The Best Burgers in Melbourne

Melbourne’s burger scene has come a long way from its humble beginnings. “There was a time when the best burgers in Melbourne came from your local fish and chip place,” complete with beetroot and extra dim sims. Those classic patties still have their fans, but today the city’s burger game has “seriously levelled up”. From buttery brioche and pillowy milk buns to outlandish doughnut buns and even burgers served on waffles, Melbourne burger lovers now enjoy an astonishing variety. Whether it’s a smash-style double-patty cheeseburger, a chicken burger with Korean flair, or a novel hybrid (like burgers stuffed inside meat pies!), diners can find something to delight every palate. We’ve scoured the city to understand what makes a burger truly the best, and how Buza Chicken’s innovative lineup lives up to Melbourne’s high standards.

What Makes a Burger the Best?

In Melbourne, burger lovers don’t take their beef lightly. “Melburnians are curiously very emotional about their burgers,” debating everything from smash patties to potato vs brioche buns. So what boosts a burger from “just OK” to top-tier? It usually comes down to quality and balance. A great burger combines:

Premium patties: Whether beef, chicken or plant-based, the patty should be juicy and flavourful. The patty is the heart of the burger. Think grass-fed Angus beef or marinated chicken, the meat’s freshness and seasoning are key. Angus beef “cooks well, retains moisture, and tastes amazing”.

Sturdy Yet Soft Bun: The bun must hold up to juiciness and sauces. In Melbourne (and beyond), milk buns have become a favourite choice for their soft yet sturdy texture. Golden-brown on the outside and tender on the inside, milk buns soak up meat juices and sauces, keeping each bite full of flavour. (They’re also slightly sweet, which can balance a salty patty.) Brioche and potato buns are also popular for their rich, buttery crumb. A top burger bun should be toasted lightly on the grill, offering a slight crunch that holds everything together without collapsing.

Perfect Sear: How the patty is cooked matters. A good burger patty will have a crusty brown sear that locks in juices. This caramelized crust is created by the Maillard reaction, the chemical browning that gives burgers their rich flavour and enticing aroma. Without that golden sear, a burger can taste flat and underwhelming.

Balanced Toppings: Great burgers use toppings like sauces, pickles, onions and cheese to complement the meat, not overpower it. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, tangy pickles or onions, and a quality cheese add texture and contrast, while sauces add acidity or creaminess. But beware of clutter, too many conflicting toppings can muddle the flavour of the burger. The best burgers strike a harmony of salt, acid, fat and crunch.

Tasty sauce: A house-made or special sauce ties it together. From smoky American-style ketchup to a tangy aioli or Korean-inspired mayo, the sauce is often the secret weapon that “packs a saucy punch”.

Cheese and extras: Melting cheese (cheddar, Swiss, American) adds richness, and extras like bacon, egg or specialty jams can take a burger to the next level (Leonard’s House of Love even uses Jack Daniel’s onion jam and blue cheese on some burgers).

Creative Flavours: Today’s Melbourne burgers often feature inventive sauces and seasonings. From smoky barbecue and tangy kimchi to spicy mayo or cheesy fondue, a unique sauce can enhance a burger. For example, Buza Chicken’s Korean-inspired sauces (like signature white peanut sauce or fiery chili glazes) add an exciting twist. Signature seasonings,  such as bulgogi spice blends or house-made relish, help a burger stand out in a crowded market.

In short, the best burgers in Melbourne are defined by quality ingredients and expert preparation. They feature juicy, well-seasoned patties; fresh, crisp toppings; rich, melted cheese; and buns that soak up every drop of flavour. When all these elements come together in perfect harmony, you’ve found a burger worthy of the city’s discerning tastes.

Above all, consistency and craftsmanship matter. Melbourne’s top burger joints ensure every bite hits the mark: from grill technique (smash vs grilled patty) to meticulous assembly. As reviewers note, the classic cheeseburger (“nothing but a beef brisket and short rib patty, special burger sauce, pickles and fresh lettuce) can be revolutionary in its simplicity. For burger lovers, it’s not just the ingredients, but the care in cooking and assembling that counts.

