I do love a good burger oh yes I do. What is it about a burger that gets people so excited? Is it the juicy bite when you sink your teeth into it? Is it nostalgia as you remember your first burger be it from a chain or a local takeaway? Is it the fact that you’re eating it with your hands or is it the ease of eating a complete meal within a bite? Or is it just the perfect juiciness to starch ratio that good burgers inherently have? When I strolled past Moo Burgers a few days ago I looked up and vowed to come back as soon as possible. This evening when The Second Wife, Gravy Beard, Mr NQN and I were seeking a place to have a quick catchup as the Second Wife was jet-lagged after an African safari, I knew this was the place.
One takes a seat and then orders and pays at the counter. We snag an outside table and watch the view. It’s a little hard to decide as there are burgers all over that are calling our names but we decide on a range of them. Of course we must have chips with the burgers and since we’re going with the whole burger and fries theme we also order some shakes. The shakes feature chocolate bars such as Moo Kat (Kit Kats), Milo Moo (Milo bar), Mad Cow (Oreo), Tammy Moo (Tim Tam) and Moo Teaser (Malteaser).
Berry Ripe Shake $6.50
Mr NQN’s Berry Ripe Shake arrives. It’s not huge but it sure is pretty. He takes a sip and grins broadly. I can spot lust instantly and try some of it. Oh my, it may not be big and it may be expensive but it is literally a Cherry Ripe bar in a glass with just the right ratio of ice cream and milk so that it isn’t too heavy. After sharing sips with everyone he downs it within seconds and grins a cheeky monkey grin that says “Victory is mine and so was that shake”. So I do what any jilted wife would do and order my own, a Beach Blonde Crunchie Shake.
Beach Blond Shake $6.50
I’m not usually a shake drinker as I don’t like too much dairy and neither does the Second Wife but we both love this. It’s filled with tiny Crunchie honey comb chocolate pieces and a honeycomb and chocolate syrup. I had visions of recreating this at home.
Peach Bellini $9
Peach Bellinis are good for jetlag no? In any case they’re delicious and I’m sure they make you feel better so The Second Wife orders one.
Chips $5.00 with aioli and Piri Piri sauces $1.50 each
Our cones of chips arrive and they are a glowing golden shade. We try one and it shatters in the mouth and we do that nodding while eating something hot but good thing. The chips are what I presume to be double fried which is a technique to make chips even more wonderfully crunchy when chips are fried twice so that they’re almost translucently golden. We are also appreciative of the real potato skin we see on the edge. I actually forget my burger in my eagerness to eat the chips.
Beef, Avocado and Bacon Burger $14.50
Mr NQN’s burger is a pretty good combination although he remarks that the patty is a little dry which is what I usually find for Angus burgers (and why I prefer Wagyu patties). I have to agree and it’s really the inclusion of the rest of the toppings that give it a luscious juiciness. There’s avocado, Beechwood Smoked bacon, mixed leaf lettuce, tomato, home-made mayonnaise & tomato relish.
BBQ Pork Belly Burger $16.50
My pork belly burger is unlike what I thought it would be, instead of a slice of pork belly (oh how I was dreaming about this burger all day after doing some lunchtime research) instead it’s a ground up patty of Inglegreen pork belly, peanuts,mixed leaf lettuce, tomato, Asian bbq sauce & ginger & plum relish. It has a distinctly Asianey flavour although I find myself adding the piri piri sauce and aioli and tomato sauce to give it an extra flavour that it seems to be missing. I also find the white flour dusted sourdough buns a bit crusty which I don’t really like for burgers. I later read that there’s an option for multigrain buns which I may try next.
Duck and Bacon Burger $16.50
The Second Wife is a fabulous friend. When I mentioned I was tossing up between the Duck and Bacon burger and the Pork Belly Burger she simply said “Well I’ll order one and we can share it!” which was just music to my ears. She ordered it with a gluten free bun which appears smaller than the regular buns but as it’s softer and less crusty I actually prefer this type of bun. The burger isn’t that strong in duck being very much overshadowed by the bacon pieces. Such a shame as it was a great concept.
Moo Burger $16
Gravy Beard’s Moo Burger wins the prize for biggest burger and the fried egg on top appears so perfect that we remark that it looks like it resembles a Japanese plastic one and should be sitting outside a Japanese restaurant in a glass cabinet. He cuts it in half and the egg yolk oozes. It’s size means that it’s hard to eat without it falling apart but there are no complaints from him.
