Burger & Lobster Gives Us New Ways to Surf and Turf at BGC Outpost

Burger & Lobster
G/F SM Aura, 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway, BGC
Contact number: 0917-118-8470
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burgerandlobstermanila/
Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Sunday

(SPOT.ph) Steakhouses are everywhere in the Metro, serving up juicy cuts of premium beef—but when it comes to huge and meaty lobsters, a.k.a. the steak’s luxurious counterpart from under the sea, the options are surprisingly scarce. So, here comes a very obvious answer (it's in the name, after all) for when you want to wear a bib, crack open lobster tails like your life depended on it, and scrape off the meat like a pro: London's Burger & Lobster recently opened its first store in Manila.

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London's Burger & Lobster opens its first Philippine store at SM Aura

Founded in 2011 on a rooftop in London by four friends who had the idea to focus on just two ingredients and make them the best they could possibly be, Burger & Lobster has since grown into a global sensation. Now, for the first time, it has landed in the Philippines, bringing its signature burger and lobster dishes to an upscale casual dining spot at SM Aura Premier in BGC. 

This Manila outpost is the result of a powerhouse collaboration among seasoned restaurateurs, including Raymond Magdaluyo of Wolfgang Steakhouse and Eric Teng of Mango Tree, among others. And when asked what's so special about this restaurant they've brought in, they didn’t hesitate—it's all about the bragging rights that come with serving premium Canadian lobster.

These crustaceans are supplied to the restaurant by an affiliate company that sources it from Nova Scotia in Canada. These are sustainably caught during the months of summer and winter, and then go through advanced freezing technology to ensure the flavors are there even if it's kept for a year.

To keep supply steady, the restaurant carefully forecasts demand, ensuring a year-round stock of Canadian lobster. And in case you're wondering—because I certainly was—Chef Brian Chong has a quick answer: no, Burger & Lobster has never faced a lobster shortage. Rest assured that when you're craving lobster, Burger & Lobster will have it—either steamed, grilled, sandwiched in brioche buns, or coated in a sweet and spicy sauce.

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What to try at Burger & Lobster

Staying true to its global reputation, the Manila outpost delivers the same service and hospitality that Burger & Lobster is known for—this time with uniquely Filipino warmth and charm, plus Philippine-exclusive dishes by Chef Brian Chong, Burger & Lobster’s Brand Development Chef on the menu.

You can never go wrong with the Burger & Lobster classics—from starters like the Lobster Mac & Cheese (P990) and the Lobster Chowder (P690) to the restaurant's bestselling trifecta. Sink your teeth into The Mayfair Burger (P990)—a juicy 6 oz. beef patty stacked with pickles, onions, tomato, and crisp lettuce sandwiched between soft brioche buns (yep, they bake it themselves!). Add their signature secret sauce, and you’ve got a burger that means business—served, of course, with fries and a side salad.

The Classic Whole Lobster (P4,790/whole, P2,390/half) is a showstopper—a fresh Canadian lobster, grilled or steamed, that you can drench in lemon-garlic butter, and plated with crispy fries and a fresh salad. And then there’s also the legendary Lobster Roll (P1,490)—chunks of lobster tossed in zesty lemon mayo, topped with chives, and packed into a warm, toasted brioche roll, plus a side of golden fries and salad. It's best to push down the lobster meat just to make sure none of the precious meat falls off when you bite. 

You can get the B&L Combo One (P5,290) if you want both The Mayfair and the whole Canadian lobster, or the B&L Combo Two (P7,090) which has both, plus the Lobster Roll. These combos are served with house salad and the restaurant's signature lemon and garlic butter sauce.

If you're craving something a little more out-of-the-box—more specifically, dishes that are more for the Filipino than Western palate, look no further than the Philippines-exclusive dishes by Chong. One standout is the Honcho Burger (P595)—a smashed double patties, button mushrooms, cheese, onions, and peppercorn cream sauce sandwiched in between soft potato buns. According to Chong, this creation was inspired by a particular Jollibee dish—though, if we're being honest, it bears an uncanny resemblance to another fast-food favorite. We’ll let you be the judge when you try it for yourself.

Chong is from Koto Kinabalu in Malaysia which explains the creation behind another Philippine-exclusive dish that uses fresh chilies: the heat-packed Spicy Chili Lobster (P3,190/half, P5,490/whole). This dish coats the Canadian Lobster in a homemade spicy chili sauce and is served with garlic butter rice (a.k.a. sinangag, a.k.a. every Filipino's weakness). 

This dish is similar to chili crab, but different with the added aromatics of lemongrass and ginger. Chong adds, "I have made variations [of the Chili Lobster] in different locations, but this one is made for the Philippines. They may have the same name, but it's a totally different product process for the Philippines."

What we would try on our next visit to Burger & Lobster? The Manila Roll (P790), a Philippine-exclusive Lobster Roll with prawn, lobster, and mango dressed in calamansi-mayonnaise. But whether it's your first or fifth trip to Burger & Lobster, you should order the B&L Pineapple Iced Tea (P250) with whatever you're ordering. This is a refreshing combination of pineapple juice, muscovado, English Breakfast Tea, and lemon served in a plastic bag hanging from a metal rod—you know, for ease when your hands are busy cracking lobster tails.

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