Burgers in Berlin: #2 Shiso Burger

SHISO BURGER

Located on Auguststrasse 29C, Shisho Burger is an Asian Fusion burger restaurant that has become one of our regular lunch places. Directions here:

Photo by Anne S. / Care of yelp.de

According to the wikipedia, Shiso is the leaf of a Japanese mint plant and here they do combine many asian herbs with the traditional burger. The lemon-chili burger takes the asian fusion one step further by adding a fully flavoured chili sauce to the mix. 

Chili-lemon burger at Shiso (c) MJT

If you are after a full palette of tastes and a satisfying lunch or dinner without over-eating, then I definitely recommend a trip to Shiso Burger. The Angus Beef that is used for the boulette/patties is obviously very high quality, as it is succulent without dripping of fat. Since it is not always easy or cheap to find good quality beef in Berlin, this is a very satisfying yet reasonably priced solution. What is great about this place however, is that vegetarians are equally catered for, and there are multiple burger options, including the "Toad Burger" - Portabello mushroom (essentially a mushroom steak!), "Shiso Burger" - made like a Tuna patty, a "Salmon" and a "Veggie" Burger. 

"Toad Burger" / Portabello Mushroom at Shiso (c) MJT

Shiso Burger have a Mittagsmenu Monday through to Saturday, which for 3€ on top of the normal price of the burger, gives you a drink and house fries. Unfortunately if you want any other variation of the fries it will cost an extra 1,50€ - so in the end the Mittagsmenu "deal" is pretty slack actually. So we often simply share one serving of the sweet potato fries, which have more flavour than the regular house fries. 

Sweet potato fries at Shiso Burger (c) MJT

A unique touch to the already asian fusion burger, is the fact that everything is individually served in bamboo steamers. While aesthetically interesting, we have also noticed how efficient this is at clearing the tables afterwards.

Meal at Shiso Burger (c) MJT

While there is still a fresh and new vibe about this eatery, they already celebrated their first year anniversary and it seems more and more people are aware of how delicious the burgers are, as it is always busy. Conveniently it does not take long to enjoy your meal (a great pit stop or lunch on the go), though the service can fluctuate between being attentive and completely ignored or forgotten about entirely. (Sometimes having to beg to pay...) Oh, and make sure you have cash to pay with (NO CARDS)

Menu Shiso Burger

A little more information can be found at their website: www.shisoburger.de

Itadakimasu / Guten Appetit (c) MJT

Burgers in Berlin: #1 District Môt

District Môt

Saigon Street Food

(C) MJT

Near the intersection of Rosenthaler Platz and on the corner of Mulackstrasse is a new(ish) vietnamese restaurant. Directions here:

We tried their Mittagsmenü when they first opened approximately a year and a half ago, and were intrigued but not overly impressed. 

Since then they have modified their menu, and their Bao Burger is an award winning creating in Berlin. 

  

(C) MJT

Basically if one is familiar with the dough of chinese buns (eg BBQ Pork Buns), this is the bread of the burger - so the texture and density is quite different to that of a regular burger. 

The ingredients are strong in flavour, enhanced particularly by the coriander and chili. 

Care of www.districtmot.com

The effort that has gone into making this Berlin corner restaurant resemble a busy Saigon street is impressive, if not a little too crowded - but that is probably part of the theme. 

While I would recommend trying the Bao Burger, I have to confess that I do find that the service is extremely poor - both in attendance and manner. Given the number of Vietnamese restaurants in Berlin, in order to compete, the service does need to improve.

More information regarding the regular menu can be found on their website: www.districtmot.com  however this does not have the Burger information, as it is usually a special item.

Kaffee in Berlin series: #6 LA PREMIATA DITTA

LA PREMIATA DITTA

On Weinbergsweg (Nr 4) at Rosenthaler Platz in the smallest of Gewerbe (shop/commercial space) an extremely stylish italian deli recently opened its doors. Directions here. 

(C) MJT

La premiata ditta first opened less than a year ago, with the most drinkable espresso I had ever tasted, and a deli with multiple prosciutti and focaccia options to choose from. They have since updated their menu and lunch options to a more German palate, yet the freshness and flavours remain superb.

(C) MJT

(C) MJT

Just opposite the tram stop at Weinbergsweg, this is an extremely small coffee house, but extremely well designed in all aspects. Clearly they have taken a lot of care, time and effort in their presentation.

(C) MJT

Since summer is now upon us in Berlin, the café now accommodates more than 8 people by spilling out onto Weinbergsweg - between Spätverkaufs and other restaurants and cafés. But for an espresso on the run while waiting for the tram, or a mittags/lunch menu with focaccia, coffee and freshly pressed juice look no further than this extremely well fashioned italian addition to the area.

(C) MJT

(C) MJT

In summary, La PREMIATA DITTA comes in at a very, very high recommendation:

Coffee: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Atmosphere: ★★★★

Recommended Drink: Espresso or Cappuccino

Price: €1,50 / €2,20

Best Quality: The most drinkable Espresso ever! The staff are extremely friendly and willing to please. The modified lunch menu (deal) is just right! 

Check out their website here:  www.lapremiataditta.com