We test drove the winner from the Phuket’s best burger competition

by Carl Gulliver

Last month Boat Lagoon hosted the annual Phuket’s Best Burger Competition (this year named ‘Dare to Dream’), and although we weren’t able to make it to judgement day, we made sure we test drove the winner.

Phuket’s Best Burger

Started in 2013, Phuket’s best burger competition has awarded the coveted first prize to Xana Beach Club, Kata Rocks and then Thavorn Beach Village & Spa (twice).

This year’s prize was awarded to the new kid on the block, Prime Burger, located in the basement of the new Central Patong. Although just opening their store at the time, this new addition to the island’s burger scene was able to take home the first prize.

Stockholm Burger – What the Big Mac should aspire to be

Prime Burger’s winning burger is called ‘Stockholm’. Bottomline, if you like burgers then this is definitely worth the trip to the basement of Central Patong.

The patties are made from Australian Angus grass-fed beef, offered in three different portions, the recommended standard is two 90 gram patties. The patties are then ‘smashed’ on a flat top for about 30 seconds, locking in the juices as the proteins break down into smaller compounds, creating a beautiful browned, charred and toasty flavour. The daily fresh-ground beef is a blend of 70% chuck 30% brisket which are considered the best cuts for smashing and flavour.

Then add their secret ingredient – Prime sauce. The best way to describe their secret sauce is a fine dining version of the Big Mac sauce, and this is where the burger hits a great note of nostalgia with one the world’s most famous and recognisable burgers.

The Stockholm Burger more than lives up to its recent award. In every bite you get a taste of that fresh ground and ‘smashed’ beef, crunchy and then juicy as it melts in with the American cheese and the tanginess of the Prime Sauce. The pickles and pickled red onions provide the acid needed to cut through the mouthful and alongside with the tomato and lettuce bring freshness and balance to the burger. The only note we’d like to share is regarding the American cheese, which we think is a bit prominent to some palates.

A great burger, perfectly executed and not overly complicated, focusing on fresh ingredients. Served alongside some of the best thin cut fries (thanks to their mixed spiced seasoning) on the island. You’ll be looking for more excuses to go into Patong.

The Stockholm burger has earned its name as the best burger on the island and we look forward to see what Prime Burger brings to the table next.

(If Stockholm isn’t your thing you can try London or Paris instead)

The Stockholm burger comes in three variations: single 120g pattie for 245B, 2×90 gram patties for 295B and then for those who are really hungry 3x90g patties for 375B. They are currently offering a special promotion following their Phuket best burger win offering the ‘standard’ Stockholm (2x90g patties), fries and a drink for 295B.