Kua 'Aina Review - Heavenly Hawaiian Burgers

One of my friends recently stumbled across this small burger chain whilst wandering around Carnaby Street in London and annoyingly, he would not stop banging on about how it was the best burger he’s ever tried. 

Usually, when most people make claims such as these I can’t help but feel like I’m being lied to and so most of the time I dismiss their endorsement and go about my business, but as I said...

 He...would…not…stop…banging…on…about…them…

So obviously I had to go and try them out and politely tell him he was wrong…but oh, was I in for a shock!

We decided to visit their Goodge Street branch on a very rainy and freezing Sunday afternoon and as we entered we were met by a beautifully bright, kooky, small Hawaiian themed restaurant, which was thankfully warmer than the blizzard outside. We were then greeted instantly by the waiters who wore standard native Hawaiian attire (Hawaiian shirts) and we were promptly shown to our seat.

Taking a peek at the menu, everything looked and sounded delicious. There were new variations on old classics but all together there was definitely an ‘American’ vibe to the menu. Don’t get me wrong, this isn't a bad thing for me; pass me the streaky bacon, waffles and maple syrup anytime. 

I ordered my hamburger with avocado and Monterey jack cheese, but alas with no sides (this is a mistake to make, do NOT make the same mistake as me). My friend opted for a Bacon and Cheese Hamburger with skin on fries and unbeknown to him, I was going to steal me a few of those delicious fries.

Within, what felt like five minutes, our food had arrived and my, oh, my, it smelt heavenly. 

Now, for you non burger connoisseurs out there, who think a burger is just a burger, think again. You know when you have been greeted by a heavenly burger when you can instantaneously smell the quality of the meat. Think of it like a good steak, when you eye one of the beauties up, you know you're in for a treat.

So here I was, face to face with a perfectly medium-rare burger, with a perfectly ripe avocado perched on top, along with deliciously mature Monterey jack cheese oozing off the sides, I couldn’t wait to try it.

The Patty

The burger was cooked to perfection; slightly pink (my favorite) and seasoned so flawlessly that I was almost tempted to ask them what type of sorcery they used. The meat was deliciously light, fresh and delightful, not stodgy like a lot of burgers.

The Fillings

One hugggggggggggggggggggggge no no for all avocado lovers out there is evilness of an unripe avocado. 

Granted they have a similar taste to ripened ones but my goodness, you try cutting into that slippery sucker and you realize that it’s as hard as nails, the disappointment you feel is unfathomableut, but this did not occur at Kua 'Aina., oh no.

The avocado was perfectly ripe and was a true match for the soft and succulent meat it was nestled upon. And what is this stuff they’ve sprinkled across my avocado? Is it crack? Because it might as well be! It was so delicious! It does have a bit of a kick right at the end but only slightly but it's definitely it's worth a try. They even say on their website they won’t tell anyone what’s in this special salt, so I must not be the only one who's intrigued.

The Bun - 

You know when you’re in the presence of burger royalty when the restaurant actually takes pride in the bun. Usually for me, the bun on most burgers can be tossed away (they take up wayyy too much valuable tummy space) but this bun was light, slightly sweet, being a semi-brioche bun and covered in wonderfully delicious poppy seeds (I think they're poppy seeds?!) and sesame seeds, which truly added another dimension to this burger.

Those gosh darn fries

Do not make my mistake.
Order those fries.
Order them now and order them quick! 
Do not share. 
Sharing is also another mistake. 
Hide them from friends.
Hide them from family.
Eat them quietly under the table or around a corner and fully enjoy these frightfully, fantastic fries. 

They're so beautifully crunchy and soft on the side it was a right old treat, they also have some sort of delectable seasoning on top…god knows what it is, probably that crack again.

For the record I should mention that I don’t like chips. (I’m sorry, don’t hurt me but if I’m singing about these so much, they have to be good, right?)

For our entire stay there, I cannot fault a single thing wrong with Kua 'Aina, the waiters were impeccable and friendly, inviting and funny, our orders were taken quickly and arrived back within a heartbeat and the atmosphere was warm and cute. Usually, I find ‘themed’ restaurants spend so much time and attention on the décor or ‘feel’ of the place that the food comes second. But oh no, not at Kua 'Aina; the food is fantastic and the décor is wonderful, it’s truly worth a visit, so go on, get down there!

For the record, all these opinions are my own. I paid for my meal and was not asked to write this review for any sort of payment, but hey Kua 'Aina, if you want to give me a free burger or whatever. feel free.

<3