Less than 36 hours after returning to Los Angeles from Seoul, South Korea, I found myself on Wilshire Boulevard passing through Koreatown. A “grand opening” banner caught my eye and the sign above it read Kalbi Burger. I’m a big fan of kalbi (Korean short ribs in a ganjang-based sauce) and a burger devotee, so no further enticements were needed. I walked through the door and picked up a menu.
The interior was bright with white floors and a mirrored red and black wall. Two flat screen TVs above the register displayed the menu but as I read down the list of seven Asian fusion burger options, I reached for a printed menu so I wouldn’t be standing in the middle of the lobby with head back, mouth agape. I greatly enjoy Asian cuisine, so items like the Korean themed Seoul Burger (featuring sautéed kimchee), the Hawaiian themed LuLu Burger (featuring bacon and grilled pineapple), the Japanese themed Tokyo Burger (a chicken breast rather than a beef patty), and the flagship Kalbi Burger (a short rib and beef blend) were difficult to forgo but my mind was set once I saw the Vietnamese themed Saigon Burger ($5.95 a la carte, $7.95 with fries and a drink). One of my favorite snacks/appetizers on the planet is Vietnamese summer rolls. Shrimp, pork, and fresh veggies wrapped in translucent rice paper, the rolls are refreshing and delicious. When I saw that the same veggies were what topped the Saigon Burger – cilantro, cucumber, red onion, pickled carrot and radish, along with jalapeño for kick – I couldn’t resist.
While waiting for my order, I read a sign next to the register that stated Kalbi Burger uses fresh Angus beef, hormone and antibiotic free, “[t]hat means happy cows, happy meat, and happy food.” And those weren’t the only happy features of the restaurant: the three male employees were rocking out to New Boyz and dancing as they prepared the food. I peeked through to the prep kitchen and spotted an employee grinding beef and short rib meat, and pattying them up for the afternoon’s Kalbi Burger orders.
My combo basket was presented to me, so I stopped spying and sat down with my Miss Saigon. With my first bite I knew that this was no doomed romance. The perfectly grilled patty was still pink and juicy inside, and provided flavors of both beef and seasoning. The veggies were bright in both appearance and taste, while the jalapeño was just spicy enough to let you know it was there without overpowering everything else. The brioche style bun was lightly griddle-toasted and held up well to the abundant juices. The only change in my order on my next visit would be to pass on the fries. The shoestrings didn’t carry much flavor and I had to apply ketchup to eat them.
If you’re not keen on kimchee, there is an eighth burger option: My Burger. Well, not my “My” but yours. Just tick the boxes on a do-it-yourself checklist offering options of buns, patties, cheeses, toppings, and sauces. You’re limited to only three toppings but you really can’t go wrong with the flavors.
RATING: 4
Kalbi Burger
4001 Wilshire Boulevard, Unit E
Los Angeles, California 90010
www.kalbiburger.com
(213) 738-7898
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11:00AM – 9:00PM
Friday – Saturday 11:00AM – 11:00PM
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Josh-
Let’s get Summer rolls sometime. I have never had them. Kalbi sounds very good.