HAMBURG LABO

If you picture a burger in a bun, HAMBURG LABO may offer a different kind of meal. Here, the hamburger steak is served on a plate, with the meat taking centre stage. Some diners have compared the style to French steak haché. It suits those looking for a meal centred on the patty rather than bread.

At lunch, the menu offers pork, mixed-meat and Japanese Black beef hamburger steak sets. Diners who have tried both the pork and mixed-meat versions describe the pork as soft and flavourful, while the mixed-meat patty has more texture and feels more substantial. The menu explains that the mixed-meat version brings together the sweetness of pork and the savoury flavour of Japanese Black beef. Sets come with rice, red miso soup, a small salad and dessert; rice refills are available.

Toppings offer another way to tailor your hamburger steak. Tomato and mozzarella are grilled on top, a classic pairing the menu describes as rich yet refreshing in texture. The recommended Camembert topping comes with house-made demi-glace sauce and Parmesan. Kujo green onions are grilled until fragrant and served with lemon for a clean finish. You can compare the different meats or build a plate around cheese or green onions; choosing is part of the pleasure.