National Burger Day, introduced by Mr. Hyde in the United Kingdom, celebrates the iconic burger—a beloved dish with a contested origin dating back to the turn of the 19th century. The burger gained significant popularity at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. Typically known as a hamburger, it features a ground beef patty that is pan-fried, barbecued, or flame-broiled and served in a bun. Accompanied by condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and relish, burgers are often adorned with toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon, pickles, and cheese. Join the festivities in honor of this culinary classic!

History of National Burger Day in the UK

National Burger Day was introduced in the UK by Mr. Hyde, a daily email newsletter focused on food, drink, and culture. First celebrated in 2013, it was created as a way to celebrate the growing burger culture in the UK, especially at a time when gourmet burger joints were becoming increasingly popular. Since its inception, the event has grown significantly, with burger lovers across the country taking part in the festivities.

The Burger’s Cultural Evolution in the UK

While burgers have long been associated with American fast food, they have found a special place in the UK, evolving from humble fast food to gourmet cuisine. British chefs and burger aficionados have embraced the challenge of reinventing the burger with unique ingredients, cooking methods, and flavor combinations. Gourmet burgers, which feature high-quality meats, artisan buns, and creative toppings, have gained immense popularity, becoming a staple on restaurant menus.

In the UK, burgers are enjoyed in various settings, from fast food chains like McDonald's and Burger King to high-end restaurants offering premium ingredients like Wagyu beef, truffle mayo, and brioche buns. The burger’s versatility makes it an ideal canvas for both traditional and innovative flavor combinations.

How National Burger Day is Celebrated

National Burger Day is all about enjoying delicious burgers, whether made at home or purchased from a local restaurant. Here’s how people in the UK typically celebrate the day:

1. Burger Promotions and Discounts

Many burger joints, restaurants, and pubs participate in National Burger Day by offering special deals, discounts, or limited-edition burgers. Mr. Hyde, the event's founder, typically partners with numerous establishments across the UK to provide discounts for those who sign up on the National Burger Day website. These offers make it easy for burger enthusiasts to try new places and explore a variety of burgers.

2. Gourmet and Creative Burgers

On National Burger Day, people are encouraged to get creative with their burger choices. Many restaurants introduce special edition burgers for the day, featuring unique ingredients and bold flavors. From plant-based patties for vegetarians to extravagant burgers stacked with a variety of meats, sauces, and toppings, the day is a celebration of culinary experimentation.

3. Burger-Themed Events

Some cities in the UK host burger festivals or food events to mark National Burger Day. These events often feature multiple vendors offering a wide selection of burgers, including classic beef burgers, chicken burgers, veggie and vegan options, and even dessert-inspired burgers. These gatherings are a great way for food lovers to sample different takes on the burger while enjoying live entertainment and drinks.

4. Cooking Burgers at Home

For those who prefer a more intimate celebration, National Burger Day is the perfect opportunity to fire up the grill and make homemade burgers. People often experiment with different types of meat, such as beef, lamb, pork, or even fish, and explore a variety of toppings and sauces. Home cooks might also get creative with vegetarian and vegan burgers, using ingredients like chickpeas, lentils, or mushrooms to craft delicious plant-based patties.

5. Social Media Celebrations

Burger lovers take to social media to showcase their burger creations and discoveries, using hashtags like #NationalBurgerDay and #BurgerLovers. This online celebration allows people to share photos of their burgers, recipes, and recommendations for where to find the best burgers. Many food influencers and chefs use the day to post cooking demonstrations, burger reviews, and tips for making the perfect burger at home.

Types of Burgers Popular in the UK

The burger scene in the UK is diverse, with a wide range of styles and variations available. Here are some popular types of burgers you might encounter on National Burger Day:

• Classic Beef Burger: The quintessential burger, usually made with a beef patty, lettuce, tomato, cheese, onions, and condiments like ketchup or mayonnaise. It is typically served on a soft bun, such as a sesame or brioche bun.

• Cheeseburger: A variation of the classic burger, featuring a slice of melted cheese on top of the beef patty. Popular cheese choices include cheddar, American cheese, and blue cheese.

• Chicken Burger: A burger made with a grilled or fried chicken fillet, often accompanied by lettuce, mayo, and other toppings. The chicken burger has gained popularity as a lighter alternative to beef.

• Veggie and Vegan Burgers: With the rise of plant-based diets, veggie and vegan burgers have become a staple in the UK burger scene. These burgers are often made from ingredients like mushrooms, black beans, chickpeas, or plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burgers.

• Gourmet Burgers: These burgers feature premium ingredients like Wagyu beef, foie gras, truffle oil, or exotic toppings such as kimchi or jalapeño poppers. Gourmet burgers often come with artisan buns like brioche or sourdough.

• Fish Burgers: A lesser-known but increasingly popular choice, fish burgers feature grilled or breaded fish fillets, such as cod or salmon, served with fresh toppings and sauces.

• Specialty Burgers: Many restaurants create unique, limited-edition burgers for National Burger Day. These might include burgers with unexpected toppings like peanut butter, fried eggs, mac and cheese, or avocado.

Fun Facts About Burgers in the UK

• The burger has become one of the most popular food items in the UK, with the average Briton eating an estimated 50 burgers a year.
• The term “burger” is derived from Hamburg, Germany, where beef patties were first popularized, though the modern burger as we know it originated in the United States.
• London is home to several burger festivals, including the London Burger Bash, where top chefs compete to create the best burger.
• Meatless Monday has contributed to the rise of vegetarian and vegan burgers in the UK, as more people seek plant-based alternatives.

National Burger Day and Sustainability

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of sustainability and ethical food production in the UK, including the sourcing of ingredients for burgers. Many restaurants now focus on using locally-sourced, free-range, and organic ingredients in their burgers. Sustainable practices, such as reducing food waste and offering plant-based alternatives, have become more important to both consumers and businesses.

Plant-based burgers, in particular, have seen a surge in popularity due to concerns about the environmental impact of meat production. On National Burger Day, many people choose to explore plant-based options as a more sustainable way to enjoy their favorite food.

Conclusion

National Burger Day (UK) is a celebration of one of the most iconic and versatile foods—the burger. From classic beef burgers to gourmet creations and plant-based alternatives, this day is a chance for burger lovers across the UK to indulge in their favorite variations. Whether cooking at home, trying out a new burger joint, or participating in a burger-themed event, the day offers something for everyone.

With its origins in American fast food culture, the burger has been embraced and transformed by the UK, becoming a staple of British cuisine. National Burger Day encourages experimentation, enjoyment, and appreciation of the humble burger, bringing people together to share their love for this universally adored food.