Burgers @ Burger Big Mountain, JR Hakata City, Fukuoka

 

A great burger always satisfies. it is just something magical about having meat between buns and cheese that is just special. And I was fortunate enough to find my favourite burger joint to have opened a new outlet very close to the office. Some of you may recall my first visit to the main branch of BBM in Ropponmatsu (click here to know more). Totally uninhibited at the time, I went for their special Burger Big Mountain and had a walloping good time. Although I totally enjoyed that meal, it had all the bell and whistles. So I was curious if their regular burgers would be able to get the job done. 

New and spunky. Somewhat calming though.

As mentioned earlier, I was really lucky that they have opened a new outlet in JR Hakata City, which is one of the main shopping malls located above Hakata Station. Not only is it new and spunky, but the kitchen is also much better ventilated than the one in Ropponmatsu. Meaning to say, that this place will not smell bacon. I do love the smell of bacon, but not when it is on my person. But I digress. 

The mozzarella cheese burger. What beauty. 

So in an attempt to go to the bare basics, I opted for the basic cheeseburger with fried. Simple but always a crowd-pleaser. I may be a crowd of one, but I was truly pleased. Without the extra stuff like mushroom and bacon, I was able to savour the true spirit of the burger, if that makes sense. 

A close up. Kudos for them providing paper pockets for a cleaner eating experience. 

The patty was fresh and juicy. The grains of the meat was present but not too big to the point that it was a chore to chow into. It was pure beef basically, but basic does not mean boring. It was really good and the patty was charred to perfection. The buns were great too, they were soft but still was able to keep the whole thing structurally sound. 

Neon yellow cheddar. Still great though. 

You can choose either cheddar or mozzarella. Being the completionist that I am, I had ordered both. They are both equally good and it just depends on your preference. If you like stretchy cheese, then the pale mozzarella is your best option. But if you like your cheese to have more bite and flavour, the golden cheddar will sort you out nicely.  The vegetables are also standard fare, but they are good and they get the job done in rounding the meal. Fresh lettuce and tomatoes are always welcomed in a good burger. Not having them is just criminal. 

Fish and chips, but better. 

For something really off-field, I tried their fried fish burger. It was definitely very different than all the rest, but it was really enjoyable. Imagine the Fish-o-Fillet's more sophisticated cousin. The filet is made out of local Japanese mackerel, coated in a crunchy and golden panko crust. In between it is a good walloping of coleslaw.  The chunky tartar sauce gave it an extra dimension in terms of flavour and texture. A different take, but still delicious. An easy recommendation.

So golden. 

Speaking of golden and deep-fried, the chips need a special mention. They are incredibly tasty and I suspect them to be brined before frying. There was a good depth of flavour in each chip and it was not just the taste of potatoes. A great companion to any burger. 

An interesting choice in terms of decorations. 

This may be considered a revisit of sorts, but it is a revisit I would gladly do again. And when there is a revisit, you know its good. The standard burgers with fries will range from 1200 yen to 1400 yen depending on your fillings. Great deal when it comes to the quality of the food you get. Also, the ambience is more relaxed and chilled than the one in Ropponmatsu, where it is really tight and cramped. Not to say that there is nothing wrong with quaint spaces. But when the more relaxed place is easier to reach, I think I will come here more often. Also, not to mention the bacon smell, or lack thereof after each visit.

Front of the house. A contemporary and fresh feel to it. 

Overall, both the Ropponmatsu and Hakata branches are worth the visit of any burger enthusiast. Their menu is relatively the same and their quality is too. But if you would like to visit the one based in Hakata, then the address is as follows:

 〒812-0012 Fukuoka, Hakata Ward, Hakataekichuogai, 1−1JR, JR HAKATA CITY, 10F