Sango!: Japanese Burgers in Town!

Posted as another entry for Juice.ph's Write Some Juice contest. Please don't forget to vote for me! 

While everyone is on the hunt for the best burgers in town, there's one burger joint that should not escape anyone's scrutiny. Called Sango!, this burger restaurant is best known as a Japanese burger station. Who would have ever thought that the Japanese had more to their menu than the typical sushi, tempura, and ramen? In fact, who would have ever thought that the Japanese had burgers of their own kind? Certainly, Sango is one restaurant that lets everyone in on the secret. 

Although it is not relatively a new restaurant, it has expanded quite vastly over the recent years. Opening branches all over the metro, it has allowed each individual to have an opportunity to dine in a nearby branch close to their home. Originally, Sango! can be found in the close proximity of the Little Tokyo complex across Makati Cinema Square. Now, there are branches in Edsa Shangrila mall (Ortigas), Powerplant mall, Rockwell (Makati) and in South Supermall (Alabang).

I used to frequent the original branch-- Creekside Mall (Makati) with my friends. But ever since I moved, I preferred going to the branch in Powerplant Mall because it felt a bit more homey. 

Sango! Rockwell Branch

It still had the trademark flat screen LCD TV which showcased some of the famous Japanese TV shows and anime. They also have a variety of anime books and Japanese newspapers available for those who are waiting for their order. 

Japanese library!

While many love their Master Burger and Master Cheese Burger, it is also good to experiment with the other dishes from time to time. The other popular favorites include theYakiniku Rice Burger, Teriyaki Burger, Master Double Burger,Maccha Asuki Cornflake Shake, and the Master Fries. They also have options for those who don't eat beef such as the Fish Burger, Chicken Curry Burger, and their selection of healthy salads: Fresh Salad and the Goboh Salad.  


Ever since Sango! released their Curry Beef Rice Burger, I was immediately hooked. It was not like any typical burger. Here are the reasons why this burger is so different from the rest:

Sango!'s Curry Beef Rice Burger (P180)

1. It does not use bread. Instead, it is sandwiched by Japanese rice tightly formed like a burger patty. 


2. There's no burger patty. Instead, the Curry Beef Rice burger has thinly sliced pieces of beef marinated with a Japanese curry sauce. It is then topped with cabbage and a special sauce with it. 


I suggest eating this burger with a fork because it can get pretty messy. But it will be so worth it! 


Don't forget to pair this burger with a side order of Master Fries and Calpis Soda so you can get a free upsize for your drink.

Free Upsize!!!

Master fries are wedge fries covered with a Japanese beef sauce, the same sauce that they put on the Master Burger and Master Cheese Burger. On the side, you have ketchup and sliced onions to complete your meal. 

Sango!'s Master Fries, regular size (P115)

Calpis soda is a refreshing alternative to water or ordinary soda. It tastes pretty much like Sprite but has a sweeter aftertaste. 

Calpis Soda, (P50)

With a different taste and exquisite interiors, it's no wonder why Sango! is called The Burger Master. 

Bacolod Burgers: Hungry Pete's

When I was still living in Bacolod, the only places you could get burgers were from McDonald's, Jollibee, and KFC. If you wanted to eat really good burgers, you would have to spend big on restaurants that offer them such as Bob's and Pendy's. That's why I was shocked when I returned home and found that there are now lots of burger stands that have been competing against each other. All these burger stands keep competing on which one has the bigger burger patty and which one is more delicious.

To be fair, I only got to taste one of these burger establishments. I still have to try Tio Sid's and Crave Burger but I'm afraid I'm running out of time and space for my stomach. If I could just spend another week in Bacolod with a budget for these restaurants, I would gladly eat and eat. But well, I have to return to reality, like most of you reading my blog.

Hungry Pete's menu

Hungry Pete's stall

So anyway, I got to try Hungry Pete's last week and found it good. I couldn't finish one serving because the order was too big (for me!). I ordered the Combo 1 which consisted of a burger, french fries and a drink (in can). One order cost P150 and the size of the burger could equal the plain Brother's Burger.

Combo #1, Hungry Pete's
(P150)

I didn't find anything different with Hungry Pete's though. In fact, I think they could still add something to their taste to add more oomph and yum! But for the price and the size of the burger, I found it fair. I think I still have to try the two other burger stalls so I could determine which one is better.

We also ordered Chicken Fingers which, again, disappointed me. I think this is because my friend, Jesna, told me too much about the food and I had high expectations about it already.

Chicken Fingers with Fries, Hungry Pete's
(P120)

Oh well. Like I said, I have to try the other burger joints to make a good decision on where it's best to eat.

Hungry Pete's is a stall located on the Ground Floor of Piazza Sorrento, Lacson St., Bacolod City. If you want to go there, just tell the taxi driver to take you to Sorrento. By jeepney, just ride either Mandalagan-Libertad or Bata-Libertad going north and you can get off in front of Mayfair Plaza. Sorrento is just across it.