This tiny shop is tucked into a corner, with a sign bearing an English name (Mary’s Hamburger) that doesn’t match its Chinese name (Jasmine Burger). Hidden down an alley in Taipei’s East District, Jasmine Burger has no jasmine flowers hanging inside, and its burgers don’t taste like jasmine either. But they are delicious. You might even wipe your mouth afterward and say, “Jasmine!” (Why? Please don’t question someone who’s just making things up as she goes.)
Note: Apparently, Mary’s Hamburger really was called Mary Burger in Chinese for many years and only recently changed its name to Jasmine Burger. As for why… I have no idea either.
At first, just hearing the name “Jasmine Burger,” I assumed it was an ordinary Taiwanese breakfast shop, something along the lines of Country Burger. But the moment I walked in, I realized it was nothing like that! Unlike typical breakfast shops in Taiwan, which sell everything from turnip cake, egg pancakes, and sizzling noodles to all manner of Chinese and Western dishes, Jasmine Burger keeps things simple and serves American-style burgers. So it isn’t really a breakfast shop at all—it’s more like Bravo Burger and otherAmerican-style burger restaurants。
That said, the shop is much smaller than the average American-style restaurant. From the outside, it looks fairly deep and spacious, but inside, theseating area is tiny, with just a small counter in front of the register and bar seating along the wall and windows. There are only about 6–8 seats in total. Since it’s located in the East District, where office workers are always hunting for food, I imagine most of its customers order takeout. Still, despite the limited seating, the tall bar stools and all-white interior make it feel very comfortable.
Apparently, the original shop in Tianmu has been open since 1979. This East District branch of Jasmine Burger was opened by the second generation, so all the staff here are young, perfectly matching the vibe of the neighborhood—without compromising the food. If you sit at the counter, you can watch the burgers being made, which is pretty fun.
A large black menu hangs on the wall. There aren’t many choices: two burgers, fries, four subs, and two sandwiches. The drink selection is more unusual. Besides milk tea and orange juice, you can also order a milkshake or beer. We tried the black tea and thought it was just okay. Next time, I’ll order a milkshake and give that a try.
Since we came here for burgers, we ordered both kinds (not that anyone made that rule = =):the Cheeseburger (NT$75) and the Bacon Cheeseburger (NT$105).These two burgers really do live up to their names—the only difference is the bacon. They look almost identical, and apart from the bacon inside, you can barely tell them apart. So this one photo can represent both the Cheeseburger and the Bacon Cheeseburger (just summon whichever one you want in your imagination). The portions are generous enough to leave both women and men thoroughly full.
The big burger comes with a thick handmade beef patty, onions, tomato, pickles, lettuce, ketchup, and mustard. You can get a classic, traditional American burger right here in Taipei’s East District.
It tastes great, with plenty of substantial ingredients in every bite, yet it never gets too heavy. Some burgers become a chore to finish—ha! Halfway through, you start getting tired of them—but that doesn’t happen with their burgers.
If you order the Bacon Cheeseburger, you also get three slices of fragrant, freshly fried bacon. If I hadn’t wanted to take a photo first, I would have bitten straight into it!
We also orderedfries (NT$40),and their fries are seriously delicious! They’re thicker than McDonald’s fries and taste every bit as good—actually, even better. Definitely a must-order!
Important Information
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Jasmine Burger (Mary’s Hamburger) |
