Kota Kemuning might seem like a lush suburb that's cocooned from the culinary crazes of the carnivorous city, but this week's opening of The Burger Factory here proves that no neighborhood is immune from the burger epidemic that has infected the Klang Valley.
Eat like a boss, eat "The Boss" (RM31.90): The Burger Factory's priciest is a mega-whopper of Aussie beef, grilled chicken breast, sharp cheddar, emmental cheese, mustard mayo, ketchup, pepperoni, bolognese, beef bacon, sauteed mushrooms & pineapple.
We have mixed feelings about this; it's undeniably tasty, but in a messy, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink manner, lacking the finesse of flavor to ignite our imagination. Still, we ate it all up; it's a real riot of guilty-pleasure ingredients.
"The Skunk" (RM13.90) lives up to its scary name, made super-stinky with blue cheese, onions & gherkins. Chunky-meaty in a way that will wow flesh-eaters, though the patty slides closer to Kaw Kaw's burger bakar in both taste & texture.
By now, every self-respecting burger joint serves a portobello mushroom creation for vegetarians.
The Burger Factory's seafood-themed burger, "Marine Tales" (RM13.90), is more like a sandwich, packed with prawns, hard-boiled eggs & caramelized onions.
Hot dogs in charcoal buns are available too, as are potatoes straight-cut for French fries or shaped into wedges, curled up, waffled or turned into hash browns.
The Burger Factory boasts a calm premises in Kota Kemuning with plenty of parking; it's roomy & comfy, with interesting decorative touches to make its setting more distinctive.
From one Kota to another: Here's a look at Kota Damansara, where Bert's Jr Burgers, a business originally from my hometown of Malacca, opened this month.
Bert's signature is also a biggie, though these burgers lean very close to street burgers too, with potentially cloying greasiness. "The Jawbreaker" (RM16.90) comprises two char-broiled 200-gram beef patties, beef pepperoni, beef brisket, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, leaves & onions.
Bert's forte might be these cute names: "Finding Dory" (RM16.90) features deep-fried dory fish with avocado salsa (supposedly), tartar sauce & cheese.
Meat, meet meat. "Baa Baa Black Sheep": Char-broiled Australian mutton, chicken salami, etc (RM17.90) & Hot Chick: Grilled chicken breast & black pepper sauce (RM16.90).
Steamed beef burgers, slightly more moist/wet, are served too, topped with beef bologna.
New York Hot Dog (RM8.90), garlic chicken sausage rolled in egg. Juicy? Yep.
Bert's fries are edible but forgettable. That's OK; there might still be a market for its burgers.
The Burger Factory,
29, Jalan Anggerik Vanilla AB 31/AB, Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam.
Open daily, noon through 11pm.
Bert's Jr Gourmet Burgers,
3-1, Jalan PJU 5/3, Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara.
Open daily, 3pm-10pm