Chorizo Burger $15.50
In Bondi a few days later, Mr NQN and I try another couple of burgers, just to get a representative sample you see. We start with a Chorizo burger as we’re both huge chorizo fans. The burger is a patty of chorizo (ahh why didn’t they use a chorizo sausage?) and is not spicy at all. Along with the chorizo patty, there’s grilled sweet potato, rocket, mayonnaise & tomato relish. I wish I had ordered an extra sauce to go along with it and squeeze tomato sauce in an attempt to make the burger juicier.
Chicken Avocado Burger $16.50
The Chicken avocado burger was one we had high hopes for. Chicken goes so well with avocado but the grilled breast fillets whilst generously portioned are dry. Alongside the chicken there is mixed leaf lettuce, home-made guacamole, salsa & sour cream. The salsa is a great idea but there’s either hardly any on the burger or it hasn’t got the tang and spice that salsa has. I always finish my food but pass on my half of this burger to Mr NQN who finishes it. We may not be back for the burgers but we will be back for the shakes and fries! Oh yes double fried chips…I feel myself lapsing into a Homer Simpson moment here.
So tell me Dear Reader, what kind of fries do you like the best? Skinny French Fries? Fat Wedges? Hand Cut? Roasted in Duck Fat?
Moo Gourmet Burgers
70a Campbell Parade Bondi Beach, NSW
Tel: +61 (02) 9300 8898
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10am-10pm, Weekends 8.30am-10pm
www.moogourmetburgers.com.au
There is also a location at Coogee:
242 Coogee Bay Road Coogee Beach Phone (02) 9664 4300
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57 Comments | Add your own
Must say, I’m not really a burger person – but the shakes! The shakes! Oh my bucket I want to try every single one of those!
Except could you please ask them, if you ever go back for the chips, to have worked out a “Moo Cup” (Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup) version in the next few months so I can have that when I get back to Australia?
Much appreciated
I love crispy-double fried fries too…especially with a little “fry sauce” for dipping (equal parts mayo and ketchup with a generous sprinkle of black pepper…sounds gross, I know, but it’s soooo good!
). Sorry about the burgers, but those do look like some killer shakes!
I have tried Moo burgers twice and have come to the same conclusion. I wanted to like them. I really did… but they weren’t the bees knees.
The fries were a hit. The location a hit too {it’s practicially in my front yard}. But I just can’t love the burgers.
Hand cut fries remind me of my Nana. I do love a frie that I’ve had somewhere that is double cooked and involves beer batter, and aiolo. Naughty!
Ground up pork belly? Noooo!!! I was really hoping it’d be slices of pork belly sitting in the burger too!
Too much to ask I suppose, and very fatty!
Oh wow.. those burgers look tempting!! I love burgers.. and I have a bad habit that I tend to add hot sauce or chili sauce … hehehe
What an incredible helpful blog! I want a smoothie!
Kasha
When it comes to chips I dont discriminate!!!
I love gourmet burgers, my fav is with blue cheese sauce..so good…the shakes are beautiful!
I was just telling Ben I haven’t had a burger in ages…the SA style burger is to pound the meat super flat (snarl) which is not how Duckie likes her meat–thick and juicy. Then they dump a ton of cheese and grease and jalepenos and refried beans…which is tasty, but I want more MEAT… and buns that are tasty but not dripping…
And about your confessions of a foodie…I am the same. Ben’s gained 50 lbs. since we’ve been together.
oooh I have heard of Moo Burgers but never been there – looks GREAT!!!!
I prefer handcut fries
those burgers look massive & the chips..!
/drool
Did you find the beef patties seasoned with white pepper? (or something that tasted like it)… i think that’s what ruined it for me! but i have to agree.. the chips are so yummy!
hmm that’s now on the list of places i must get to this year… oh those milkshakes… we had a great snickers milkshake in newie but this looks even better.
haha i had a friend who used to make fun of me because my dad cooks our chippies in duck fat and she thought it was hilarious. whenever we talk she always brings it up!
Lorraine,
I LOVE the way you write your blog. Understanding the concept of anonymity for your friends/dining colleagues – I love the nicknames you use for them. V entertaining!
Thanks!
mikey
I’m yet to find a burger joint to rival Fergberger in Queenstown, NZ. The burgers, the chips, the beers – heaven on earth!
Those chips look amazing and like a previous poster, I don’t discriminate. They do need to be salty or have some good dipping sauce though – favourite would be Danish remoulade. Yum!
Shame about the burgers.
I still think the best burgers I’ve had are from the Gourmet Burger Kitchen in the UK – great combinations, great sauces (including blue cheese) and from memory, great chips!
