The Perfect Burgers: Where to Place Condiments and Best Practices

Whether you're a seasoned burger enthusiast or a newcomer to the delectable world of burgers, the placement of condiments is a topic of much debate. From the bottom bun to the top of the patty, where should ketchup, mustard, and other flavoring agents be applied to achieve the ideal taste and texture?

Common Placement of Condiments

The most common practice is to place condiments on the top of the burger patty or on top of the cheese in a cheeseburger. This allows the burger's heat to melt the cheese, creating a juicy and flavorful experience. Of course, there's some debate about which order is best, with some places preferring different sequences. If you have high-quality ingredients, you might not even need condiments at all. However, if you're simply patty and cheese, condiments become essential.

Flexibility in Condiment Placement

Condiments can be placed wherever you prefer. Whether you want to slather mayo, tatare, coleslaw, or ketchup, mustard, and pickles (among others) on the base, it's entirely up to you. You pay your money, and you take your choice. Some eaters might prefer to place condiments on the side, allowing for immediate dunking just before taking a bite. This ensures that the condiments remain fresh and the burger's fillings do not slide out.

Professional Techniques for Burger Consumption

Professionals and aficionados take their burgers seriously. The proper way to eat burgers, according to many experts, is to place ketchup above the cheese but below the lettuce and onions. Additionally, some might add some ketchup to the side for dipping. This not only enhances the flavor but also demonstrates your expertise in burger consumption. Another technique involves spreading a mix of mayo and ketchup on top of the patty with your finger, then licking your finger for a taste. It's a ritual that can make you feel like a veteran burger connoisseur.

Practical Considerations

The best placement of condiments often depends on practical considerations. For example, to prevent squishing out the sides, it's best to place condiments on top of the patty. This is especially important if you plan to eat the burger immediately. However, if you plan to eat it later, you might want to either delay adding condiments or cover the condiments with a slice of cheese to avoid a soggy burger. Similarly, lettuce can be placed on top of the condiments or in between them, depending on personal preference and practicality.

The Bottom Bun Sog Problem

Many fast-food chains place limited condiments on the top bun or on top of the meat and cheese to prevent the bottom bun from getting soggy and falling apart in your hands. While this practice is common, there are exceptions. The bottom bun often contains less wet ingredients to keep the burger intact.