Salted Beef Burger

We were forewarned - or perhaps tempted - by Sam to try the salted beef burger along Brick Lane in London. With nothing more than this vague recommendation, Alicia gamely took the lead in our culinary quest to track down the elusive outlet that served this specialty.

We took the Underground and alighted at Whitechapel Station. Upon exiting, we instinctively turned left along Whitechapel Road. After walking about 500 m, Alicia asked a passerby for directions, only to find out that Brick Lane was actually in the opposite direction. So, we made a full 180-degree turn and started trudging back the other way. Still, even after walking another 1.5 Km, Brick Lane remained elusive - until finally, the familiar street sign appeared like a long-awaited beacon.

Turning into this so-called “lane,” we were surprised to discover that Brick Lane was not a short alley, but a long and winding road nearly 1.5 Km in length. We walked... and walked... and walked. Our legs were beginning to feel like tau foo - soft and wobbly - when at last, we spotted the signboard of the famous "Beigel Shop," proudly proclaiming itself as “Britain’s First & Best.”

Initially, we assumed there would be seating available to enjoy our long-sought-after burgers. Alas, the shop was strictly takeaway - no dine-in option. So, with bags in hand and feet too tired to go any further, we hailed a cab and headed back to the hotel.

Only later, in the comfort of the hotel’s common lounge, did we finally sit down to savour the burgers that had cost us so much sweat and perseverance.

To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t a fan of the chewy texture of the bread bun. The salted beef, while clearly natural and generously portioned, tasted surprisingly similar to tinned corned beef - slightly underwhelming after such a long trek.

When Sam found out which shop we had bought the burgers from, his immediate reaction was, “Alamak! Wrong Beigel shop!” It turned out the one he had in mind all along was actually Beigel Bake, not Beigel Shop. All that walking - and we had ended up at the wrong place!

The very next day, while exploring a food court near London Bridge - just beside Southwark Cathedral - we stumbled upon a stall selling the same salted beef burger, also originally from Brick Lane. Imagine our surprise! So, for fellow salted beef burger enthusiasts, take note: there’s no need to walk the length of Brick Lane like we did. Simply head to this convenient outlet next to Southwark Cathedral, especially if you're already planning a visit to Tower Bridge. Your feet will thank you!