There is a place called In-N-Out Burger here in California. Most drive through and take home, but you can eat inside also. I do not usually eat hamburger, but these are really good and really thin burgers. I love a lightly toasted soft bun, a couple of slices of fresh tomato, and their special sauce. Fries that are fried light are my favorite. They are soft and I can eat them easily with my chewing problem. You have made my mouth water. What was served with the fries to dip them in? I love chicken burgers also, but nice and tender and always with avocado. Too bad it was chewy. Great photos. Once again, it would be nice to reach in and try a burger.
Gotta love a burger that “moos”.
I forgot to mention that I love American cheese on my Burger. Can you buy American cheese there?
this makes me want to run to bondi for fries & shakes. what a SHAME the burgers weren’t up to scratch as the ideas all sound good and i’d definitely order those kind of combos.
Oh wow…those shakes look amazing!! And those chips…yum!! The burgers look good – shame to hear that they’re not up to par though.
Will have to add this to my list of places to go when I have cash – just for the shakes & chips!
Thanks, Lorraine! 
when I make my own hamburgers and chips I double fry the chips and make sure the hamburgers are moist, a dry hamburger is horrible
this post is making me crave burgers and chips so much =)
Anyways, to one fasntastic inspirational foodie, I’m awarding you the ‘over the top’ award! visit my blog to see what you need to do to pass this award along =)
Those burgers look delicious, but I am a huge shake fan…Great place!
I am a huge hamburger lover, the burgers, chips and shakes all look great. Might have to make a trip to Bondi to try them!
I’m a little crushed to hear that they are average burgers. I thought they all sounded conceptually sound!
I look forward to reading about your American tour. Americans & Burgers (even the chain places, some that appear just in one city) are a fascinating relationship!
Such a same about the burgers especially the chorizo and pork belly. The chips do look mighty good though, just my kind, double fried with a bit of skin
Those shakes are stunning! So pretty and sound absolutely delicious, I would totally love to have one right now!
I’ve yet to find a hamburger to rival the American ( not chain ) burgers. Somehow they just get it right in the taste stakes , although they need to downsize their meals big-time. When our friends came back from a US holiday recently , their comment was a resounding ” the meal sizes are waaay toooooo big!!!”
As for fries , double fried are the best for me, biting into the crunchy outside and relishing the pillowy potato on the inside. Drool.
My daughter and her friends are at Bondi beach today must tell her about Moo’s fries.
I don’t know whether it is the Coogee/Bondi difference, but when I went to the Coogee version about a week ago, the burgers arrived looking nothing like what they do in your pictures. I was especially disappointed with the Chorizo as it was nothing like home (Dubrovnik’s in WA), nor like the one we get from the Grower’s Market once a month. The wagyu burger was soggy but juicy enough.
Maybe your burgers are more beautifully presented because they saw you coming?
Can I have your friend? So that she can order the Moo burger and I’ll order the chorizo, and we’ll split it down the middle and have the best of both worlds!
i agree re: crusty buns. i love those big soft hamburger buns. CRUNCHY = NO.
When it comes to chips – the best are “Beer Battered” – It gives them that extra tang and crunchiness!! Can’t go past them… and you MUST have Aioli.
I love burgers. I think the yummy thing about them is that they’re a complete hot meal that fits into your hands. Mmmm.
Shame these burgers didn’t quite live up to expectations. But those shakes do look spectacular!
we have a little eatery here in the middle of nowhere that has fries like that. And served exactly the same.
Makes me wonder if they have been to that restaurant…
But Oh Em Gee they are GOOD!
Hiya, Try Grill’d at Crows Nest, you will not be disappointed! Generous servings, great flavour, great burgers and chips, reasonable prices, nice ambience and quirky statements on the wall. Delish!
Shakes and chips – I’d go for those definitely.
I love very crispy chips with a fluffy interior – these sound like they are like that. My mouth is watering!
Burgers with tough rolls are a no-no. It all just falls apart.
Hand cut potatoes with skins still on cooked in olive oil till very crispy but fluffy inside. Served fresh on to paper with sea salt… YUM… And I think the best shakes are the home made Belgium chocolate sauce shake from Ruby’s Dinner in Clovelly. BLISS
Hate “dry” burgers too, more mayo and sauce.
I was reading your post with my mum looking over my shoulder and she agrees with me: those are pretty darned fine looking burgers!
While I’m not really keen on avocados in burgers (though they’re perfect in clubhouses and BLTs), those look pretty good. The chorizo-burger floggers down south on Boracay island ought to take note of Moo’s version; it looks so gorgeously saucy and succulent – very different from the dry patties served up in this part of the world.
