Biting into burger bliss

Why this meat joint in Iloilo is worth checking out


At a glance

  • The best burgers are simple, juicy, and messy. — Bobby Flay


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CHICKEN HEAVEN Bite into crunchy goodness with the classic chicken sandwich

There’s something beautiful about the simplicity of a burger.
When it comes down to it, the best burgers aren’t the ones with crazy gimmicks or fine dining-level techniques.
 

As celebrity chef Bobby Flay says, “The best burgers are simple, juicy, and messy.” Such is the case for this humble burger joint in Iloilo, Kalan.Ph. It sells what is possibly one of the best burgers in Western Visayas from its front yard.
 

Serving burgers in a garage-style setting adds a certain homeliness to the dining experience. You feel as if a family member is cooking up something special on the grill for you during a large family get-together. Often you’ll spot teenagers and students visiting the place as Kalan.Ph’s burgers are sold at a budget-friendly price, ranging from ₱145 to ₱270.

For the go-to choice, keep things simple with the classic beef burger consisting of soft buns, fresh local beef patty, a special comeback sauce, onion jam, and pickles. One big bite feels like burger bliss, as you can tell just how fresh the meat is from the juices that pour out of it. 

Pickles might not be everyone’s favorite part of the burger but it gives just the right amount of sour and, combined with the sweetness of the onion jam, it’s just perfect. 

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CHEESY GOODNESS Cheese lovers are sure to love the generous serving of cheddar on Kalan.Ph’s cheeseburger

For cheese lovers, the cheeseburger variant is a must-have as the patty is topped with a generous amount of melted cheese. Another bestseller is the
classic chicken sandwich, a boneless quarter-fried chicken served between soft buns with pickles and the special comeback sauce. 

Once again, much like the classic beef burger, biting into it sends a burst of flavor, thanks to the chicken’s juicy goodness. There’s just enough spice to add a slight kick, but not to a level where it numbs the mouth and overpowers the taste.
 

Can’t decide which to try? Have a go at both! Kalan.Ph’s Chic n’ Patty burger combines the beef burger and chicken sandwich in one big bite. Paired together, the chicken’s spice blends well with the beef patty’s juicy meat.  A generous serving of bacon and melted cheese tops it all off. There are also other variations of both sandwiches on offer.
 

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DOUBLE TROUBLE If you can’t decide between the beef burger and the chicken sandwich, why not have both with the Chic n’ Patty burger?

Spice lovers must try the Cheezy Gochujang Chicken Sandwich or the Kimcheese Beef Burger. It’s essentially the same burgers but with a spicy twist, thanks to its special gochujang glaze.
 

Kalan.Ph is along Javellana Extension Road in Iloilo City.