Here, we search the city for the most decadent, outrageously delicious burgers in Metro Manila. You’re welcome!
Take a big, sloppy, spectacular bite out of one of these killer burgers and treat your senses to some carnivorous spoils. While its origin remains ambiguous, this dish has become a distinguished favourite among meat lovers around the globe. While burgers are comforting, hearty, and nostalgic sandwiches, they can also be quite sophisticated and luxurious too. From soft pillow-y potato buns, to a more textural crunchy brioche bun, to thick meaty patties or crispy smash burgers, find what suits your palate and eat your heart out. Find out what we consider to be the best burgers in the metro, but reading this:
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1. Hungry Homies

Above Hungry Homies' Hyperbeef, The Purist and Run BMC
Founded by ex-PR maven and passionate cook Miggy Cruz and his partner Laureen Uy, this homegrown brand is a hot player in the metro’s burger sphere. All served in a soft, buttery brioche bun, the Hungry Homies menu offers three variants: Hypebeef, The Purist, and Run BMC.
A Cali-style double cheeseburger with shredded iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, the Hypebeef is inspired by the founders’ trips to LA. The Purist, on the other hand, is an Oklahoma-style fried onion double cheeseburger. With paper-thin sliced onion ribbons smashed and fried with the beef for maximum flavour, this variant is every purist’s dream. The delightful Run BMC features a single patty paired with mango wood-smoked bacon, shiitake mushrooms, pickles and chipotle barbecue mayo.
Tatler tip: These burgers are prepared in limited batches on weekends. Watch out for Hungry Homies’ announcements on social media and sign up to order right away as slots get full easily.
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2. Ta-kā MNL
Whether you are up for a single smash, double smash, or a golden, crispy fried chicken burger, Ta-kā in Poblacion has got you covered. The beautifully crisped edges of their famed smash burger are complemented by the patty's juicy interior, while its fluffy buttered buns bring this meaty bite to completion. On top of their burgers, be sure to try out their bucket of fried chicken. Casual, no-frills, and full of flavour, Ta-kā is a must-try for burgers in Poblacion.
3. Scratch Smashburgers
Scratch Smashburgers in Poblacion is brought to you by the team behind Bowery, Borough and Nolita Joes. Scratch is a vibrant new burger joint known for its handcrafted smash burgers and inventive sandwiches. It's an ideal spot for both lunch and late-night cravings. The team here takes pride in making everything from scratch, including their signature potato buns. All their smash burgers are noted for their juicy beef patties that come with crispy edges, and can be further complemented by buttery buns, crispy bacon, and creamy, tangy dressings.
Tatler tip: you can get the iconic Bowery media noche sandwich here (Bowery in BGC is no longer in operation)!
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4. Sterv Burger
Sterv Burger is an online-only business that specialises in succulent smash burgers. You can click their Instagram's link-in-bio to secure your orders for your haul of burgers during their weekend drops. On top of their normal (and sought after smash burger), they also have a breakfast burger with a silky egg to boot!
5. 717 Deli
717 Deli is known for their huge, juicy, golden, beer-battered halibut sandwich or gorgeously crispy yet moist fish and chips. Their range of sandwiches with prosciutto, mortadella, or burrata on focaccia have also turned heads, but don't overlook their delicious cheeseburger.
6. Flipside Burgers
Flipside Burgers serves up a killer Oklahoma-style smash burger with double Angus beef patties, American cheese, grilled onions, dill and their special burger sauce. While at it, why not try their umami burger with shitake mushrooms and a unique umami sauce, or their breakfast burger made with chorizo hamonado patties and is even topped with a juicy egg to boot. For those in the mood for seafood, opt for their crispy Alaskan pollock fish fillet sandwich or their shrimp burger.
7. 8 Cuts

