Gordon Ramsay Burger Seoul: Is the $100+ Burger Worth the Hype? Honest Review

Gordon Ramsay, the world-renowned, Michelin-starred chef, has brought his famous burger brand to Seoul, South Korea, marking its first location in Asia and sixth worldwide. Located in the bustling basement level 1 of Lotte World Tower, Gordon Ramsay Burger Seoul has been the talk of the town since its grand opening. With sky-high prices, including a jaw-dropping ₩140,000 (approximately $100 USD) burger, it has sparked both curiosity and controversy. Eager to see if the taste lived up to the price tag and the hype, I braved the crowds and month-long wait to dine at this much-anticipated burger joint.

First Impressions: Location and Atmosphere

Gordon Ramsay Burger Seoul is situated in the heart of Seoul, within the iconic Lotte World Tower in Jamsil. Despite the premium pricing, the restaurant’s ambiance is surprisingly casual and modern, rather than overly luxurious or formal. It’s a clean and sleek space, but doesn’t necessarily scream “Michelin-star dining” in terms of decor. The location is undeniably convenient, easily accessible within the Lotte World Tower complex.

The Price Controversy: Is it Justified?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the price. The “Hell’s Kitchen Burger,” considered a signature item, costs ₩31,000 for a single patty – and that’s before adding fries or a drink! However, the menu item that truly turned heads is the “1966 Burger,” priced at an astounding ₩140,000. This burger features premium ingredients, including Korean Hanwoo beef and truffle accents, but the price remains a significant barrier for many. Compared to US prices, the Korean prices are notably higher, adding fuel to the price debate.

Taste Test: Hell’s Kitchen Burger and the Infamous 1966 Burger

Hell’s Kitchen Burger: A Disappointing Experience

I started with the Hell’s Kitchen Burger, which boasts avocado, roasted jalapeños, tomato, mozzarella cheese, and a beef patty. Having tried many gourmet burgers before, I anticipated a juicy, flavorful patty. However, I was surprised to find the patty quite dry and lacking in juiciness. The overall flavor profile was overwhelmingly salty, without the complex layers or umami I expected. While the ingredients were fresh, the burger as a whole didn’t deliver a memorable taste experience, especially not one justifying its premium price.

1966 Burger: $100 for Salt and Truffle?

Next, I ventured into the realm of the 1966 Burger. Featuring Hanwoo steak patty, foie gras, truffle pecorino cheese, and other luxury components, this is clearly positioned as the pinnacle of the menu. Despite the high-end ingredients, the experience mirrored the Hell’s Kitchen Burger. The steak patty, while cooked medium-rare, was also surprisingly dry. The dominant flavor was again saltiness, overpowering any potential nuances from the truffle or other premium elements. The truffle aroma was present, but it seemed to amplify the richness and saltiness rather than balance the flavor profile. The promised complexity and luxurious taste were simply absent, replaced by a singular, intense saltiness.

Sides and Drinks: Milkshake and Truffle Fries

The milkshake (₩11,000) was decent, richer and smoother than a standard fast-food milkshake, but not exceptionally special. The cola (₩5,000) felt overpriced, as expected given the burger prices. The truffle parmesan fries were ordinary, with a hint of truffle aroma. The accompanying truffle aioli sauce, disappointingly, was also primarily salty, continuing the recurring theme of overwhelming saltiness throughout the meal. Surprisingly, ketchup, which was offered upon request, provided a welcome sweet and tangy contrast, a stark improvement over the supposedly premium aioli.

Conclusion: Hype vs. Reality – Is Gordon Ramsay Burger Seoul Worth It?

Gordon Ramsay Burger Seoul has undoubtedly generated significant buzz with its famous name and extravagant prices. While the location is prime and the concept is intriguing, the actual taste experience, at least for a Korean palate accustomed to balanced and complex flavors, falls short of expectations. The overwhelming saltiness of both the signature burgers was a major drawback, overshadowing any potential nuances from the high-quality ingredients. Unless you are a die-hard Gordon Ramsay fan or particularly enjoy intensely salty, Western-style burgers, it’s hard to justify the exorbitant prices, especially the ₩140,000 “1966 Burger.” For most Koreans seeking a truly satisfying and flavorful burger experience, there are likely better, and certainly more affordable, options available in Seoul.

Restaurant Information:

• Restaurant Name: Gordon Ramsay Burger
• Location: Lotte World Tower B1, 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Cuisine: Burgers, American
• General Rating: (Based on review) Disappointing