Cover The best hotel burgers and club sandwiches in Asia (Photo: Robin Stickel / Unsplash)
The best hotel burgers and club sandwiches in Asia (Photo: Robin Stickel / Unsplash)
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As Hilton’s destination marketing director for Southeast Asia, Natalie Gardiner has travelled extensively across Asia, indulging in her love for burgers and club sandwiches. Here are her top picks across the region
Travelling frequently can be an incredible adventure, as it gives one an opportunity to sample local flavours and cuisines. But sometimes, especially after a long journey, you just want to stay cocooned in your hotel and order something familiar and comforting. Enter the burger and club sandwich—easy and reliable comfort foods that should always be done exceptionally well by a five-star hotel. Moreover, these are best enjoyed in a fluffy robe on your hotel bed or pool side. These classics are more than just a meal—they’re a benchmark for quality, service, and attention to detail. And if hotels can’t nail these two menu items, then they should be worried.
So what makes a great burger and club sandwich? In these travel professional’s eyes, it’s the simple things, so often not done right, that maketh the meal. I’m a purist when it comes to both.
Read more: The best luxury resorts in Asia for a tranquil and tropical escape
Above Burgers are easy and reliable comfort foods that should always be done exceptionally well by a five-star hotel (Photo: Natasha Breen / Getty Images)
Burgers are easy and reliable comfort foods that should always be done exceptionally well by a five-star hotel (Photo: Natasha Breen / Getty Images)
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For burgers, the cheese must be on top of the meat and melted; the burger patty must be fresh, never frozen. If you opt for bacon, it must be real (no fakin’ here please) and not the leftover stuff from the buffet breakfast. As for the buns, I prefer them toasted and stacked with onion in some form and slathered with ketchup. Pickles? Yes, please. But that isn’t a dealbreaker.
Simply put, don’t mess with the club sandwich’s classic combination of chicken, bacon, egg, tomato, lettuce, and mayo. Nothing more, nothing less. The white toast must be crisp, and if you prefer no crust, it must be sharply and perfectly cut. Frankly, it’s almost impossible to recreate this visual masterpiece at home.
Both should be served with fresh hot fries and ketchup.
So now that I’ve set the bar high … here are some of the best burgers and club sandwiches from my most recent travels across Asia.
1. Waldorf Astoria Maldives
Above Burger and fries and Waldorf Astoria Maldives
Burger and fries and Waldorf Astoria Maldives
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Nava and The Ledge
I stumbled upon these two standouts during lunch at Peacock Alley, a beautiful lounge and bar with a laid-back vibe and stunning view. While these are no longer available at Peacock Alley, you can still enjoy them at Nava and The Ledge.
Club: As to be expected at a hotel of this calibre, this club sandwich hits all the right notes. The triple decker sandwich that’s perfectly balanced with the right ingredients—each layer visible through its clean cuts.
Burger: This is what I would describe as perfection on a bun: Wagyu beef, brioche bun, caramelised onion, tomato, bacon and gruyere cheese. No words, just look at the photo.
In case you missed that: Hotel review: Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is the ultimate modern Maldivian getaway
2. Conrad Singapore Orchard
Conrad Singapore Orchard club sandwich (Photo: Conrad Singapore Orchard)
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Room service
I discovered these gems during a staycation with my husband at Conrad Singapore Orchard. It was one of those relaxed afternoons where we decided to indulge in room service, ordering both the club sandwich and burger to share. Honestly, I’d stay at this hotel again just to have them.
Club: Generous is the word that comes to mind. There are lots of tender chicken, tasty bacon, and tomato that isn’t straight out of the fridge (this makes a big difference in the quality of the Club). The sandwich is also expertly toasted, with three distinct layers.
3. Raffles Hotel Singapore
Above Raffles Hotel Singapore's club famed sandwich
Raffles Hotel Singapore's club famed sandwich
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Room service and poolside
We first stayed at Raffles Hotel Singapore during a family staycation in the middle of Covid. The club sandwich quickly became a standout, and it was a motivating reason for us to book a second stay.
Club: This is my club sandwich benchmark (however, I would say others on this list might have pipped it for the top spot). It’s served with the traditional flair you’d expect from Raffles: perfectly toasted bread, succulent layers of chicken, crispy bacon, and balanced with the right amount of fresh tomato and lettuce. A little on the smaller side due to crusts being cut off, but it’s meticulously assembled and strikes the right balance of flavours and textures.
Whether you enjoy it poolside or in your room, the service is attentive and the sandwich arrives perfectly presented. The fries are also crisp and well seasoned.
Read more: Dutch patisserie and chocolatier Huize van Wely to open in Singapore this October
4. Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
Above Bull & Bear Wagyu beef burger at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
Bull & Bear Wagyu beef burger at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
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The Loft (Bull & Bear Menu)
The Loft is a bar situated on the 56th floor of Waldorf Astoria Bangkok; its New York-style atmosphere evokes the original Waldorf Astoria, which opened in 1893 in Manhattan. Perched at the bar while enjoying a few drinks presented the chance to indulge in a burger that was too good to pass up. This burger is from Bull & Bear (located one floor below), but you’re able to enjoy the menu from The Loft’s equally sophisticated setting.
Burger: This burger is probably the fanciest one of this list and feels like a proper, gourmet take on a classic. The Wagyu patty is juicy and packed with flavour, topped with a quail egg, gruyere and Bull & Bear BBQ sauce. It’s quite the departure from my preferred traditional take on a burger, but absolutely worth its place here.
In case you missed it: 14 rooftop bars in Bangkok with spectacular views
5. The Datai Langkawi
Above The Datai Wagyu burger (Photo: The Datai Langkawi)
The Datai Wagyu burger (Photo: The Datai Langkawi)
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Poolside
A recent girl’s trip with my sister and daughter took us to this stunning hotel for some much needed R&R. The food and service were excellent, so it only seemed fitting that we give the burger a try by the pool on our last day. Wise decision.
Burger: The Datai Wagyu beef burger is the definition of poolside perfection. Again, this one is a departure from tradition and in doing so, they nailed it. It comes with a succulent patty topped with mushrooms ‘au jus’, caramelised onions and aged cheddar, then served on a milk bun. Messy and amazing, the best thing was enjoying it surrounded by family and the sound of waves lapping on the beach only a few steps away.
Read more: The Suite Spot: A Five-Star Private Villa in a 10-Million-Year-Old Rainforest
6. Hilton Saigon
Above The Saigon baguette club sandwich at Hilton Saigon (Photo: Hilton Saigon)
The Saigon baguette club sandwich at Hilton Saigon (Photo: Hilton Saigon)
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Room service
The Hilton Saigon’s Club takes a bold approach, blending classic flavours with a local twist. This can often end in disaster but not on this occasion.
Club: Stacked with tender Cajun chicken, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes and a perfectly cooked egg, it’s all balanced by the peppery bite of baby rocket and a kick of lemon mayo. I know—quite the departure from the traditional club … but stay with me. What truly sets it apart is the use of a Saigon baguette or banh mi—a nod to the local culinary heritage that adds a crunch to each bite. It’s an inspired take on the traditional club, making it a must-try for those who appreciate a twist on a classic.
So that’s my current list as of September 2024. I look forward to sharing updates as I collect other clubs and burgers from around the world.
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Credits
Images: Natalie Gardiner