Buza Chicken’s Burger Lineup

Buza Chicken brings this burger expertise to Melbourne with a range of gourmet chicken and beef burgers. Each burger is crafted with Buza’s signature crisp fried chicken or premium beef, fresh produce, cheeses, and unique sauces. Here’s a close look at each item in Buza’s lineup, highlighting ingredients and flavour profiles:

Original Burger

Buza’s Original Burger is a testament to simple, satisfying flavour. It starts with a golden-brown, crispy chicken patty (made from seasoned ground chicken that’s breaded and fried) layered on a soft, lightly toasted bun. On top you’ll find fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and thinly-sliced onions for crunch and tang. A slice of melted cheese adds creaminess, and a dollop of Buza’s secret house sauce (often called Buza’s special Burger Sauce) ties it all together. The contrast of crunchy chicken, crisp veg and rich sauce makes each bite juicy and flavourful. This burger is all about balance: the tender chicken provides protein, the veggies add freshness, and the special Buza sauce (a creamy, tangy blend) gives it that signature kick. It’s an Aussie-style chicken burger done right, hearty, delicious, and exactly what you’d order if you want a no-fuss favourite. This burger has become a Melbourne favourite for those craving a crispy chicken burger with an Aussie twist (no wonder Fitzroy and Collingwood locals can’t get enough of it).

Key ingredients: Hand-breaded fried chicken thigh, Buza’s special burger sauce, Cheddar cheese, cos lettuce, pickles, raw onion, brioche bun.

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Signature White Sauce Burger

For those who love something a little different, Buza’s Signature White Sauce Burger swaps the regular sauce for a lush white sesame-peanut sauce. It features the same crispy chicken patty, lettuce, pickles and onion on a toasted bun, plus cheese, but the star is the peanut-infused white sauce. This creamy dressing (not unlike a Korean-style mayo) is rich with roasted peanut flavour. It adds a sweet, nutty dimension that “packs a saucy punch” without overpowering the chicken. The peanuts give a subtle crunch too, so you’ve got layers of texture in each bite. Note that the white sauce contains peanuts, so keep that in mind if you have allergies. Overall, this burger offers a smoky, nutty twist on Buza’s original, a great choice for anyone wanting a creamier, more indulgent sauce.

Key ingredients: Crispy fried chicken thigh, Buza white sauce (peanut-based), Cheddar cheese, cos lettuce, pickles, raw onion, toasted bun.

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Soy Smoke Burger

Imagine the Original Burger, but with a smoky soy twist. The Soy Smoke Burger at Buza uses a specially marinated chicken patty: it’s seasoned with soy sauce and smoked spices before breading and frying. The result is a deep, savoury umami flavour, think of grilled satay meets fried chicken. On top of the patty, there’s still crisp lettuce, pickles and onion to cut through the umami richness, plus cheese. It may also have Buza’s standard sauce or a light drizzle of soy-ginger dressing, complementing the smoky patty. The overall effect is an earthy, aromatic burger that brings a distinctive Asian-inspired flavour profile. If you enjoy smoky meaty notes and soy umami, this burger delivers a smoky crunch with all the classic burger fixings. The Soy Smoke Burger is for those who love a smoky umami punch. Melbourne burger lovers who enjoy rich, savory marinades will find this one especially satisfying.

Key ingredients: Soy-marinated crispy chicken thigh, Buza soy burger sauce, Cheddar cheese, cos lettuce, pickles, raw onion, toasted bun.

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Mild Sweet Chilli Burger

Buza offers two chilli-glazed burgers, starting with the Mild Sweet Chilli Burger. Here, the fried chicken is tossed in a mild, sweet chilli sauce made with Korean chili paste (gochujang) and honey. The sauce coats the chicken in a glossy, sticky sweetness with just a gentle warmth. The burger is assembled with lettuce, pickles, onion and cheese, similar to the Original, letting the sweet-chilli flavour stand out without being overwhelming. It’s a great choice for Melbourne diners who want just a hint of heat and a lot of sweet-savory flavour, think of it as a spicy-sweet Southern chicken twist on the burger. (Pro tip: for extra zip, try the Hot version below!)

