I believe a well-made hamburger is the epitome of culinary art. The perfect combination of a well-seasoned beef patty covered by a layer of slightly melted cheese, slices of juicy ripe tomato, crispy lettuce, a few jalapeños to add a bit of a kick and just the right mix of sauces, all contained within a beautifully baked sesame seed bun. Glorious.
If that made your mouth water, and you happen to live in the vicinity of Amsterdam, here's a list of my favourite burger places in the city, carefully curated by yours trully!
Burgerbar – The simple art of burger making
At first sight, the Burger Bar might seem a bit touristic… and then you’ll realize that it totally is. Not a surprise since it’s smack-on in the middle of the red light district. But don’t let that stop you from entering this wonderful place. The burgers are as simple as they come, and that makes them all the better. No funny business. No delusions of grandeur. Just the basic burger building blocks, mastered to perfection.
Cannibale Royale – When only the best is good enough
The beef patty is the life and soul of a burger, so if you are a no-nonsense person that just wants to have the best quality meat possible for your life-and-soul, then Cannibale Royale should be your destination of choice.
Burger Bitch – Nothing beats a burger before an Ajax game
Football and burgers. Need I say more? A stop at the Burger Bitch is slowly but surely becoming a tradition every time I visit the Johan Cruyff Arena to watch the 4 times European Champion, not only because they have great burgers, but because every time I’ve been there before a game, Ajax has won. Never change a winning team!
Brouwerij Troost – The perfect Burger & Beer combo
Is there anything that could define man-heaven more clearly than a tasty burger washed down with great beer? Look no further, Brouwerij Troost has you covered with their comprehensive selection of craft beers and a few simple but tasty hamburgers that will have you feeling like a walk in the clouds.
Burgerij – A quick one before you take the train
When you are just back from a long trip or are about to embark on a new one, the Burgerij at Amsterdam Central Station will become your best friend. The clackety-clack of the trains, plus the amazing view of the IJ all add up to the experience of the tasty burgers.
The Butcher – When you get the midnight munchies
You are out and about in the city after a few beers, and suddenly the hunger kicks in. What to do? fear not! visit The Butcher at the Negen Straatjes, have one of their amazing burgers as a pit-stop, and then slide back into the wonderful night life of Amsterdam.
VJFB – No animals were harmed in the making of this burger
The one and only reason I couldn’t turn vegetarian is not believing that life is possible without the absolute party-in-your-mouth feeling that a burger is. Enter the Vegan Junk Food Bar and their amazing plant-based burgers, to make me doubt my own sense of reality with their mouth-watering meat-less bliss.