Five Guys Korea Review: Authentic American Burgers – “All The Way” Experience in Gangnam!

Finally, I got to try Five Guys in Korea! I’ve been hearing so much buzz about it, and as someone who used to devour Five Guys burgers almost daily during my US tours, I was incredibly excited to see if it lived up to the hype and, more importantly, if it tasted just like the ones back in America.

Ordering “All The Way” at Five Guys Gangnam

My friend and I headed to the Gangnam branch. We knew it might be crowded, and it was! The place was packed with people, and the music was blasting – definitely a lively, American-style burger joint vibe. We decided to skip dining in because it was quite overwhelming and opted for takeout to enjoy our burgers in a quieter setting.

Ordering was straightforward. I confidently told the staff, “Three Bacon Cheeseburgers, ‘All The Way’!” For those unfamiliar, ordering “All The Way” at Five Guys means getting all the standard toppings: mayo, lettuce, pickle, tomatoes, grilled onions, and grilled mushrooms. No need to get fancy or overthink it – “All The Way” is the classic and, in my opinion, the best way to experience a Five Guys burger. We also ordered a large fries and a milkshake to complete the quintessential Five Guys meal.

The wait wasn’t too long, thankfully, about 15 minutes. We grabbed our order, excited to dig in. The aroma of those freshly cooked, peanut oil fries was already making my mouth water!

Taste Test: Is Five Guys Korea as Good as in the USA?

The moment of truth – the first bite. And… wow! It was incredibly close to the Five Guys burgers I remember from the States. The juicy patties, the melted cheese, the perfectly cooked bacon, and those “All The Way” toppings – it was all there. The bun was soft and held everything together nicely, even with the generous amount of fillings.

I’ve always been a bigger fan of Five Guys than Shake Shack, and this Korean version just reinforced that preference. There’s something about the unapologetically greasy, flavorful, and substantial nature of a Five Guys burger that just hits the spot. It’s not trying to be healthy or fancy; it’s just a damn good American burger.

My friend, who joined me on my US tours, agreed that it was strikingly similar to the US taste. We reminisced about grabbing Five Guys as a daily vitamin during our American travels – a testament to how much we enjoyed it!

Generous Portions and a Spicy Tip!

One thing that’s definitely consistent with Five Guys worldwide is the portion size. The “large” fries are HUGE – definitely enough to share between three or even four people. They are cooked in peanut oil, giving them a distinct and delicious flavor. Eating them hot and fresh is crucial; cold Five Guys fries are a sad experience, and we made sure to devour them quickly!

While the burgers and fries were fantastic, I felt the milkshake was a tad too sweet for my liking. I ordered a chocolate shake, and it was intensely sugary. Next time, I might opt for a less sweet flavor or just stick with water or soda to balance the richness of the burger and fries.

Here’s a little tip for those who might find the richness a bit overwhelming or want to add an extra kick: try adding some Cajun seasoning! I personally love “Slap Ya Mama” Cajun seasoning. A sprinkle of this spicy, flavorful seasoning on the burger or fries cuts through the grease and adds a delightful layer of complexity. It’s a game-changer, especially if you enjoy a bit of heat with your burger.

Final Verdict: Worth the Hype and Price?

Overall, my Five Guys Korea experience was a resounding success. It truly brought back memories of enjoying authentic American burgers. The taste was remarkably similar to what I remember from the US, the portions were generous, and the quality was top-notch.

Yes, Five Guys is on the pricier side compared to other fast-food chains in Korea. However, considering the quality, the generous portions, and the authentic American taste, I believe it’s worth the splurge, especially if you’re craving that genuine American burger experience. If you’re in Gangnam or near a Five Guys location in Korea, I highly recommend giving it a try – order “All The Way,” grab some fries, and maybe experiment with some Cajun seasoning for an extra flavor boost!

Location: Five Guys Gangnam (and other locations in Seoul)

General Rating: 4.5/5

This is an independent, unsponsored review.