A bold new burger restaurant has planted its flag in one of London's most competitive culinary territories. Hanbaagaasuuteeki, an Asian-inspired burger joint, has opened its doors on 36 Buckingham Palace Road in Victoria, positioning itself just steps away from established giants like Shake Shack and Bleecker Burger.
A Confident Entry into a Burger Battlefield
Choosing a location within what the reviewer calls "London’s prime hamburger nexus" is a supremely confident move. The restaurant, reviewed by Food & Drink Editor Leonie Cooper on Monday 19 January 2026, aims to serve the bustling crowds from Victoria's hectic transport hub with a unique proposition. The vibe is described as a fast-food stop-off with serious foodie credentials, reminiscent of the hallowed West Coast chain In-N-Out but with a distinctive K-pop twist, featuring bright red splashes of colour, high stools, and counter-top tables.
Where the Menu Magic Happens
While offering a respectful nod to tradition with a '1950s-style' double cheeseburger featuring onions rehydrated in dashi vinegar, Hanbaagaasuuteeki truly shines on its more inventive offerings. The menu's nine burgers avoid feeling like novelty items. A standout is the shrimp kong baga, a "surf and turf" creation featuring a smashed beef patty topped with crispy fried shrimps, a sweet and tangy dressing, melted cheese, and a scattering of seaweed.
Other compelling options include a bold blue-cheese burger cut through with fresh kimchi and green apple slaw, and a range of chicken burgers. The Szechuan chicken burger offers a just-numbing heat with togarashi seasoning and kewpie mayo, while the visually striking yuzu matcha version provides a fragrant citrus zip. For sides, the miso-loaded fries with ginger and crispy seaweed are deemed "shockingly addictive," though the honey gochujang cheese sticks are noted as overly saccharine.
Drinks, Details, and Verdict
The drink menu complements the fare with soft drinks, Asahi beer, and an intriguing offering of glasses of pet-nat wine. The restaurant is open daily from 11.30am until 11pm, making it a convenient pit stop for travellers. Leonie Cooper's review awards the venue 4 out of 5 stars, praising it as "quite fantastic." The final verdict is clear: in a city saturated with burger bars, Hanbaagaasuuteeki's unique Asian-inspired angle makes it a compelling and welcome addition to London's food scene, successfully pulling off its audacious location choice.
