Innovative creations like The English Patent, Figaragras and The Jam set the ultra-chic Gourmet Caf on Shaanxi Road N. apart from regular burger lounges due to the combination of succulent beef patties and mouth-watering condiments.
Business has been going strong for the last three years at this unique burger joint that specializes in weird and wonderful ingredients, such as foie gras, chutney and apple haystack. With these, a side order of black pepper fries goes down a treat.
Founded by British ex-pat William Bray, The Gourmet Caf has become hugely popular solely by word of mouth. Ex-pats and local yuppies flock to the restaurant to take advantage of its lunch specials, which include a tasting menu of mini-burgers, each with its own sauce and flavor.
The menu also includes over 20 milkshakes, a gourmet cocktail list and 30 premium selections of beer, many of them imported from Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, and the United States.
Head Chef Daviv Leong said he was inspired to dress up the seemingly simple western burger with ingredients from around the world to make an impact.
"I draw inspiration from cuisine from England, Thailand, India, Italy, the Middle East and France," he said. "We try to keep the menu interesting, updating it every month with new creations."
Bray, who designed the restaurant himself, said he pitches in by roaming through the menus of other eateries for inspiration regarding how to conjure up new and unique burgers.
