The best burgers in Singapore

Locate the quirky entrance to a hidden burger bar modelled after an 80s-inspired American diner. Slide open the doors and you’ll find yourself in a vintage 80's American diner. Here, your main quest is to sink your teeth into greasy stacks of hand-butchered Angus Prime beef patties. Chase it with thick milkshakes made exclusively from Häagen-Dazs ice creams or quaff down hoppy pints from the 12 taps of craft beer on rotation. If you're looking to pig out, order the fully loaded spicy bacon cheese fries ($14) on the side.

TRY The menu keeps it fuss-free with just three burger options: the signature cheeseburger (from $18.80), the extra-large fried chicken sandwich (from $18), and the grilled portobello burger (from $18).

Finding fame since its Global Kitchens days back at the Singapore Science Park, this burger-flipping chicken-frying nook is worth every calorie. Expect nothing short of juicy fat patties flying off the binchotan grills sandwiched between fluffy buttery brioche buns and chipotle mayo. Now, there are truffle mushroom burgers (from $16) and an all-day breakfast tribute called the Eggstarter (from $12) with luscious butter-folded eggs. Though, the grilled portobello mushroom and zucchini burger offers a worthy alternative to anyone not looking for meatless options.

Try But of course, it is the Classic 001 Cheeseburger (from $13) that has the cult following status. Grilled over binchotan charcoal, the intense smoky beefy flavours are amped up by its juices. Trust us, this one slaps.

Popular craft burger joint Honbo makes its way onto the idyllic grounds of Chijmes with its American-style burgers. Hailing from Hong Kong, the Singaporean outpost will be the burger chain’s first overseas outlet. Each juicy stack is made from high-quality ingredients: freshly ground Wisconsin beef; pillowy housemade potato milk bun from a recipe by the renowned Eric Kayser; house-cured Japanese pickles; and specialty sauces developed from closely guarded recipes. 

TRY The ultra-trendy smashed burger (from $15) promising double the crust and double the beef grease with this double patty stack. Bless them with sweet potato fries on the side.

The original burger joint at Arab Street may have shuttered but you can still find these tasty burgs at Working Title's newest location at The Riverside – despite the menu expanding extensively into brunch and dinner options. The eclectic decor and mismatched furniture all remind of the OG branch: perfect for lazy brunches, casual group hangouts or even workaholics.

TRY It does a mean double beef classic that’s topped with smoked cheddar and relish mayo ($20). Or the Baconator ($22), stacked with grilled beef bacon strips. Have it with a side of truffle tater tots ($5), seasoned with truffle oil and grated Parmesan.

This popular casual dining spot amongst the Pasir Panjang neighbourhood comes in a form of a warm homely diner that seeks to please all foodies alike with a mean American fusion menu. Boasting an extensive menu for its size, it is their soul comforting burgers coupled with freshly pulled pints of local craft beers and thick shakes really stood out. 

TRY King Kong ($16.50). This big boy burger comes loaded with a thick 100% beef patty with the usual bacon, cheddar and caramelized onions. A smoky chipotle mayo and spicy jalapenos are added to dream up a Tex-Mex affair while finished with a fried egg for that oozing yolk to gel the entire gargantuan bite altogether. Ask to pair it with a hoppy IPA on tap to help amplify that Jalapeno heat if you're looking for an extra kick.

With their former roots as a burger joint, the all-vegan butchery puts a meat-free spin on classic fast-food options, making it much less sinful when chowing down on a juicy stack. Apart from all-American impossible burgers, chef-owner Addis Tan introduces bold local flavours that sing. Think full-bodied Pulled Rendang Burger ($16) where each bite bursts with flavourful spice and subtle hints of coconut.

Try The Philly Cheesesteak ($21). An elevated take of the typically casual grub, this juicy stack is a rightful mess to conquer with the addictive plant-based brisket from Indonesian vegan brand Green Rebel.

If you like your meat slightly charred and smokey, then this American steakhouse is where you should plant yourself and never leave. With two locations in Little India and Telok Ayer, you can be feasting on plates of barbecue ribs, brisket and some drinks from the barrel-aged cocktail menu.

Try One of the all-time favourites from the menu is the Cheeseburger ($10). Sitting in between two soft and fluffy brioche buns (the same ones from Burnt Ends) is a very thick and beef short rib and brisket patty topped with melted cheddar. Things can get extremely juicy so be prepared to use your hands. 

Best known for its hand-formed patties and fresh, crispy fries, you can now satisfy your Five Guys craving without having to travel to the East Coast (or its overseas outpost). Besides, the juicy stacks, which are the main highlight, the fries are treated with equal reverence here, too. Two or more “fries calibration” sessions are held every day to ensure each strip of hand-cut potato reaches its maximum potential: firm and crispy on the outside, yet soft and fluffy when bit into.

Try On the menu includes burgers that come plain ($13) or topped with cheese ($15). But really, you should be getting the bacon cheeseburger ($17) that comes loaded with two rashes of applewood-smoked bacon. Layer your burger with all the fix-ins you want – there’s a total of 15 to choose from – and enjoy a greasy, sloppy stack that has earned the brand a loyal following. 

With the high heat from custom-made ovens and grills fired by coal, apple or almond wood, to achieve temperatures of over 1,700 degrees, come the strong flavours, and that addictive subtle smoky taste – exactly what to love from a modern Australian-style barbecue restaurant. At Burnt Ends, the menu changes every season to always include a wide range of different smoked and barbecued dishes, from meat and fish to eggs and vegetables – and even ice cream.

Try As one of its signature dishes, it is a miracle that The Sanger ($20) is also one of the cheapest on the menu. This burger really brings things to the next level with its savoury pulled pork shoulder drenched in coleslaw, between two of the fluffiest buns that you can ever imagine. Despite the wide spectrum of flavours, they all come together in perfect harmony.

