Cover A crispy fried halibut fish burger from 717 Deli (with caviar) (Photo: 717deli / Instagram)
A crispy fried halibut fish burger from 717 Deli (with caviar) (Photo: 717deli / Instagram)
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Whether you are adjusting for Lent, or simply seeking a lighter option, these 10 fish burgers are sure to leave you satisfied
With its crispy batter, flaky fillet and tangy tartar sauce, the fish burger—or sandwich—offers a welcome twist on a dependable classic. With the power to satisfy that burger craving, while also keeping you on your toes, they strike a satisfying balance between the beef and plant patty. Whether you are a loyal pescatarian, are doing a cleanse or participating in Lent, you can count on these 10 fish burgers, placed in no particular order, to bring the flavour without weighing you down.
1. The Lenten Special Fish Burger by Greenlight Burgers
From the mind of chef Alvin Cailan, comes Greenlight Burgers’s Lenten Special Fish Burger. This lavish dish features a patty of black cod crisped in Singha batter and generously topped with their house caviar tartar sauce. Nothing less would be expected from the creator of Eggslut and Amboy Quality Meats: home to one of the world’s best 25 burgers.
Only available on Fridays, catch this dish at BGC’s West Gallery Place–Greenlight Burgers’s only location. We recommend visiting close to opening, as they are likely to shut early if they sell out. A green light by the serving window, as their name implies, tells you when they are open for service. Alternatively, you may reserve a table via the link in their Instagram bio.
2. The halibut sandwich by 717 Deli
The sandwich which put this family-run deli on the map is always a sure bet. Nestled within 717’s housemade brioche bun, this powerhouse of flavour features a beer-battered halibut fillet topped with cheddar and balanced by a sharp tartar sauce. Although 717 may be known for its unpretentious approach, there is an option, if you wish, to boujee-fy your order by adding 15 grams of caviar.
Catch this luxurious sandwich at 717 Deli’s only location, on the 3rd floor of Fox Square building, San Juan City; open every day from 10am to 7pm.
Tatler Tip: If a sandwich seems too messy for you, this famous fried halibut also features in their premium fish and chips, which is served with a side of tartar sauce, malt vinegar and tomato ketchup.
Read more: Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza: “Be brave and stay true to who you are”
3. The Brooklyn Fishwich by Scratch Smashburgers
Launched last March, Scratch’s The Brooklyn Fishwich has become a fan favourite for a reason. Pulling out all the stops, it boasts of a golden tilapia fillet coated in fresh panko and smothered with salted egg tartar sauce, served on their signature potato bun. Packed with umami, this dish’s decadence gives the beef burger a run for its money.
Available for dine-in or delivery at both of Scratch’s locations—Makati’s Poblacion and BGC’s Four/NEO building—you can also catch this delight on Grab.
4. The Fillet X Fish by Sweet Ecstasy
Over the last 10 years, Sweet Ecstasy’s burgers have amassed a loyal following and this Fillet X Fish sees them make the classic fish sandwich their own. Full of dependable, comforting flavours, this dish features a breaded Alaskan pollock fillet, topped with American cheese, shredded lettuce and their house tartar sauce, all nestled between a pillowy brioche bun.
You can snag your own Fillet X Fish at one of Sweet Ecstasy’s five locations, including Makati’s 10 Jupiter Street (open daily from 11am to 10pm), or via delivery.
5. The Shrimp ‘Wich and Crispy Fish ‘Which by 8Cuts
Returning for its second consecutive year, 8Cut’s Shrimp ‘Wich is the ideal pescatarian option for those spice-loving burgerheads. Packing a punch, this brioche bun is generously loaded with a whole shrimp patty, pickled jalapeños, homemade pickles and a fiery jalapeño ranch that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
8cuts also has a delightful golden crispy fish burger with a refreshing slaw and zesty mayo to quench your cravings.
You can catch these sandwiches at Rockwell’s Power Plant Mall and Salcedo Village in Makati, or at your nearest 8Cuts.
6. The ‘Fish Be With You’ by Bun Run
Known for their bold flavours and deliciously crisp patties, chef Kevin David’s Bun Run is distinctively craft-focused. Available throughout the Lenten season is their burger of the month: the new ‘Fish Be With You’. In true Bun Run style, this sea bass fillet is butchered in-house, ensuring all its bounty is used. It is then deep-fried until golden and dressed in their homemade tartar sauce, made with dill and lacto-fermented cucumber.
Available in stores or for pick up, you can find the ‘Fish Be With You’ at either of Bun Run’s locations in San Juan or Makati.
7. The O.G Sea Smash by Bored & Hungry
Home to ‘America’s Best Burger of 2022’, Bored & Hungry started in California and arrived in the Philippines as a pop-up in late 2022, later opening its permanent flagship spot at Power Plant’s The Grid. The O.G Sea Smash has been, as its name suggests, a menu mainstay for good reason. Featuring a deep-fried cobbler fillet topped with tartar sauce and American cheese, this burger offers all the flavour with less of the guilt.
8. Crispy fish sandwich by Brother’s Burger
An oldie but a goodie, Brother’s Burgers has been slinging its comforting gourmet burgers since 1999. Catering to everyone, with an expansive menu and various locations, their crispy fish sandwich is always a safe bet. Whether cradled between their signature oatmeal bun or tucked with fresh lettuce leaves, this breaded fish fillet is splendidly fried and garnished with tomato and dill mayo.
Tatler Tip: If craving an extra seafood fill, don’t miss their side of fish and chips, available in all the Brother’s Burger full stores.
See also: Types of caviar: a guide to the world’s most coveted roe
9. The Big Fish Sandwich by Mimi & Bros
Served with a hefty side of their hand-cut fries, Mimi & Bros’s Big Fish Sandwich is the ideal alternative to their famous fried chicken. Consisting of a breaded fish fillet topped with herbs, pickles & their house-made tartar sauce, this sandwich is both tasty and to the point.
Find Mimi & Bros on the ground floor of BGC’s Crossroads building.
10. Fish fillet sandwich by Flipside Burgers
Last but not least is the best-selling Fish fillet sandwich from chef Edward Bugia’s Flipside Burgers. Found in multiple locations across the metro, this fish dish features a fried breaded Alaskan pollock patty, grilled onions, dill pickles, American cheese and their signature special burger sauce. Catch Flipside’s ‘surf over turf’ creation in store or on Grab.
Flipside Burgers has several locations across the metro, including at the Gyud Food Market on U.P Diliman’s campus.
Tatler Tip: A shrimp sandwich is also on offer if you are looking for another pescatarian alternative.
A recent graduate, Sophia is Filipino-British and lives just outside of London, but is deeply connected to her Filipino side. Still early in her journalistic career, she is curious about everything from current affairs and politics to wellness and cultural heritage, and is passionate about getting to the emotional heart of a story. Her best dining memories are those she has spent with her family, indulging together over her lola’s, mum’s (not mom’s) and tita’s cooking.
