Courtesy of the Mosto Group, Nali Patio’s latest offering is Burger Box, a tiny chic burger joint right beside the group’s recently relocated Moka Bros. The funky concept and their use of fresh Aussie beef, matched with our unwavering loyalty to anything the Mosto team comes up with, has us ready and willing to get into these burgers in a big way.
And so, in we wander to place our orders at the counter. The layout is an odd one, we’ll admit. It’s a small space, accentuated by a gargantuan pink cow on top of the large island lined with high stools inside. Vegetarians and vegans beware, you’re being confronted with what the majority of your neighbors are consuming, though don’t turn away in disgust, as there is a veggie burger on the menu as well. The only individual seating is outside in the charming alleyway, with small tables and black cushioned booths lining one side.
Choosing to enjoy our burgers in the open air, our group claims two of the tables, which almost account for half of the available space. (Getting here at the right moment is crucial, as you might be left waiting for a seat.)
Their menu is limited to eight burgers with three types of patties – beef, pork and veggie – along with a fried chicken variant. The playfully named burgers feature the What Happened to Peppa? (RMB58), a pork burger with avocado, cheddar cheese and coleslaw, and the truffle-laden Outside the Box beef burger (RMB158) with black truffle Iberico ham, brie, lettuce and truffle mayo. We opt for the classic crowd-pleaser That’s What Cheese Said (RMB58), stacked with double cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickles, chopped onion and mustard, and make it a set with fries and a cold beer. The beef is juicy, though wavering on a bit more well-done than medium, the fries a hearty treat and the draft Asahi cold.
Another hit is the What Came First? (RMB58) with spicy fried chicken breast, which is lightly battered and delicious, though could have used an extra dose of spice. The Angry Avocado (RMB65) is a savory stunner with spicy black bean mash, japlapenos and avocado.
Going all out with a group of friends? Choose the 8 Ball option – eight burgers of your choice (not including the splurge-worthy Outside the Box, which features a different inventive flavor combo on rotation) with eight sides of fries. Also on offer is a homemade sweet pink lemonade (RMB35), served in a hip glass bottle. Pro tip: Go for the spiked version with vodka (RMB45) on a weekend night. Or weekday – we won’t judge you.
The speed at which our food arrives has us thinking this new Josper grill they’ve been banging on about is up to some serious magic back in the kitchen. And considering the only name of the game here is burgers – a bold move in a city that likes its restaurants to satisfy its every craving – there’s not much to complain about. For a decent burger, flying service and a central location, you really can’t beat Burger Box.
[Images via Boey for Burger Box]
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