Cover Bored and Hunrgry’s Bored OG Burger and Fries (Photo: Lauren Golangco)
Bored and Hunrgry’s Bored OG Burger and Fries (Photo: Lauren Golangco)
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The famed NFT-themed burger restaurant opens at The Grid Food Market, marking its first permanent store in Asia
After two highly successful pop-ups in Manila last October and December 2022, the notoriously famous American burger joint Bored and Hungry is opening a permanent outpost at The Grid Food Market on March 10, 2023. A collaboration with Hungry Dao and Tasteless Food Group, this new store will mark the brand’s first permanent branch in Asia.
At first glance, perhaps the most striking thing about Bored and Hungry is its unique NFT angle. The restaurant brand was designed around the Bored Ape Yacht Club (Bored Ape), a collection of distinct, computer-generated cartoon apes among the most famous and best-known NFTs. Purchasing three Bored Ape NFTs, Bored and Hungry co-owner Andy Nguyen inherited the intellectual property ownership rights to the tokens, thus allowing him to build a restaurant around the designs. And with that, the world’s first-ever NFT-themed restaurant was born.
In case you missed it: Tatler’s guide to the best burgers in Metro Manila 2022
Initially conceptualised as a three-month pop-up, Bored and Hungry was an instant hit, driving the group to make the Long Beach establishment a permanent fixture. Attracting 1,500 diners on their first day (most of whom were members of the Web3 community), Bored and Hungry is a monumental case in utilising the NFT landscape for real-world, non-digital endeavours. In the United States, the restaurant accepts USD and cryptocurrency (specifically Ethereum and ApeCoin) as payment and grants exclusive perks to owners of certain NFTs.
Yet, even stripped of these bells and whistles, Bored and Hungry is not just another burger spot. Serving remarkably crave-worthy burgers, the NFT restaurant has caught the attention of dedicated foodies, too—and with good reason.
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Above Bored and Hunrgry’s Bored OG Burger and Fries (Photo: Lauren Golangco)
Bored and Hunrgry’s Bored OG Burger and Fries (Photo: Lauren Golangco)
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Chef Fernando Valladares and Golda Valladares have crafted a lean yet impressive menu, highlighting one item: the Bored OG Burger. The signature dish consists of two generous servings of juicy patties smashed thin and seared crisp for enhanced flavour and texture, melted American cheddar cheese, caramelised onions, pickles, and a tasty secret sauce, all between pillowy potato buns. The duo’s expertise in slinging delicious burgers is no secret, either—their acclaimed Trill Burger was crowned Best Burger in America by Good Morning America last July.
Read more: How Pogiboy’s iconic tocino burger landed the front page of Food & Wine magazine
Above The Bored and Hungry takeover pop-up at The Grid Food Market last Decemver 2022 (Photo: Lauren Golangco)
Above The duo behind Bored and Hungry's burgers recently took home the award for America’s Best Burger 2022 (Photo: Lauren Golangco)
The Bored and Hungry takeover pop-up at The Grid Food Market last Decemver 2022 (Photo: Lauren Golangco)
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With this new outpost at Stall 7, The Grid Food Market, foodies and NFT enthusiasts alike are given the opportunity to try Bored and Hungry’s famed Bored OG Burger, plus well-made fries to complete the meal. Soon, the brand will also open its second Philippine branch at Public Eatery, Robinsons Magnolia.
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About
Lauren’s love for food came much later in life than one would expect— an obsession awakened in the streets of Melbourne’s multicultural dining scene. Armed with this newfound passion, she returned to the Philippines determined to discover the best eats in her home country, with a personal advocacy to champion local cuisines and homegrown talent. Nothing is off-limits; if it’s delicious, it’s worth celebrating.
Work
As Tatler Dining associate editor, Lauren covers all things food and drink, from listing the latest openings in our monthly Dining Radar to interviewing chefs and bartenders about the biggest obstacles crippling the industry today. Beyond the digital space, she also organises Tatler Dining’s tentpole events, including Off Menu and Tatler Dining Kitchen, as well as the annual Tatler Best Philippines awards night and guide launch, detailing the best restaurants in the country.
For leads and event invites, contact her via lauren@tatlerphilippines.com or follow her on Instagram at @laurengolangco.
Photo: Ralph Mendo
