Duke's: A new contender for the 'best burger' crown?

Duke’s, which is already established as an institution in Chiang Mai, is now creating a buzz in Bangkok having opened its first outlet -- a tiny hole in the wall in the Emporium Shopping Mall.

None other than popular Bangkok blogger Stickman has already hailed its burgers as the best in the city. That’s a ringing endorsement that deserved a taste test.

If size alone is the criteria, you can't argue. The Duke’s Burger (245 baht) is ¼ pound of beef topped with fried onions (too many), mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and 1,000 island dressing. It is mammoth and also a bit messy.  Joe’s Famous Burger (245 baht) has blue cheese and bacon on it. Unfortunately the blue cheese is too overpowering.

My table also tried the Grilled Chicken Parmesan (245 baht), Greek salad (very good) and the Roadhouse Philly Steak Sandwich (225 baht). The latter was tasty but the choice of garlic bread is a bit odd.

On its website, Duke’s also promotes its pizza and “falling off the bone” ribs -- which we didn’t try -- so there’s a lot to choose from at this welcome addition to Bangkok. And who cares who has the “best” burger? How about we call it Bangkok's “best new burger” and leave it at that.

In the food hall on the fifth floor of Emporium Shopping Complex, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok. Tel: +66 (0)87 002 9214. www.dukesbangkok.com