Key ingredients: Crispy chicken thigh in mild sweet chilli glaze, Buza burger sauce, Cheddar cheese, cos lettuce, pickles, raw onion, toasted bun.

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Hot Sweet Chilli Burger

Crank up the heat with Buza’s Hot Sweet Chilli Burger. It’s the same build as the Mild version, crispy chicken, lettuce, pickles, onion and cheese, but drenched in hot sweet chilli sauce. This sauce is sweeter and tangier than hot sauce, yet it delivers a real chili kick. The result is a burger that’s spicy, sticky-sweet and bold. The chilli heat is balanced by the fresh veggies and cheese, ensuring it never gets one-dimensional. It’s perfect for spice enthusiasts looking for a juicy Korean-style chicken burger with real bite. Fans of Nashville hot chicken or buffalo wings will appreciate how Buza brings that heat into a handcrafted burger.

Key ingredients: Crispy chicken thigh in hot sweet chilli sauce, Buza burger sauce, Cheddar cheese, cos lettuce, pickles, raw onion, toasted bun.

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Buza Jalapeño

For a fresh peppery heat, try the Buza Jalapeño Burger. This burger swaps chilli sauce for pickled jalapeño slices. It still features Buza’s signature crispy chicken patty, but is layered with cool cucumber pickle, crisp lettuce, tomato slices and raw onion for extra crunch and brightness. The burger is finished with Buza’s creamy burger sauce. The spicy kick comes from the fresh jalapeños,  enough to add zing, but milder than the hot chilli burger. It’s a great option for Melbourne diners who want some heat without flame-thrower spice. The interplay of crispy chicken, tangy pickle and a hit of jalapeño makes this a crowd-pleaser. Think of it like a classic chicken burger that’s been turned up a notch in the spice department. If you love chili spice and crunchy freshness, this burger will definitely “hit the spot,” as Melbourne foodies say.

Key ingredients: Crispy chicken thigh, sliced jalapeños, Buza burger sauce, Cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, raw onion, toasted bun.

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Angus Beef Bulgogi

Moving to beef, Buza’s Angus Beef Bulgogi Burger brings Korean BBQ flavours to the Australian beef patty. Buza uses a premium Angus beef patty, marinated and glazed in a sweet soy-bulgogi sauce (think soy, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar). The result is a patty that’s juicy and richly savoury-sweet. It’s topped with melted cheese, lettuce, pickles and onions, and finished with Buza’s creamy burger sauce. The beef’s caramelized glaze and the tangy pickles make every bite bold and flavourful. Melbourne’s love for grass-fed beef and Korean-inspired eats comes together herem as one review notes, the city’s burgers often feature “grass-fed beef” with gourmet toppings, and Buza’s Bulgogi burger is right in that tradition.

Key ingredients: Marinated Angus beef patty (bulgogi style), Buza burger sauce, Cheddar cheese, cos lettuce, pickles, raw onion, toasted bun.

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Angus Beef Bulgogi Deluxe

The Deluxe version of Buza’s Bulgogi Burger is an upgraded beef option with extra toppings. It includes the Angus bulgogi patty and cheese, plus ripe tomato slices for juiciness and extra pickles for crunch, along with the same lettuce and onion. The bulgogi beef remains the star, caramelized and sweet-savory, but the Deluxe layers on fresh produce for extra texture and flavour. It’s a hearty, satisfying burger that showcases premium Australian beef in a Korean style. (Fun fact: even in upscale Melbourne venues, diners seek out indulgent burgers, from double stacks to exotic buns, Buza’s Deluxe burger holds its own in that crowd with quality ingredients.) If you’re comparing burgers, think of this as the one with “the lot”: more meat, more cheese and more sauce.

