At first glance, I was intrigued by Umami Burger, a chain of restaurants best known for their burgers boasting a unique flavor — Umami, the fifth sense of taste that's neither sweet, sour, salty, nor bitter. I quickly found out they weren't a one-trick pony, as their menu also included fried treats, shakes, and scrumptious starters. Let's not forget their salads either, a godsend for the leaf lovers amongst us.
For those not in the know, Umami Burger first opened its doors in sunny California back in 2009. A quick Goggle search told me that 'Umami' is Japanese for 'delicious', which was certainly a promising start! Tearing into their burgers, I discovered that the beef they used was sourced from cattle fed on a nutrient-rich diet of grass and grains. The result was a tender, succulent burger punchy with flavor. And Umami Burger didn’t forget about my vegetarian friends either. They offered an Impossible Burger, a meat-free option that tasted just as flavorful and delicious as the real deal. I got it served on a warm, toasty bun and absolutely loved every bite! Umami Burger's reach extends beyond California, with locations sprinkled all over the US. Based on my experience there, I can readily see why it's quickly gaining popularity amongst foodies and burger lovers alike.
As any food enthusiast would know, making a great burger isn't simple. At Umami Burger, they take this to heart under the keen oversight of their chef and Chief Culinary Officer, Martin Heierling, and his masterpiece creation of over 20 different Umami Burgers. I initially wanted to swap out a few ingredients, but learned that the brilliance behind these burgers was their ingredient combos, each one complementing the other in a symphony of flavors.
For a deep dive into the world of Umami Burger, do check out their website here.
Where can one find an Umami Burger?
Born and bred in Los Angeles in 2009, Umami Burger has since spread its wings, landing in cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Las Vegas, and even Dubai. It's truly been a journey to watch this local gem spread its reach internationally!
What's so special about Umami Burger?
While most burger parlors add umami flavors to their patties, what sets Umami Burger a class apart is their innovative approach. They use a variety of unique ingredients specifically aimed at bringing out the umami taste in their burgers, creating a complex flavor profile that's hard not to love. A bite of their signature burger transported me to flavor heaven. It was a heavenly medley of shiitake mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes, and a Parmesan frico cheese crisp. This mix of ingredients created a savory explosion of taste in my mouth that I'll never forget.
Umami Burger's extensive menu features classical burgers, special umami burgers, and vegetarian-friendly choices. The fries on offer were equally diverse, from your standard cut fries to the more intriguing togarashi fries that came with a tangy kick. However, the star of the show, rightly so, was their signature Umami Burger topped with umami sauce, Parmesan cheese, and roasted garlic – a gustatory delight that cannot be missed!
Do vegetarians have options at Umami Burger?
Despite their beefy offerings, Umami Burger is actually quite vegetarian-friendly. Their Umami Veggie Burger, composed of portabello mushrooms, grilled onions, and roasted red peppers was a veggie masterpiece in itself. Additionally, they offered numerous other sandwich and salad options for those who prefer not to partake in meat — making it a truly inclusive dining option.
Is Umami Burger a healthy dining option?
In my pursuit for healthier options, I found that the Impossible Burger was a great, guilt-free choice. A meatless burger with plenty of flavor was indeed a win in my book!
Umami Burger doesn't come with a dedicated kids' menu, but their Original Burger and selection of fries seemed perfectly kid-friendly. Even better, they offer these dishes in kid-sizing, so the little ones will surely leave with their tummies full!
Does Umami Burger deliver?
Does Umami Burger cater?
Although Umami Burger doesn't provide delivery services themselves, they have tied up with third-party services like DoorDash and GrubHub. So, I was able to place my order online or call in, then either pick it up myself or have it delivered through their partners. Their catering abilities were also impressive, bringing Umami Burger's savory magic to both small gatherings and big events. They even had a dedicated online portal where I could place catering orders and filter by dietary needs!
As you can tell, my experience at Umami Burger was nothing short of amazing. I think I found a new favorite!
Pros:
- Their unique umami burgers are to die for!
- Flexible with dietary restrictions. Beach bod, here I come!
- Their catering abilities are a godsend for parties and get-togethers.
- Great vegetarian options. Who said burgers had to be beefy?
- They have location all over the US. Vacation food hunt, sorted!
Cons:
- No kids' menu. That could be a bummer with little ones around.
- I had to juggle between websites to get my food delivered.
- I wanted to switch out some ingredients in my burger, but they stick to their own combination. Kudos to them for taking their flavours to heart, though.