Burgerim Kosher Mega Or Complex Galgalei Plada St., Kfar Saba 57 other locations nationwide Tel: *4999

Burgerim restaurant. (photo credit:PR)

In a recent survey by Channel 10 about Israel’s leading hamburger chains, Burgerim came in as the highest rated all-kosher hamburger chain and number four overall. In the past two years, under its new ownership, Burgerim has expanded from 39 to 58 outlets, rebranded its niche as “fast casual” and upgraded its menu.

The chain’s revamped menu now resembles a full restaurant menu, with chicken dishes, sandwiches and salads available in addition to hamburgers.

And there are now eight types of burgers, with five highly touted Chef’s Recommendations. Among them we discovered two reasons Burgerim scored so high in the TV ratings.

The Yankee burger is made from 100% ground entrecôte, a prime cut of beef that elevates this particular burger. Tip: The Yankee comes with a topping of coleslaw on the patty, but if you order it with the slaw on the side, you get to taste the unadulterated burger.

Another noteworthy Chef’s burger is the Rustic burger, made from ground lamb, with a thin layer of onion jam. The quality and flavor of this burger was our second pleasant surprise of the evening.

Since the burgers at Burgerim are so small – just 80 grams, and that is before the shrinkage of being cooked – they are listed as coming in packages of two, three, eight or 16, ranging in price from NIS 35 to NIS 219. There are also Deal Meals – burgers with fries and a drink, starting at NIS 45 for a deal with two burgers.

The only way to order just one burger is to order a kid’s meal (NIS 33).

Plain burgers can be ordered with a choice of nine different toppings, and there are nine side dishes as well. The French fries are rippled discs with fluffy interiors, resembling what in the US would be called home fries, while the home fries are actually cubes of fried potato drizzled with a sweet and spicy chili sauce. The sweet potato fries are of the same quality as those at Memphis.

Tables at Burgerim are set with huge condiment trays containing ketchup, mayonnaise, garlic sauce, sriracha, barbecue sauce and spicy mayonnaise.

Interestingly, there are more than a few healthful options. Vegan dishes feature a burger made of lentils and tofu, and a lentil and tabouli salad (NIS 35). Whole grain and gluten-free rolls are also available.

There are only two desserts (NIS 15), and they are geared towards the younger set. In particular, the chewy chocolate balls – covered with coconut and colorful sprinkles – will appeal mostly to juvenile palates.