(Oh, and did you just mention that they have a Tim Tam shake?!? Bestill my quaking heart; that sounds gorgeous!)
Yum. After reading this post this morning, I HAD to have a burger for lunch – went to burgerlicious in the city….too far to go to Bondi. It was good though!!
Those milkshakes look mighty good too – I had a delicious mint milkshake at San Churro last week…..I’m not normally a milkshake person – it’s like a meal in itself for me!!
I think I’d go to this place just for the shakes – aren’t they the most beautiful drinks you’ve ever seen? The burgers look really good too, I’ve recently discovered that not only beetroot makes a good Aussie burger, a pineapple slice is essential too!
Heheh, I believe I love potato in all in guises. So hard to choose…so my answer would have to be, ‘All of the above!’ =p
Why would you grind up pork belly???
For me, the best chips still have their skin on, and they’re a bit chunkier than french fries, super hot and fresh and crunchy with soft innards. Mmmmm.
Oh yum! I remember having these and they were so good. Now I’m feeling homesick!
Waw,…Lorraine!! Those burgers look awesome!! i especially love the chorizo burger & the chicken & chicken & avocado buger!!
A grand place to dine!
i love the look of those shakes and the rustic burger buns. oh, and the burgers themselves aren’t bad either. yep, these are eats for which i’d gladly unhinge my jaw.
Those shakes look fabulous! And I like sweet potato fries best. Don’t know if they had those or not. Sorry you were rather disappointed in the various burgers, but I would drive miles and miles for a good shake!
Here in the UK, there is this place called GBK which is supposed to be from Australia. I love it. They have those huge burgers too where they need to be skewered to be held together. I love big food. THey also make fab milk shakes.
. The more fries the merrier!
As for fries, i like fat crispy fries with fatty delicious accompaniments
Roasted in duck fat?? Sounds like the perfect kind of chips
Usually I like fat wriggly type .. very very crispy outside, very very soft inside..
hmm.. duck burger is interesting…
Presentation looks great! Might have to take your advice and go down there for some fries and shakes!
For a good old fashioned burger, if you’re in Melbourne, I recommend Danny’s Burgers, Fitzroy:
358-360 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North VIC 3068
(03) 9481 5847
Not the cleanest, but certainly one of the biggest, tastiest burgers I’ve ever had. They’re not gourmet by any means, but one that we’re all used to picking up at the local milk bar!
Matt Preston (Master Chef) conducted a Burger comp in Melbourne, this place won “best burgers.”
I wanted to like the idea of having a really interesting Burger Joint in our area also….but found that they seem to use white pepper in the patties…which is not what I expected and kind of placed a cloud over the dining.
Those shakes look absolutely fabulous! And so so pretty. My favourite shake flavour is peanut butter and banana.
And thickly cut fries, always. With a nice dollop of ketchup of course.
It’s a shame the burgers aren’t as good as the shakes!
what a shame about the burgers, but the shakes… wow. i would happily consume any or all of those flavours!
If you can tell me where I can get chips roasted in duck fat, I will truly love you forever!!!
Hi Hannah-I know, it was hard to choose a shake believe me!
Wouldn’t that be good? Ooh nice idea! 
Hi Faith-Oh that fry sauce sounds right up my alley too! Not at all gross, just heaven!
Hi fat mum slim-Don’t you wish they’d taste tested them on us first!
I so need a close by good burger place 
Mmm that sounds dangerously good! I’ll sign up to those! 
Hi Joey-I know, me too
Sadness!
Hi mycookinghut-Me too! They never make things spicy enough do they!
Hi sandra-Hehe that’s the way!
Hi pigpigscorner-Ahh that’s not a sauce we see much here but I can imagine it’s very good
Hi Blond Duck-Yes the bun is very important!
Oh no hehe but I bet he’s happy!
Hi Lisa-The fries and shakes are great
I think the fries may be hand cut-at least they look it! 
Hi Betty-I’m craving some chips right now
Hi soopoo-Hmm you may be right there. I wonder if they are as someone else mentioned white pepper too. Oh those chips-yum!
Hi A Girl Called E-I want to learn how to make these shakes. Perhaps I’ll experiment at home
Oh no but chips in duck fat are the absolute best! She’s missing out! 
Hi mikey-Aww thankyou Mikey! Thankyou, we come up with their names together which is always fun!
Hi mish-I really wish I had tried Fergberger! I’ve heard a lot about them
Hi Ange-I do love a good remoulade on anything really! Yes they’ve just got to have good chips don’t they!