Key ingredients: Marinated Angus beef patty (bulgogi style), Buza burger sauce, Cheddar cheese, cos lettuce, pickles, onion, tomato, toasted bun.

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Each Buza burger is handcrafted in Melbourne with care. Buza Chicken’s unique Korean-inspired sauces (and Buza’s chicken gets a 12-hour marinade soak as the owners proudly note) give these burgers a flavour profile unlike any typical Aussie burger. The sauces, Buza Burger Sauce, white sauce, and the spicy/sweet chilli sauces, are all made with bold ingredients like gochujang, sesame and local chillies, giving each burger its unique punch. At the same time, Buza’s focus on quality, juicy meat, fresh toppings and perfectly grilled buns, ensures every burger meets the same standards you’d expect from the city’s finest burger outlets.

Buza Chicken is a homegrown Melbourne success story, so its fans span the city. From Carlton to Collingwood, Fitzroy to Richmond, and even out to Docklands, North Melbourne and Brunswick, locals make the trip for Buza’s signature burgers. With locations in the CBD (Melbourne Central and Queen Street), Fairfield, Maribyrnong and Springvale, Buza has earned a reputation for “crispy, crunchy” chicken burgers and inventive beef burgers. This Melburnian company (founded in 2017) has grown Victoria-wide, and no wonder, burger lovers keep coming back for Buza’s flavourful creations.

Ready to try the best burgers in Melbourne? Don’t wait, Order Online now or Check Our Menu for the full selection of Buza Chicken burgers and sides.

Other Top Burger Joints in Melbourne

Buza Chicken might be our pick for the best overall burgers, but Melbourne boasts many other great burger stops (especially around the CBD and inner suburbs):

• Leonard’s House of Love (South Yarra): A cult classic just 3 km from Flinders St, Leonard’s serves funky gourmet burgers. You can load up on fancy toppings like blue cheese or Jack Daniels onion jam, or keep it classic with their straight-up Cheeseburger (beef brisket patty, American cheese, special sauce, pickles and lettuce). With ten burger varieties on the menu, Leonard’s truly “packs a saucy punch” in every bite.
  

• Easey’s (Collingwood): Famous for the three retired train carriages on its roof, Easey’s is an inner-North staple. It offers huge, hearty burgers at wallet-friendly prices (notably all $12 on Wednesdays). Their menu includes inventive creations like the Double Bacon BBQ Cheeseburger, but you can’t go wrong with their classic SmashBurger, American-cheese, pickles and special sauce on a toasted bun. The vibe and generous portions make it a favourite among locals.
  

• Royal Stacks (CBD): An Australian take on the Shake Shack style, Royal Stacks now has multiple outlets including a flagship soon opening on Bourke St. They keep things simple with well-executed staples: single or double-stack cheeseburgers with quality beef patties, melted cheese and soft potato buns. Royal Stacks also gets creative (for example, one burger features a deep-fried mac’n’cheese croquette), and they’ve built a loyal following for their consistent diner-style flavours.
  

• Betty’s Burgers (CBD): If you’re after an Aussie burger chain, Betty’s has a Melbourne Central/Collins St location. Known for “classic” options (think Salt & Pepper Squid burger or Truffle burger in addition to beef and chicken), Betty’s uses grass-fed patties and brioche buns. It may be a more mainstream chain, but it’s reliably tasty and convenient.
  

• Andrew’s Hamburgers (Albert Park): A bit south of the CBD, Andrew’s is an institution. Operating since 1939, it offers old-school burgers (beef, chicken or even steak patties) with “the lot”, lettuce, cooked onions, egg, bacon, tomato, double cheese and sauce. Even Ed Sheeran once gave it a shoutout, underscoring its cult status. If nostalgia and hearty portions are your thing, Andrew’s is worth the short trip.
  

• Five Guys (CBD/Southbank): For a taste of an international favourite, Five Guys (with multiple CBD stores) lives up to its claim of “some of the best burgers in the world”. They work from fresh, unfrozen beef, grilled to order on fluffy brioche buns, with all the classic fixings (and famously unlimited free toppings).
  

