Travelling around the world's culinary map, we often come across dishes that not only tantalize our taste buds, but also showcase the richness of cultures. In this article, we invite you on a unique gastronomic journey, where we revisit the traditional burger concept through different landscapes around the world. Together, let's discover how different cultures create their own unique versions of the classic meatloaf sandwich. Each burger story offers insights into how local tradition, taste and creativity combine to create something new and exciting that transcends the boundaries of traditional cuisine.
Brazil
Brazil is not only the fifth largest country in the world, but also boasts achievements such as hosting the most famous and biggest carnival celebrations and winning five FIFA World Cups. It is also no surprise that Brazil takes their burgers no less seriously.
The name X-Tudo comes from the fact that the x is pronounced like the English word for “cheese” (cheese), and ‘tudo’ means ‘all’. This is a very apt name, given that the beef patties with mozzarella cheese, with maize, a slice with ham, bacönnel, a fried egg and with chips are decorated with. It also naturally includes all the classic burger elements such as lettuce, tomato and sauces. This towering wonder is guaranteed to have you running on your elbows, but it's an experience you won't soon forget.
Canada
Canadians are known not only as one of the world's most friendly people, but also as being extremely creative with unusual foods. Take, for example. poutine, Canada's unofficial national dish. The unique combination of fries, cheese balls and gravy makes you wonder how this idea came about. Although the poutine takes the cake, there is a lesser-known Canadian dish that is similar in many ways, and that is the warm hamburger sandwich.
As the name suggests, this dish consists of pan-fried minced beef patties sandwiched between two slices of white bread. Once the meat is cooked, the rendered fat is mixed with cornflour and water to create a delicious (...) gravy. Meanwhile peas and fries are prepared. When everything is ready, the sandwich is generously basted with gravy, sprinkled with peas and served with fries.
China
China boasts a unique variety of dishes, ranging from fried placentas to 100-day-old eggs to bizarre delicacies. A prime example is their donkey burger. Initially a speciality in Hebei province, it is now easily found in major cities across China.
The lean, muscular quality of the meat means that it takes time and patience to prepare - or, to be more precise, hours of marinating and cooking. Some recipes even include fat trimmings to enhance the flavour. Nevertheless, it is said to be worth it, as the end result is particularly tasty. The shredded meat is artfully layered on a warm, crumbly flatbread called shao bing. Coriander and chopped green peppers add a refreshing touch to complete this special burger experience.
Denmark
Danish bøfsandwich literally means “steak sandwich” or “beef sandwich”. Although the translation is accurate, it does not convey the specialness of the bøfsandwich. It is not a typical roast beef or steak and cheese sandwich, Denmark's bøfsandwich is a colossal burger that easily rivals Las Vegas' infamous heart attack burger.
The start is unsurprisingly modest with a beef stew, but then the toppings escalate. Brown mustard, ketchup and remoulade join the party, with dill pickles, pickled beetroot slices and three types of onion (diced raw, caramelised and fried). And there's no stopping here. The final step is a generous dollop of brown gravy to top it off.
Japan
Whether it's to avoid gluten, out of a love for Japanese cuisine, or just because you want to shake up your daily routine, rice burgers are the perfect solution. Created in 1987 by Mos Burger, a famous fast food chain in Japan, they replace the traditional bun of a burger with two grilled or fried rice patties. They feature a variety of traditional Japanese ingredients.
Take the Mos yakiniku - or okonomiyaki - rice burger, for example. The latter is a towering burger filled with seafood tempura, okonomiyaki sauce and bonito flakes. Although the pioneering of rice burgers began in Japan, they have now become a popular snack in East Asia, with each country contributing local ingredients. Previously, McDonald's Hong Kong offered a McRice burger, which is no longer available anywhere.
Malaysia
The ambition of the creator of the famous Ramly burger in Malaysia was to halal meat make. What started as a modest home-based business in 1978 has now grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise. The road to success has been one of rejections and recipe refinements, but now Malaysian gastronomy is unimaginable without these iconic burgers. Ramly burgers feature a beef or chicken patty wrapped in an omelette and then topped with shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, pickles, Worcestershire sauce and chilli sauce.