Hi Darlene-Ooh I so want to go there one day! That would be fabulous as I’ve heard they are the best. They didn’t come with a sauce apart from tomato that is on the table so we bought sauces
Hi Cakelaw-Haha!
Hi Darlene-Do you mean that cheese like the one on McDonalds burgers? You know I don’t think you can as I don’t recall seeing anything called American cheese unless it has a different name?
Hi brussellsprout-I know, just one crucial bit missing from the equation!
Hi Liv-Yes I so wanted to like them as Bondi is pretty close to us!
You’re welcome Liv! 
Hi Jenny-I think you’re doing it right!
Hi mashi-Hehe is that a good or bad thing?
Aww thankyou so much! That is so sweet of you! 
Hi Erica-Hehe I am a big shake fan here I have to admit!
Hi Camilla-I hope you like them! Let me know what you think of them if you do go
Hi Tim-I know! All burgers should be good!
I’d love to do one, imagine how much fun that would be. I met someone that did one in the US but errm he was independently wealthy!
Hi Shanks-Oh yes just thinking about those chips sends me into overdrive!
Hi 5 Star Foodie-Me too!
It could be my post meal dessert! 
Hi matilda-Yep so true. Americans really know how to do burgers but yes also very big. Good for really hungry people though! Oooh yes! They’re worth stopping in for, even for take away!
Hi Adam-I think if you see the two locations, Coogee rates much lower than Bondi on eatability for whatever reason perhaps different management? From looking at your pics, your burgers don’t look much different from mine though!
Hi sophia-Hehe but you can’t take her overseas with you!
Hi Sarah D-Yes it must be soft. Like a bottom!
Hi Joy-Oh yes I can definitely believe that. Oddly enough, not many shops do them here! Mmm aioli is heaven yes
Hi Esz-Yes they’re so easy to eat!
They’re so pretty aren’t they!
Hi Kelley-Aren’t they great! Hehe perhaps they have and fell in love with them and decided to use them
Hi Gaby-Ahh cool, thanks for the rec!
Hi arista-Hehe I really shouldn’t have read this story now I feel like some more fries! These weren’t so soft in the centre, they were quite crispy through and through I guess from the double frying!
I know, soft rolls are the go I agree 
Hi Joey-Ahh Ruby’s! I’m going there soon so I’ll definitely try that shake thankyou!
Absolutely sauce is good on burgers!
Hi Midge-Funnily enough they look great but they stop short somehow somewhere which is a bit of a shame. They’re not terrible but they’re missing the it factor whatever that may be. Yes a Tim Tam shake, The two that we tried were fab so we’ll come back for the other shakes!
Hi Katrina-Ahh good!
Yes I find milkshakes are usually way too filling too! 
Hi Moya-I think they are! How pretty are those ink and brown stripes!
Ahh you know I don’t recall seeing beetroot or pineapple on any of their burgers. How odd!
Hi mlle délicieuse-hehe I don’t blame you, they’re all good for different reasons!
Hi Conor-I know! So sad
Oh these are almost those although the innards weren’t soft they were cooked through. But in the other aspects yes! 
Hi Mowie -Aww no! Homesick is no good!
Hi Sophie-Hehe the view is amazing!
Hi grace-Haha yes me too! Jaw unhinging in progress in anticipation of them
Hi Barbara-I know, it was a bit sad as I really hoped they’d be good! Ah well!
Hi Heavenly Housewife-Oh really? I think we have Gourmet Pizza Kitchen or GPK but perhaps it’s from a different state
Yes fries are a must with a burger aren’t they!
Hi YW-Duck fat chips are definitely awe inspiring!
Hi NKL-The presentation is pretty good and yes the fries and the shakes are the go
Oh cool, thanks for the recommendation! 
Hi Jase.Sue-Another reader soopoo above said that too about the white pepper. Interesting! Yes I had high hopes too *sigh…
Hi Su-yin-Ooh sounds lovely indeed!
I know, hitting 2 out of 3!
Hi lindsey clare-Hehe me too! It was so hard deciding which flavour to get!
Hi Justine-You can get them at some restaurants, not so much takeaway places. But really the best way is to do it at home. I have a recipe on here for goose fat chips and they’re the same really
Different reviewers might also be the reason: Bondi reviews include a lot of parents of young children, Coogee reviews look more like the dollar per unit of utility crowd. The one bad review of the Bondi Moo sounds like one of the latter, too.
I second the Fergbuger in Queenstown, NZ! The best burger I’ve ever eaten! Make me wish I lived there instead of in the UK!
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