Rock-Hard Buns: Casual Eats in 10 Top Beijing Locations at Laker's

In the wake of our 2018 Beijing Burger Festival and the ongoing Burger Cup, our Rock-Hard Buns series will whet your appetite by taking a look at those vendors who slung their wares at the veritable meat fest that just past. Remember to vote for your favorite here!

If you have been a student in Beijing, it’s likely that one of your first Western meals after arriving was at a branch of Laker’s. With 10 branches across Beijing, including several near some of Beijing’s top universities (UIBE, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Communications University, etc.), as well as Mutianyu and 798, Laker’s serves a menu of quick and easy food and drink options such as burgers, pizzas, and beer that appeals to locals and foreigners alike. Clearly, it's a successful formula because on any given night most of their locations are packed out.

In addition to their clear knack for choosing locations, Laker’s has always succeeded in creating a casual, fun atmosphere. In a 2015 interview with the Beijinger, the management described their initial vision for the restaurants thus: “I wanted to capture something of the community spirit that makes bars and cafés in Europe and America so special. Traditionally, China does not have a culture of hanging around in bars, and it is even looked down upon by older people, so I wanted to provide a safe and welcoming place that encourages Chinese people to try something new. Of course, we also wanted to give foreigners a taste of home, too. That was our first slogan, ‘Your Home in China.'”

We spoke to the Laker’s management about what makes a great burger and the treats that they took to the 2018 Beijing Burger Fest. 

In your opinion, what are the most important elements in making a great burger?
For me, it’s about the quality of the patty and the bun, the flavor of the sauce, the degree of cooking on the patty, the freshness of the veggies, and the quality of the cheese. You can’t have a great burger unless all of those factors are working together. 

Tell us about your signature burger. Name three reasons why it’s unique and potentially the best burger in Beijing.
Our signature burger is the Laker’s Burger. Homemade bread and top-quality beef give the burger a really weighty feel and eye-catching appearance. 

What burgers and sides did you bring to our 2018 Beijing Burger Fest?
We brought the Laker’s Burger, our classic beef burger, and our chicken burger. 

What drink from your menu goes best with the burger?
It’s got to be a Coke or craft beer.

What foodstuff or condiment should in your opinion never sully a beautiful burger?
To be honest, any extra ingredient, seasoning or condiment will influence the flavor of the burger. The most important thing is finding a balance between all the ingredients. 

Have you tried Laker's burgers or do you have another Beijing favorite you'd like to vote for? Read up on who is in the running to be crowned Beijing's Best Burger and then place your vote by scanning the QR code above!

Photos courtesy of Laker's, Dazhong Dianping