ひろえBANANA
Overview
A burger restaurant located a short walk from JR Kichijoji Station. Operated by the unique goods store "Village Vanguard," which has experienced rapid growth due to its unique display methods, this Kichijoji store has received the highest ratings on Tabelog and has been selected as one of the top 100 burger restaurants five times, earning high praise in the burger world.
Notes
I ordered three items this time, which I will review in order.
- The Pepper & Cheddar Melt Burger is a representative burger of the store. It features thick homemade bacon and melted cheese, creating an iconic dish. I recommend getting the double patty, as the meaty flavor of the patty, the richness of the cheese, and the accent of pepper are perfectly balanced. The bacon, smoked moderately in-house, combines the natural flavor of pork with the smoky flavor, providing a unique and enjoyable experience. The vegetables include green kale, red onion, and tomato, adding colorful vibrancy to the burger. The lettuce, softened by the hot patty, offers a unique and interesting texture. Each component has its own character, yet they come together harmoniously, making it a fitting flagship dish.
- The Gorgonzola Bacon Burger features Gorgonzola cheese on the burger. Despite the strong flavor of Gorgonzola, mixing it with mascarpone creates a smooth cheese sauce that pairs well with the burger. I ordered the single patty, which weighs 90g, making it juicy and substantial. Even those who are not fans of big bites or have a small appetite can enjoy the single patty.
- I ordered a standard set with potato fries and a drink. The potato fries were originally hand-cut but have been replaced with French fries due to a recent potato shortage. Despite being a substitute, the fries were similar to those at Freshness Burger, with a simple yet subtly herbed flavor. The coffee, made with organic beans, was also of high quality for a burger restaurant.
- Initially skeptical of a burger restaurant run by a goods store, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the ingredients, the sense of combination, and the beauty of the build. The staff, while seemingly inexperienced, worked diligently, leaving a very positive impression in a genre where service shortcomings are common. It's clear why this high-quality burger restaurant has been selected as one of the top 100 burger restaurants five times in a row. With multiple locations in Tokyo, including Kichijoji and Shimokitazawa, I look forward to visiting the other branches when I have the chance.
Stay Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
Cost: ¥4,340 for 2 people (Pepper & Cheddar Melt Burger - Double Patty ¥2,220, Gorgonzola Bacon Burger ¥1,790, Drink & Potato Set ¥330)