Burger Hangover, the latest addition to Colombo’s culinary scene, recently celebrated its grand opening, much to the delight of burger enthusiasts across the city. Co-founded by Farhan Hameed and Razeen Razak, this new hotspot aims to elevate the burger dining experience with its handcrafted creations and unique ambience.

Situated on Marine Drive, Colombo 3, Burger Hangover offers a chic and inviting two-storey space, complete with a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean. The restaurant’s vibrant and playful interior design, featuring the brand’s signature colours of red, white, and yellow, sets the stage for a fun and relaxed dining experience.

Farhan Hameed and Razeen Razak, former classmates and avid foodies, combined their expertise to create Burger Hangover. Razeen, an accomplished cook, oversees the kitchen, while Farhan manages operations, inventory, and the overall running of the restaurant. Their shared passion for quality food and a seamless dining experience is evident in every aspect of Burger Hangover.

Elevating the burger experience

Farhan Hameed explained their culinary vision, stating: “Our menu is designed to be simple and straightforward. We offer a range of chicken and beef burgers, along with nuggets, fries, beverages, and coffee. All our burgers are ground on-site with our own blend, ensuring they are fresh and juicy.”

This commitment to freshness and quality shines through in their offerings. Each burger is a testament to their dedication to crafting the perfect bite. The Flying Dutchman Beef Burger, with its juicy patty and tangy pickles, and the Double Double In-House Special Beef Burger, with its zesty house sauce, showcase the creativity and care put into each dish.

From idea to reality

Razeen shared the journey behind Burger Hangover’s inception: “The idea for Burger Hangover came after a friend suggested we pivot from noodles to burgers, given their popularity and simplicity. We started on UberEats in 2019 but had to close due to the pandemic and economic crisis. Now, with our physical location on Marine Drive, the response has been phenomenal. We are committed to serving everything fresh to order.”

The restaurant’s return to the scene has indeed been met with enthusiasm. Their carefully curated menu, featuring both classic and innovative burgers, has struck a chord with the local food community. Each burger, topped with condiments like diced salad, tomato, onion, pickle, lettuce, and a special sauce, promises a delightful burst of flavour with every bite.

In addition to its delectable menu, Burger Hangover features a spacious kids’ playroom, making it an ideal destination for families. The restaurant’s design and amenities cater to a broad audience, ensuring that everyone from solo diners to large families can enjoy their meals in comfort.

Farhan aptly put it: “We wanted to create a place where people can come together, enjoy great food, and feel at home. Whether you’re here for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, we aim to make every visit memorable.”

Coffee offerings

Our recent visit to Burger Hangover was a culinary adventure, marked by inventive flavours and delightful textures. Beyond its impressive burger menu, Burger Hangover also caters to coffee enthusiasts with an array of expertly crafted beverages. This addition ensures that whether you’re there for a meal or just a quick caffeine fix, you’ll be in for a treat.

The coffee offerings at Burger Hangover are as thoughtfully curated as their food menu. During our visit, we sampled a few standout drinks, each delivering a delightful experience. The hot chocolate was a rich, comforting blend of velvety chocolate and steamed milk, perfect for a cosy pick-me-up. The iced caramel latte offered a refreshing twist, combining the smoothness of espresso with the sweetness of caramel, all served over ice to create a perfect balance of flavours. Lastly, the hot hazelnut latte was a fragrant, nutty delight, with the hazelnut flavour complementing the robust coffee, making it an indulgent treat for any time of day.

Farhan emphasised the importance of quality in every aspect of their offerings, saying: “Our coffee is sourced from premium beans and brewed with care to ensure every cup is exceptional. Whether you’re pairing it with a burger or enjoying it on its own, we want our coffee to be an experience in itself.”

This commitment to quality is evident in every sip. Burger Hangover’s coffee menu provides an excellent complement to their hearty meals, ensuring that every visit is complete, whether you’re there for food, coffee, or both.

A feast for the senses

Moving on to the food, The Flying Dutchman Beef Burger was a robust creation that stood out with its juicy, perfectly cooked patty. Topped with a unique combination of tangy pickles, sharp cheddar, and a hint of smoky barbecue sauce, every bite was a harmony of flavours. The soft, slightly sweet bun held everything together without falling apart, making it an easy-to-enjoy delight.

The Double Double In-House Special Beef Burger took indulgence to a new level. This towering burger featured two thick patties layered with melty cheese, fresh lettuce, and a special house sauce that added a zesty kick. It was a challenge to fit in one bite, but the payoff was worth it: a mouthful of rich, savoury goodness that leaves you craving more.

The Cheeseburger at Burger Hangover was anything but ordinary. Simple yet satisfying, it highlighted the quality of its ingredients. The beef patty, cooked to a succulent medium, was complemented by creamy American cheese and a classic combination of lettuce, tomato, and onions. It was a comforting choice that reminded you why the cheeseburger is a timeless favourite.

For those seeking something different, the Crispy Chicken Burger is a must-try. The chicken was perfectly fried to a golden crisp, remaining juicy inside. Paired with a tangy slaw and a drizzle of spicy mayo, this burger offered a delightful contrast of textures and flavours that made it a standout on the menu.

No burger feast is complete without a side of French fries. Burger Hangover’s fries were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, seasoned just right. They made the perfect accompaniment to the hearty burgers, adding a satisfying crunch to each meal.

Sweet endings

The desserts at Burger Hangover are a sweet end to the meal, each one a pudding-based treat with a bit of crunch. The double chocolate dessert was a chocoholic’s dream, rich and decadent, with chunks of chocolate adding a delightful texture. The salted caramel struck a perfect balance between sweet and salty, with a smooth caramel flavour that lingered on the palate. Lastly, the Nutella Indulgence was pure bliss, with the beloved hazelnut spread taking centre stage, enhanced by a crunchy topping that added a wonderful bite.

Burger Hangover is not just a restaurant; it’s a destination for those seeking comfort food elevated by quality ingredients and inventive touches. Each dish, from the signature burgers to the indulgent desserts, is crafted with care and passion. It’s a place where every bite is a celebration of flavour, leaving you eager for your next visit.