Food
The burger has taken on different forms throughout the years and yet, no one can really say that there are too many varieties out there. In fact, it’s the simplicity of the original recipe that encourages experimentation. Today, this game-inspired JSEC stall brings you out of this world with its experimental take on burgers—bite by bite.
Taste
8-Bite’s burger starts from a richly seasoned beef patty too good for its price—the seasonings are a trade secret. The beef is sandwiched between plump, buttered potato buns with American cheese to complete the whole fix. From this, three personalities of burgers emerge:
The Healer whips up a mellow, but scrumptious reinvention of breakfast. It dons the burger patty with classic sunny-side up—you can have it crisp around the edges or runny. The set-up is texturized with bacon bits that, together with the egg, make up a breakfast classic. Finished with a timid kick of spicy Sriracha plus the garlicky trace of aioli, the Healer packs you a mouthwatering morning in buns.
Then, the Warrior arrives in all its might and glory: The caramelized onion delivers juiciness, offering a unique gustatory experience when combined with 8-Bite’s beef patty and crispy bacon. The subtle umami of mushroom glides on top of all the other flavors, harmonizing the whole burger. Clearly, this burger chants a hearty battle cry against hunger with its diverse ingredients. The Warrior’s richness makes it truly fit for one.
Not everyone can wield a gun, and not everyone can keep up with the Gunslinger. This burger’s sharp, zesty barbecue sauce fires at your tastebuds at first bite, leaving subtle notes of smoke in its trail. Though it may attract certain palates, the strong taste tends to become overwhelming after a few bites, dominating the fried onion shoestrings and the patty. This particular offering needs some work on setting itself apart with more than just barbecue sauce as JSEC burgers of the past have already incorporated a similar flavor.
Concept
What sets 8-Bite apart from past JSEC burger joints is its translation of the 8-bit concept into a nostalgic culinary experience. This, in turn, allows 8-Bite to have more creativity when it comes to the creation of their recipes, offering a refreshing take on the JSEC constant. It’s also important to note that 8-Bite uses 80/20 ground beef, which refers to its meat-to-fat ratio. This ensures that its mouthwatering patties end up juicy and tender to complement their already fascinating selection of seasonings.
Value for Money
With Php 100, you can get a burger—Healer, Warrior, or Gunslinger—and expect to be satisfied by its succulence. 8-Bite’s Php 100 burger isn’t only a filling meal, but also food for the soul, as evidenced by the flavorful experience that each bite delivers.
Final Verdict
JSEC may have already seen burger stalls come and go, but 8-Bite has come to change the game. Burgers may not be a go-to rice meal, but if you’re looking for something fun yet filling, there isn’t much to think about when it comes to 8-Bite: Just press play, choose your sprite, and dine.
Rating: 4.5/5
Editors’ Note: In the interest of fairness, Vantage writers only reviewed food that was offered by the stalls during their respective taste tests.
Photos by Casey Mateo