We now have not one, but nine Shake Shack outposts in Singapore, a testament to the popularity of this global burger brand. Beyond the usual burger and fries, each local store also comes with exclusive additions to the menu, like the hand-shaken lemonades at the Orchard outlet, or special Concretes available only at Neil Road. 

Try It uses 100 percent all-natural Angus beef to make the ShackBurger ($9.20/$12.70), its signature cheeseburger crafted to perfection with soft potato buns, lettuce, tomatoes, and its secret ShakeSauce. For those of you who like things over the top – we know we do – get the Shack Stack ($14.30), which comes with an additional Shroom Burger layer of deep-fried crusted portobello mushroom stuffed with colby cheese, monterey jack and tilsite cheese. 

As one of the few Mexican fast food restaurants in Singapore, Muchachos is definitely a cool and hip place to hang out. This restaurant promises to serve you with happiness wrapped in a burrito, assembled right in front of you. Though this happiness takes on the names of either Breakfast Burrito ($13.50) or California Burrito ($13.50), both of them are delights to your taste buds.

Try Though the restaurant is known for its burritos, it sure prepares a mean Cheeseburger ($12) worth skipping all the burritos for. Between two puffy glazed buns, the flavours of the savoury patty are complemented by the sweet and sourness of pickles and tomatoes, under a blanket of cheddar cheese. If you're looking for a quick dirty burger, this is it. 

With five options on the burger menu, you’d think that picking one to devour would be easy. But the burgers at Mischief – each made with premium a 150g Wagyu patty – come dressed with a range of toppings, making it difficult to settle on one. The Classic ($20), with a touch of smoky island mayo and bourbon-infused pickle, is a safe bet, while those looking for a little spice can hit up Mamacita ($20), and its special blend of roasted chillies, Sriracha mayo, and crispy shallots. 

TRY The Stoners ($24). The grilled patty is topped with mushrooms, slow cooked in herbs and a creamy cheese sauce sandwiched between toasted brioche buns. This greasy, gooey burger is best paired with a pint or two from Mischief’s affordable happy hour deal. 

Time Out Singapore in partnership with Mischief

Black Tap opened its first burger joint in Soho, New York back in 2015. What started out as a small 15-seater  has now grown into a restaurant chain with over 11 restaurants around the world. Catapulted to fame by its CrazyShake, Black Tap's signature over-the-top milkshakes that come in flavours like Cotton Candy, a strawberry shake topped with a pink lollipop, rock candy, whipped cream and cotton candy, as well as the Bam Bam Fruity Pebbles shake that comes fully rimmed with fruity pebbles and Rice Krispies finished with a strawberry pop tart and laffy taffy rope.

TRY If all that sounds too sweet for you, balance things out with Black Tap's range of juicy burgers. Favourites include the All-American Burger ($22) and the Crispy Chicken Sandwich ($23) which might be on the pricier side but they are huge and come with a generous side of crisp fries. 

This iconic burger stand from Hollywood finally makes its way to Singapore, bringing with them their brand of fresh, authentic and tasty offerings. If you feel that the burgers you've had in Singapore have been pretty small, gear up for the tower of patties you'll find in most Fatburgers (you can swap your buns for patties if you're on a keto diet). Remember to complete your American diner meal with a side of fries, or buffalo wings and a milkshake.   

TRY If you're super hungry, or feeling adventurous, hit up The Quad Burger ($15.90) stuffed with four thick patties. Good luck!

Fast food for vegans – it's a thing. Why shouldn't vegans enjoy some good ol' burgers? Veganburg assembles stacks of egg-, dairy- and meat-free soy and mushroom patties between wholemeal buns.

TRY Get the barbecue sauce-slathered Smoky BBQ ($10.90) or opt for the Cracked Mayo ($8.90) – the egg-free mayonnaise burger comes with a savoury, crispy soy patty.

Re-think your burger. That was what inspired brothers, Kennie and Bernie Tay to bring to Upper Thomson what they feel has been lacking in the "comfort food" market. A good old handmade and tasty hamburger. The chain has also recently opened an outlet in NEWest. 

TRY Choose from 16 types of burgers including the Fat Basterd ($19.50), a double beef chuck patties with Fatboy’s homemade barbecue sauce. And remember to save some tummy room for a creamy milkshake. 

Welcome to the fun '80s – think pastel palettes and a menu that owes a debt to the classic American diner. Signatures like Reuben pastrami sandwiches, waffles and wings drizzled with honey maple syrup are definite highlights here.

TRY This OverEasy favourite is loaded thick with the scent of the pungent mushroom. Truffle oil and bits go into the housemade mayo between two 160g Aussie wagyu patties of The Truffle Burger ($28), and there are added caps of browned shiitake and hon-shimeiji, plus onions under fluffy potato buns baked in-house. Oh, and don’t forget the $2 upgrade for truffle fries to take the experience the full hog.

Come for drinks but stay for the burgers. Potato Head Folk manages it with fun and flamboyance, even while juggling split personalities: burger joint Three Buns occupies the first two floors, artsy cocktail club Studio 1939 is nestled on the third, and a twinkle-lit tiki bar operates on the building’s lovely open-air rooftop.

TRY Prepare to get messy with the Baby Huey ($17). This Jakartan import’s hearty burgers on the iconic corner of Keong Saik and Teck Lim roads injects a punch of flavour and texture to the 150g Black Angus beef patty with a piquant sweet and spicy Notorious T.O.M sauce. There's lettuce and pickles for some acidity and crunch but the oozing melting cheese between house-baked brioche buns to deliver bite after bite of juicy, balanced flavour.