of course, I couldn’t skip on making it a meal, to get myself Crisscut Fries and a drink, for an additional S$4, and an additional S$1 for Truffle Mayo Sauce.
Ugh, just look at this beauty of a sack. This is by far one of the thicc-est double cheeseburgers I’ve had. It’s as simple as it is— two fluffy, buttery brioche buns holding up two homemade juicy AF patties, with two slices of cheddar cheese, lettuce, and their secret house sauce.
I skipped the optional step to ‘zhng your CB’, which just meant upgrading the humble burger with toppings such as bacon, pickles, egg and more. I mean, I’ve got to try the OG to play judge first, right?
Perhaps this might be edited, but I’ve got to take the chance when the opportunity presents itself to me. NBCB this burger really damn shiok. Interpret it how you will but you get the gist.
The handcrafted patties were seasoned perfectly and cooked oh-so beautifully. Done to a lovely blush-pink, every bite taken was a blissful dream. It baffles me how the simple 5-ingredient stack impressed me so much that fine Friday afternoon.
Here’s another shot I simply had to include, to save as a visual memory before I devoured it whole. If you’re thinking about whether to go for the single or double CB, I will biasedly say you will regret not getting the DCB.
It’s easy to put a burger together, but the NBCB team executed each element ever so pleasantly, it’s got me rambling on non-stop to my friends to check it out when in Orchard.
As for the jiak kantang (eat potato) sides, I went with the staff’s recommendation of Truffle Mayo Crisscut Fries. Served hot and fresh, the seasoned chips paired with the rich, aromatic truffle mayo was absolutely divine. I’d happily buy a whole bottle of that sauce to-go, please!
It’s safe to say by now that NBCB was no fast food joint. I’d sum it up by referring it to as a casual diner, with gourmet burgers and fries. Maybe, we’l see milkshakes on the menu soon?
What followed the already stellar burger was the Spicy CCB (Chicken Cheese Burger) (S$8.90). The double entendre can’t can any better than this!
Comparable to the everyday Singaporean favourite burger (ahem, something spicy) from the big M, this version is not too far off, just with an additional slice of cheddar cheese.
Perhaps I expected it to really pack a punch of spice since Tommy’s no stranger to how Singaporeans love their chilli, but this was at a solid level 2 out of 5 in terms of heat for me. The fried chicken thigh boasted a crispy skin, which was enjoyable to sink my teeth into.
So, is it better than that burger from that big fast-food chain? I’d agree. For a mere S$2 difference, I’d say it’s the price to pay for a hot, fresh and juicy chicken patty, quality brioche buns (buttered generously) and special sauce. An honest burger that will please the chicken burger lovers.
As for the alternative kantang, Spicy Mayo Shoestring Fries paled in comparison to the Truffle Mayo Crisscut Fries. Don’t get me wrong, it’s by no means bad, just altogether ordinary.
Final thoughts
Perhaps I was hungry or maybe it’s been a while since I had a burger, but I simply can’t ignore the fact that I inhaled this sibei hojiak CB stack. I can’t imagine how much better it’ll be if I added bacon, pickles and tomato— ugh I’m already drooling. Trust me on this combi: Double Cheese Burger with Truffle Mayo Crisscut Fries. It’ll make a lasting (and hopefully positive) impression.
Is variety the spice of life? Here at NBCB, I’ve got utmost adoration to Tommy and his team for first perfecting the basics. Two simple burgers on their menu will do it for me and you bet I’ll be back for more.
Expected damage: S$8.90 – S$15.90 per pax
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