Each of these spots has its own spin on what makes a great burger, be it the price point (Easey’s), the inventiveness (Leonard’s, Easey’s), or classic technique (Andrew’s). They all reinforce that Melbourne is a burgers haven. Buza Chicken’s combination of juicy patties, crunchy veg, and bold sauces puts it at the top of the list.

FAQs - Melbourne’s Burger Scene

Which burger joint has the best chicken burger in Melbourne?

Buza Chicken is a top competitor for Melbourne’s best chicken burger. Using a crispy fried chicken patty and special Korean-inspired sauces, Buza delivers consistently juicy, flavour-packed chicken burgers. Reviewers often highlight the Original and White Sauce burgers for their irresistible crunch and rich sauces. Of course, there are other excellent chicken burger spots (e.g. Land of Plenty in Collingwood or Bert’s in Yarraville), but Buza’s unique seasoning and quality ingredients make it stand out in the CBD.

What is unique about Buza Chicken’s burgers?

Buza’s burgers combine Australian burger tradition with Korean flavours. For example, the Signature White Sauce Burger features a peanut-cream sauce not typically found in Aussie burgers, and the Bulgogi Beef Burger uses a sweet soy marinade reminiscent of Korean BBQ. Buza also uses quality buns and fresh lettuce/tomatoes, ensuring every bite is a balance of crunchy, juicy, savoury and spicy. In short, Buza’s burgers are unique because of their Korean twists (white sesame sauce, bulgogi glaze, sweet chilli) in a familiar format.

Which is hotter: the Mild Sweet Chilli or the Hot Sweet Chilli Burger?

As the names suggest, the Hot Sweet Chilli Burger is spicier. Both burgers have the same crispy chicken, cheese and toppings, but the Hot uses a fiery sweet chilli sauce, whereas the Mild uses a gentler sweet chilli sauce. If you love heat, go for Hot, it has a kick of chilli heat balanced by sweetness. If you’re sensitive to spice, try the Mild version, which is tangy and sweet with only a hint of warmth. Diners often remark that even the Hot version is more fruity than tongue-burning, thanks to the sweet sauce base.

Can I order Buza Chicken’s burgers online or for delivery?

Yes, Buza Chicken offers online ordering. You can Order Online through our website or via popular delivery apps to enjoy our burgers at home. Buza has multiple Melbourne locations (Melbourne Central, Queen Street, Fairfield, Springvale) for dine-in or takeout. Check opening hours and menu availability on the site, then use the “Order Online” link to place your order with pick-up or delivery.

How does Buza Chicken compare to burger chains like Five Guys or the Grill’d?

Buza Chicken’s burgers are a more bespoke experience compared to chains. While Five Guys or Grill’d are known for fresh ingredients and customisable toppings, Buza offers unique flavour profiles you won’t find at typical burger chains, Korean marinades, special sauces, and a blend of East-meets-West ingredients. For example, no other Melbourne burger chain has a Peanut White Sauce Burger or an Angus Bulgogi Burger. In terms of quality, both Buza and top chains use fresh buns and quality meat, but Buza wins on originality. It comes down to taste: Buza for adventure, chains for the traditionalist.

Are Buza Chicken burgers a good value?

At roughly $18–21 for a chicken or beef burger (as of 2025), Buza’s burgers are comparable to other gourmet burgers in Melbourne. Given the generous portion sizes and complex flavours, many diners find them worth the price. Eating at Buza also often includes side dishes (Korean fries, kimchi etc.) if you order a combo, adding value to the meal. If budget is a concern, note that Buza offers combos and deals (e.g. lunch specials at some locations).

What makes Buza Chicken’s burgers different? 

Buza Chicken brings a Korean fried chicken twist to traditional burgers. Our chicken is marinated for hours and double-fried to achieve an extra-crispy crust. Buza also uses unique sauces (like a peanut-infused white sauce and sweet-spicy glazes) and premium ingredients (Australian Angus beef, fresh produce, quality cheeses). This combination of Korean flavours and high-quality ingredients gives Buza’s burgers a distinctive taste that stands out among Melbourne’s burger offerings.

