The Beijinger Burger Cup: 24 Hours To Vote

So after a heated competition, it has come down to Blue Frog vs. Fatburger in the final of The Beijinger Burger Cup. Voting concludes at 4pm on Thursday, August 25. What better time to revisit what Tom O'Malley had to say about both burgers in the recent Burger Wars series? Exactly. Now read on and then get voting.

Fatburger

The brief. Look at that greasy beef glisten, like a meaty disco ball. Appropriate with A-Ha’s "Take On Me" playing as I order. Unusually for a fast food burger it really does look like its promotional photo. Good job. And it’s bound in paper too, giving it bonus points for mom 'n' pop kitsch.

The bite. Your teeth sink into this baby. In fact, it’s so soft and yielding a baby could probably eat it. (Note: This is not recommended.) The fluffy bread, the wilted lettuce, the squidgy, succulent beef, it could do with a bit of texture – a different or more crisply toasted bun, some crunchier fixings? It’s a nostalgic flavor profile, well-balanced and fast-food-y.

The beef. I ordered a double because, greed aside, the only other burger I’ve tried here was a single, and the patty was a bit overwhelmed by the bread and bits. Double is definitely better, and the meat – Australian, ground daily - wins out. Cooked well done but literally oozing juices.

The bits. On the advice of eaters on www.thebeijinger.com, I ordered it without mayo. I can’t see what more sauce would have done to help, apart from push up the calories.

Harmonious society. Well-put-together, tightly wrapped up in paper. A bit of greasy run-off from those shiny patties.

Fries? Steak cut fries are pretty darn good, non-greasy, unsalted (add it yourself) and a generous portion.

Blue Frog

The brief. It this burger was at school, it would definitely be a prefect/hall monitor. Neat and tidy, well-dressed and pressed, if a little over formal. Jeez, relax a bit.

The bite. Yes, yes yes! (Beefgasm). Thick, doughy bread eventually yields to a deep, succulent mouth of beef with lots of cheese in the mix. Salad 'n sauce back up in the cheap seats, where they should be. Very satisfying.

The beef. This is one beef sandwich you can (and maybe should) order medium, providing it doesn't mean you get less of a dark, smoky char on the patty, which really delivers in the flavour department. The pic above it's medium-well. A not-so-coarse ground gives it a bit of a chewy bite.

The bits. Just the right amount of fillings – onions, lettuce, tomatoes and a single slice of lettuce, all performing their supporting roles with grace and humility. Tastier cheese than Let's Burger.

Harmonious society. Bun is markedly heavy and dense (especially compared to Let's Burger), but it performs its containment role admirably, proving an impenetrable ooze barrier. The whole binds together remarkably well, thanks also to the neat, sparse toppings, build quality and tight ground on the beef, allowing maximum in-hand pleasure to the last bite.

Fries? Eat 'em quick. The kind of fries you just know will taste nasty when cooled a little.

That was Tom's opinion. Now share yours by voting in the final below.