Above 8 Cuts Burgers
The classic 8Cuts cheeseburger, which highlights its signature “All Killer, No Filler” juicy beef patty topped with perfectly melted cheese between two hot buns, is a straightforward, mouthwatering dish worth swooning over. 8 Cuts Burgers is one of the brands under The Moment Group, which also introduced successful F&B concepts like Ooma, Manam and Bank Bar to name a few.
Tatler tip: This hearty burger is best paired with onion rings or skinny fries on the side
8. Bored and Hungry
Bored & Hungry is a unique burger restaurant known for its NFT-themed concept and award-winning smash burgers. Originating from Long Beach, California, it gained fame for integrating the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs into its branding and operations. The NFT-inspired burger joint made its Asian debut with a permanent location at The Grid Food Market in Powerplant mall. They now have locations in Public Eatery, Robinsons Magnolia, Quezon City and another at Food on Four, SM Aura Premier, in BGC.
9. Bun Run
Bun Run is a popular burger joint in San Juan, Metro Manila that is known for its premium smashed burgers. This joint has garnered attention for its flavourful offerings and laid-back ambiance. From a double cheeseburger to a truffle burger, each is celebrated for juicy patties and well-balanced ingredients, from the simple to the extravagant.
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10. Nokal
Nokal is not only known for their dance-inducing DJ sets but also for their juicy, thick, meaty and gooey burger. Get your hands on the Nokal cheeseburger, which they dub a "double-double" since it has a double 80g patty, double the cheese, and comes complete with lettuce, tomato, mustard and ketchup too. Their Gotham smash burger on the other hand is another decent double-down burger but this time with caramelised onions and pickled chilli.
Tatler tip: if you are feeling like biting into a burger with a twist, opt for their chopped cheese. This is a chopped double burger patty serving with double the cheese too, plus lettuce and tomato, served in a hotdog bun.
11. Bar Pintxos

Above Bar Pintxos' Jamon Burguesa
Have a taste of Spain with Bar Pintxos’s jamon burguesa made from succulent Wagyu beef patty and a luscious jamon allioli, which gives the burger that distinct Catalan flavour. The restaurant also has a version for vegetarians to enjoy—the mushroom chorizo burger that uses a quarter-pound mushroom-potato patty with vegetarian chorizo allioli. Both are served with thick-cut house-made fries.
Tatler tip: Enjoy these burgers with a refreshing glass of sangria and watch an episode of Money Heist for that ultimate Spanish vibe.
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12. Pink’s Hot Dogs
Above The Signature Cheeseburger from Pink’s Hot Dogs
A Hollywood staple since 1939, the Philippines got its first taste of Pink's in 2016. Beyond its famous hot dogs, it also offers other irresistible comfort foods such as burgers and sides, of which, the most popular is the signature cheeseburger that comes with a perfectly grilled all-beef patty sandwiched in glistening buns.
Looking for something even meatier? There is also the bacon cheeseburger, which presents a variety of textures with the inclusion of crunchy onion rings and crisp bacon.
Tatler tip: Both burgers are best paired with Pink’s buffalo chicken wings and chilli cheese fries. Make sure to save room for some milkshake of Farmacy ice cream, too!
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13. Shake Shack

Above Shake Shack's ShackBurger
Be it in Manila or whichever Shake Shack shop in the world, New York’s iconic modern-day roadside burger place never disappoints. The ShackBurger, for instance, remains a cult-favourite with its 100 per cent all-natural, hormone- and antibiotic-free Angus beef patty sandwiched between a non-GMO Martin’s Potato Roll.
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The meat is always cooked medium unless guests prefer otherwise. Veggie-lovers can also try the’Shroom Burger—whole portobello mushroom roasted low and slow, topped with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce.
Tatler tip: Complement the burger with the juicy Chick’n Bites in honey mustard or barbecue sauce and rich and creamy frozen custard. The ShackBurger is also available in a DIY kit that you can easily prepare at home.
14. Sweet Ecstasy

Above Sweet Ecstasy Manila's The Steamburger
Sweet Ecstasy has garnered a cult following through the years for their simple and quirky burgers too. In fact, The Steamburger may look too plain on the surface, yet it’s one of Sweet Ecstasy's most popular burgers. It’s just beef, cheese and onions; no sauce or any other veggies. The steam from the juices of the beef and onions is locked into the buns. On the menu you will find an array of tasty creations to choose from, featuring their signature smashed patties, soft buns, melty cheeses, pickles, and signature sauce too. Their approach is straightforward but perfected, appealing to burger purists. However, if you are feeling adventurous, try out their peanut butter jalapeño burger.
Tatler tip: try out their fried pickles too!
Credits
Words: Additional reporting by Maritess Garcia Reyes