Are Buza Chicken burgers very spicy?

 It depends on which burger you choose. The Hot Sweet Chilli Burger is the spiciest, tossed in Buza’s hot chilli sauce for a real kick. The Mild Sweet Chilli Burger has just a gentle warmth from a milder sweet chilli glaze. The Buza Jalapeño burger adds moderate heat from fresh jalapeño slices. Other burgers like the Original or White Sauce contain no chilli heat at all, they’re completely mild. So you can pick a burger to match your spice preference.

What is in the Original Burger vs. the White Sauce Burger? 

The Original Burger features Buza’s classic crunchy chicken patty with Buza’s signature burger sauce (a tangy, mayo-based sauce), lettuce, pickles, onion and cheese. The Signature White Sauce Burger uses the same crispy chicken but is finished with Buza’s creamy white peanut sauce instead of the regular sauce. The white sauce (which contains peanuts) adds a rich, nutty flavour. Otherwise, both burgers have similar toppings and ingredients.

Which Buza burger is best for spice lovers? 

If you love spicy heat, go for the Hot Sweet Chilli Burger, it’s coated in Buza’s fiery chilli sauce. The Buza Jalapeño also has a peppery kick from fresh jalapeño peppers. In contrast, the Mild Sweet Chilli Burger is quite gentle, so it’s better for those who prefer just a touch of warmth. (And remember, the Original and White Sauce burgers have no chilli, so they taste spicy-free.)

What toppings and sauces come on Buza’s burgers? 

All Buza burgers start with a base of lettuce (usually cos lettuce), sliced pickles, raw onion and melted cheese. The chicken burgers (Original, White Sauce, Soy, Jalapeño, Mild/Hot Chilli) all use Buza’s crunchy fried chicken patty. They’re finished with either Buza’s burger sauce (a savory mayo sauce) or a special glaze. For example, the White Sauce burger has Buza’s peanut-white sauce, the Soy Smoke burger has a soy-infused sauce, and the Chilli burgers use sweet-chilli glazes. The Angus beef burgers use a premium beef patty and also include Buza’s sauce. In short, you get real produce and cheeses on every burger, with Buza’s house-made sauces bringing distinctive flavour.

Are Buza Chicken burgers halal? 

Yes. Buza Chicken uses halal-certified chicken and ingredients, making all their chicken burgers halal-friendly. (The beef burgers use Australian Angus beef, which is also halal.) This makes Buza a popular choice for diners seeking halal Korean fried chicken and burgers.

Does Buza Chicken offer delivery in Melbourne? 

Yes. Buza Chicken delivers across Melbourne through major delivery platforms. For example, Buza Chicken’s menu is available on Uber Eats and DoorDash. According to Uber Eats, “Buza Chicken delivery is available on Uber Eats in Melbourne”. You can also order directly from Buza’s website or use phone order for pickup, depending on the location.

Where are Buza Chicken stores located? 

Buza Chicken has multiple outlets across Melbourne and Victoria. There are stores at Melbourne Central (CBD), Queen Street (CBD), Fairfield (Bayside), Maribyrnong (Inner West) and Springvale (South-East). You can satisfy your burger cravings whether you’re in the heart of the city or the suburbs. Many Melbourne locals from Carlton, Fitzroy, Richmond, Collingwood and elsewhere make the trip to Buza’s nearest outlet to taste their famous chicken and beef burgers.

Which Buza burger should I try first? 

That depends on your taste. If you’re a fried-chicken enthusiast, the Original Burger or Signature White Sauce Burger is a great start. If you love spice, try the Hot Sweet Chilli or Jalapeño burger. For beef lovers, the Angus Bulgogi burger is a must-try. And if you want a safe, mild introduction, the Mild Sweet Chilli or even the Original with no spicy sauce is perfect. All Buza burgers are made with high-quality ingredients and bold flavours, so you can’t go wrong.