Juicy and delicious beef burgers — three must-visit “burger specialty shops” for burger lovers

▲ Burger Ray’s signature burger allows customers to choose the doneness of the beef patty and customize toppings as they like. (Photo / Huang Shih-yuan)

Reported by Huang Shih-yuan / Special Feature

The burger has always been one of the representative foods of American cuisine. Beyond fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King, many American-style restaurants also serve delicious burgers. Recently, three new “burger specialty shops” have opened in Taipei, each selling only burgers and no other dishes. These are CaliBurger, Burger Fix, and Burger Ray, which opened on July 14. Both Burger Fix and Burger Ray highlight their use of steak-grade beef. Since all three are located in the Dongcheng area and most single items are priced under NT$200, the battle of burger specialty shops has officially begun.

Burger Ray: Freshly ground beef, customizable doneness, and build-your-own toppings

Opened on July 14, Burger Ray is Taiwan’s first burger shop where the meat is ground on-site after you order, and customers can choose the doneness of the beef patty and customize toppings as they like. The shop sells only burgers, with five flavor options: the Signature Burger (beef patty, NT$145), the Special Southeast Asian Pork Burger (NT$145), the Pan-Seared Seafood Burger (NT$185), the Heart Attack Burger (NT$400), and the Mushroom & Quinoa Burger (NT$145).

Although it serves an everyday classic — the burger — Burger Ray doesn’t skimp on ingredients. The patties are made from Choice-grade beef shoulder and brisket, blended in a 2:8 lean-to-fat ratio. The beef is ground and cooked in a temperature-controlled glass-enclosed room, ensuring the process from grinding to serving takes no more than 40 minutes. Thanks to the Choice-grade beef, the controlled environment, and the quick preparation time, customers can opt for medium-rare, medium-well, or well-done.

▲ The Heart Attack Burger. (Photo / Huang Shih-yuan)

Only the Signature Burger allows customers to choose doneness and customize toppings. For other flavors, adding your own toppings may affect the taste. There is a “free toppings bar” featuring iceberg lettuce, romaine, Boston lettuce, salsa, chopped onions, onion rings, tomatoes, and pickles. There are also five sauces to choose from: Mexican meat sauce, French spicy mayo, BBQ sauce, cheese sauce, and teriyaki sauce, allowing customers to create their own personalized burgers.

The shop also offers a uniquely named burger called the “Heart Attack Burger”! Why is it called that? Because this burger uses duck liver, truffles, and beef — ultra-luxurious and richly flavored ingredients. Priced at NT$400 for a single burger or NT$450 for a set meal.

Burger Ray
Address: No. 250-4, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Taipei City
Phone: 02-8771-5811
Business Hours: Mon–Thu 11:00–21:00; Fri–Sat 11:00–23:00; Sun 11:00–21:00
Price: Burgers start at NT$145

▲ CaliBurger’s cheese beef burger. (Photo / Huang Shih-yuan)

CaliBurger: Selling just four types of burgers

When CaliBurger first opened, it sparked online discussion due to a brand dispute with another burger chain, In-N-Out, in China. However, Zhao Yuantong, who introduced CaliBurger to Taiwan, stated that the brand issue has been resolved. He is a big fan of American burgers, which is why he wanted to bring them to Taiwan. He is committed to running the shop well and providing the best products and service to Taiwanese customers.

To deliver the best taste, Zhao put a lot of effort into sourcing ingredients. For the beef, he tested suppliers from around the world and ultimately chose beef from New Zealand and Australia. For vegetables, he opted for locally grown produce in Taiwan, noting that the quality of Taiwan-grown vegetables is very high. As for the fries, Zhao revealed that frozen potatoes imported from the U.S. didn’t yield good results, but after consulting experts, he found that native Taiwanese potatoes produce fries with taste and texture that rival those from the U.S.


▲ Avocado chicken burger. (Photo / Huang Shih-yuan)

The CaliBurger menu features only four types of burgers: two beef options (Cheese Beef Burger and Double Cheese Beef Burger) and two chicken options (Avocado Chicken Burger and Mexican Spicy Chicken Burger). Zhao said he aimed to simplify operations so he could focus more on quality and provide the best service. Prices are NT$155 for the Classic Cheese Burger, NT$225 for the Double Cheese Burger, NT$165 for the Classic Avocado Chicken Burger, and NT$165 for the Mexican Spicy Chicken Burger.

CaliBurger
Address: No. 7, Lane 7, Alley 205, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Taipei City
Business Hours: Sun–Thu 11:00–22:00; Fri–Sat 11:00–23:00


▲ Burger Fix promotes steak-grade American-style handmade burgers. (Photo / Provided by Ambassador Hotel)

Burger Fix specializes in steak-grade American-style handmade burgers

Burger Fix is invested in and established by the well-known Ambassador Hotel in Taiwan. It focuses on steak-grade American-style handmade burgers. Its first branch, located in Anhe, opened in May, offering 56 seats and a semi-self-service model. Customers check off their orders on the menu, which staff then confirm, calculate, and prepare fresh. Staff serve the meals, and customers pay at the counter upon finishing.

Burger Fix sources its beef from BRANDT BEEF, a purebred natural cattle farm in California, USA. The cattle are corn-fed and entirely vegetarian. Trained staff then trim excess fat and sinew before grinding and hand-pattying the meat. Burger options include the Classic Beef Burger (NT$175), Bacon Cheese Beef Burger (NT$205), Korean Fried Chicken Burger (NT$165), and Truffle Mushroom Burger (NT$155).

Burger Fix
Address: No. 5, Lane 21, Section 1, Anhe Road, Taipei City
Business Hours: 10:00–22:00
Phone: (02) 2751-6628