What you looking at? I’m chewy, leave me alone.

On a recent trip to Tibet, I come across one of the most unusual burgers to date. A Big Yak Burger. Let me assure you that this will not be a world revelation. The meat is very chewy. In fact, it could double up as meat chewing gum and put Wrigley’s out of business!

In Li Jiang, China (Shangri-la region - think James  Hilton’s book), Banyan Tree; a swanky resort nestled high in the mountains also sells Yak Burgers. Having tried both, neither stand-out as a reason for a trip…

Having tried a Yak burger, I will not be rushing back for seconds. There will be no Yak Attack and no I’m not lovin’ it.

Tibet: Spirituality personified. The Dalai-Lama & co have most things right

but not their burgers.

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The 2007 Independence Day Burger Grill-Off

I want you now. No, not a war silly; a burger grill-off

Shanghaiist is teaming up with City Diner to throw the city’s biggest and baddest 4th of July party — held, naturally, on the 1st of July (a Sunday) at City Diner’s Hongmei Lu location. You don’t have to be an American to get in — non-Americans who enjoy food, drink, music, fun and fireworks (along with some friendly competition) are encouraged to attend!The party will be held outside, from 12 noon to sundown. Highlights include:

• “Best Burger in Shanghai” competition — taste and vote on all of the entries!
• Live music (performers yet to be determined)
• Fun and games
• Lucky draw/raffle with plenty of prizes
• Fireworks at sunset
• All the sliders (mini hamburgers) you can eat
• Free flow of beer, sangria and soda
• And finally, plenty of good natured trash talkin’!

Entry to the party is RMB 150 per person. We suggest you come hungry (and thirsty).

Perhaps you want to up the ante a bit, however. We are still looking for teams interested in competing for the title of “Best Burger in Shanghai.” Think you’ve got what it takes? Here are the rules. (You can download an entry form here.)

Shanghai by night. Burgers 24/7

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Well it used to be hamburger desert in Hong Kong but over the past 10 years or so we have seen a deluge of Hamburger chains appearing - and in some cases disappearing - in every nook and cranny of the territory. All good news for those in the need of a burger fix. However in the past 3 years there has been an explosion of burger joints opening.

Canada’s famed Triple O’s - at least for West coast habitants - made a grand entrance via there 50’s retro themed inpired 70-odd seat outlet in Pacific Place mall in 2003. Since that auspicious opening - by we presume a homesick Canuck - they have branched out with another outlet at IFC Mall/ The Forum at Exchange Square in Central, Harbour City in TST, Kowloon and City Super at Times Square in Causeway Bay. For a pure Australian chuck pattie with lettuce, tomato and Triple O’s special sauce, you will dish-out HK$51. Extras will cost more.

Down in Star Street, Wanchai, burger lovers have been celebrating Shake-’em Buns, which opened in August last year. Since its humble beginings, two more outlets have been added in Causeway Bay (5 Hoi Ping Rd) and Central (76 Wellington St) like a bolt of lighting. Whilst any New-Yorker worth his pound of pure chuck beef would know; the word ‘Shake’ should be used with extreme caution (think Shake Shack). Whilst small, this burger joint has a 1930’s esq, New York Diner look and feel. The burgers are your traditional ’sloppy Joe’ - a 160 gram juicy pattie, resplendent with fresh leaf of lettuce, with lashings of toppings, sandwiched in a fresh sesame-seed bun. Prices for the Missionary are HK$48, Red on the Neck (chilli and coleslaw) HK$60, Gang Bang (double patty with cheese, bacon and fried egg) HK$98. Whilst this joint has nothing on the doyen of hamburger places: Shake Shack, it certainly does hold its own.

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