HONBO Burger Restaurant @ CHIJMES in Singapore

It's no secret I love a good burger and when I heard that HONBO, a burger chain that hailed from Hong Kong, was opening in Singapore; I was tempted but decided to wait for the expected long queue to die down! 

Located at CHIJMES, which wasn't known for wallet friendly dining establishments, it's not that hard to find the eatery. Just look out for the HONBO's pot bellied mascot with sausage-sized lips. 

Interior was very American diner concept and came equipped with a jukebox! Honestly, the seating could have been more comfortable, especially for those without a meaty backside. p.s. it's not free seating; do wait for the service staff to assign you! 

For a Singaporean, what I can't accept was the lack of chilli sauce! There were mustard, ketchup, and Tabasco; latter of which was pepper sauce and not chilli! How am I supposed to enjoy my food without chilli?! Well, if the burger was really good, I can actually do without the chilli.

Freedom Lager (Draft) - how to resist a draft beer when I am with my drinking buddy, Shawn?! This was hoppy alright and at a promotional rate of S$10; I am not complaining. 

Tater Tots - while they were served crisp and hot from the frying oil, I faced two problems here; they were quite bland tasting and I didn't have any chilli sauce to enhance the eating experience! I miss the truffle tater tots from Urban Hideout! 

Popcorn Chicken - again fresh from the boiling hot oil, these nuggets of chicken were peppery good and went well with the honey mustard sauce. p.s. some of them appeared to be more batter than meat though.

Teriyaki Chicken Burger - I was wondering how this would score against the one from MOS Burger! One thing for sure though, I caught whiffs of its smoky aroma even before I took a bite! And it was pretty good with a generous serving of grilled chicken; you would love this if you feel that the one from MOS Burger had too sweet a marinade. 

HONBO - the basic burger with two crispy beef, cheese, pickles, onions and house sauce. On second thought, I should have just gone with the Gold Standard although it cost S$10 more! 

Well, I don't find the beef patties crispy although still one of the more satisfying ones around that was sinful tasting, with traces of beef fats yet not overly oily. Loving the onions that should honestly be added to any burger as an essential ingredient! No complaint about the potato bun but I am a sucker for traditional, sesame-seeds-topped burger buns.

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Before and after; should I just return for The Gold Standard, which featured two thick patties? I guess I might since I suddenly remember I owe a friend a treat to HONBO! Excuse it sure was; but why not?!

Address

30 Victoria St, #01-09,

CHIJMES, Singapore 187996

Map

As above. 

Menu

As above. Turned out they had a garlic chilli dip that cost S$2.00. I am so going to bring my own sachets of chilli sauce the next time I visit. 

Pricing

Freedom Larger (Draft) - S$10.00

Tater Tots - S$4.90

Popcorn Chicken - S$12.90

Oyster Shooters - S$12.90 (3 glasses)

Cheeseburger (Lettuce) - S$18.00

Teriyaki Chicken Burger - S$18.00

HONBO - S$18.00

(Subject to Service Charge and GST)

Additional Information

Your meal came with a wet tissue, in addition to serviettes.

Come on a weekday for lunch and you would get a free drink! Trust me, it's worth it as our dear Alex's diet coke cost a bloody high S$5.00! 

Felt that burgers were bad for your diet? Consider changing to a "lettuce bun for a gluten free burger"! I actually do that for MOS Burger, where my fav was the Natsumi Teriyaki Chicken. However, if I am going to indulge on my rare cheat days, give me gluten please!