For foodies around the world, May 28 marks a very important day on the culinary calendar: it's International Burger Day, a time to celebrate the humble hamburger - and an excuse to eat one.
For foodies in Tāmaki Makaurau, it's also an excuse to head central and sink your teeth into one of the delicious burgers on offer along the iconic strip. For today only, a selection of Ponsonby Road venues are sharing their take on the classic hamburger as part of PonsonBurger, the last event in the Eat Drink Love Ponsonby festival lineup. The 15 establishments range from fast-food favourite Burger Fuel to award-winning Azabu, with everything from katsu chicken to confit duck on the menu.
AM roving reporter William Waiirua went to see several of the chefs and their creations on Tuesday morning, and if those four are anything to go by, it'll be very hard stopping at just one.
First up was INCA Ponsonby's Nic Watt, who presented a grilled black cod burger on a toasted brioche bun with wasabi mayonnaise, chilli-pickled daikon and miso chilli slaw.
Next was Maurizio Trotta of Olas Arepas, who showed off his Latin-inspired take on the timeless classic: think arepas instead of buns, packed with beef, cherry tomato salsa, smoked bacon, pickles and caramelised banana.
Then there was Bedford Soda & Liquor, with chef Sunny Gil plating up a butter chicken-style burger with grilled haloumi, sriracha mayo and coleslaw. Last but not least was a quick trip to see Bambina Café's Matt McMillan, who is dishing up the only Breakfast Burger of the lot - think toasted brioche, cos lettuce, herby potato hashbrown, free-range bacon, egg, and BBQ sauce.
While each of the 15 burgers are available throughout Tuesday, it's not guaranteed any will make it to the permanent menu - so if one takes your fancy, it's best to get in quick.
PonsonBurger venues and burgers - May 28, 2024
Azabu Ponsonby
Wagyu Katsu Burger with sesame charcoal brioche bun, Lake Oahu wagyu katsu, Tokyo onion, katsu sauce, shredded cabbage and kewpie mayo.
$36
Bambina Café
Breakfast Burger with toasted brioche buns, housemade potato, onion and herb hashbrown, fried egg, cheese, bacon, lettuce, aioli and BBQ sauce.
$18
Bedford Soda & Liquor
Sweet Chick Burger with buttermilk chicken, slaw, grilled halloumi and burger sauce.
$20
Burger Fuel Ponsonby
VIB Club Members can score a two-for-one deal on three popular burgers - the American Muscle Single, V8 Vegan or Bacon Backfire - until May 29.
$13-$20
Copain
Le "Confit" Burger with slow-cooked chicken confit in duck fat, Emmental cheese, homemade herb aioli, lettuce and tomatoes in a seeded bun.
$18
Farina
Porchetta Bun with pork belly, roasted friarielli, Provolone cheese, Cipriani sauce and a pizza dough bun.
$23
Fatima's Ponsonby
Slow Lamb n' Cheese Burger with a sesame bun, slow-cooked lamb, American cheese, gherkins, herby slaw and Fatima's sauces – garlic, hot(ish), and sweet chilli aioli.
$18
Hoppers Garden Bar
Duck Confit Burger with crispy duck crackling, truffle mayo, Emmental cheese, crunchy onions, hot spiced honey, fresh rocket, a toasted brioche bun and duck fat chips.
$32
INCA
Black Cod Burger with miso chilli slaw, Wasabi yuzu mayo, pickled daikon and a toasted brioche bun.
$29
Longroom
Pair either Longroom's Smash Burger with Wagyu beef patties, pickles, cheese and Special Sauce or the Crispy Chicken Burger with crispy chicken, slaw, house pickles, BBQ sauce and chipotle with a glass of Peroni or house wine - both come with fries.
$30
Olas Arepas
Arepa Burger with a Wagyu beef patty, cheddar cheese, smoked bacon, caramelised banana, pickles, greens, cherry tomato salsa and fries.
$28
Parade
Katsu Chicken Burger with fried katsu chicken breast, Japanese curry sauce, fresh Yuzu slaw and pickled carrot in a housemade pretzel bun.
$22
Sidart
Wagyu Beef Burger with truffle and French fries.
$30
The Broken Lantern
Meatball Marinara Smashed Cheeseburger with meatballs and marinara sauce, or the Hawaiian Fried Chicken Burger with buttermilk fried chicken, ranch slaw, charred pineapple and honey-glazed ham.
$25
Xiexie Ponsonby
Mara Slow Cooked Pork Belly Burger with a crispy Chinese bun, charcoal slow-cooked pork belly, seasonal vegetables and Sichuan pickles.
$24.
For more information regarding bookings, you can check out the Eat Drink Love Ponsonby website.
