Hawaii’s best burger opens in Makati

This definitely is one of the best burgers out there! That’s a sure declaration! No ifs, no buts. You just have to dig in and enjoy one of life’s guilty pleasures: eating a good burger. This after my first bite of Teddy’s Bigger Burgers at Greenbelt 3 (the 17th branch and the first in the Philippines) during the pre-opening meet for bloggers.

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers was founded by Ted Tsakiris and Rich Stula in Hawaii. The Philippines is their third country after Japan and was brought in by the group of Marvin Agustin that also includes Sumo Sam, Banzai, Akira to name a few.

As I lined up to the counter, I wasn’t really sure what to order but a restaurant staff recommended the Kailua Monster Burger, the most popular in Hawaii. I said yes and she even added that I should try it with double patty! With that, I paired a 12 oz. peanut butter milk shake and a side of garlic flavored fries.

The milk shake arrived. It was thick and creamy and we were told that theirs is not watered down like other milk shakes, consisting 90% ice cream and 10% milk. It also comes in three sizes: 12, 22 and 32 oz. By the way, Teddy’s isn’t fastfood. Orders are made from scratch.

After a few minutes, my order arrived. It was a monster! Five ouces of burger patty is already large but two? Plus layers upon layers of grilled cheese, grilled mushrooms, lettuce, thinly sliced onions, tomatoes, Swiss cheese, drizzled with teriyaki and their special (and secret) yellow sauce between potato buns.

The real secret to a Teddy’s burger? PATTY. It’s made from corn fed, 100% US Angus ground chuck which is located at the shoulder part of the cow. It is known for its good flavor and balanced ratio of meat and fat. And this is what makes up a Teddy’s patty. No fillers, no binders.

It’s flavorful and quite filling, juicy. You can have it cooked the way you want: rare, medium rare, medium, medium well, well done. The hint of swiss cheese also makes for an interesting taste. One tip though that you should do when you eat a Teddy’s burger? Eat with your hands. Ted Tsakiris swore that its the best way to eat their burgers as the different ingredients and flavors just come together!

As for the potato bun, its made from potato starch and it’s the second time that I tasted this. The first one at an American owned and popular burger joint in Baclayon, Bohol. The fries are thick and just right. I like the crispy exterior and soft interior. The smell of roasted garlic was just heaven!

I also like the simple interior decorated with accents that reminds you of its Hawaiian roots. When you get to the counter, there’s a handy guide on how you want your patties cooked. Just as you enter, there’s a poster that dissects the different layers/parts of a Teddy’s Bigger Burger.

One thing that you should also consider is that the prices are on the high side. But, after tasting and seeing the size of one’s orders, definitely well worth it. Case in point? Their small fries is already the large sizes of local fastfood chains, and much better!

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers should definitely be in every burger lover’s must eat joints. Good and interesting flavors, large servings. You would come out happy, smiling and the word aloha would definitely sound beautifully from there on.

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
Level 3, Greenbelt 3
Ayala Center, Makati City
Facebook Page: Teddy’s Bigger Burgers Philippines
Website: Teddy’s Bigger Burgers