Food I Photographed Last Month: WONDERBURGER

Is it just me, or has there been a drought of new burger places opening the last few years? It seems like 5 or 6 years ago Australia was burger mad – with new joints opening up left and right. But gone, I think, are the days of people going nuts for fat burgers named after 90’s hip hop artists.

Maybe it makes sense then that Wonderburger has carved out a little piece of the Canberra market recently. Arriving on the scene with a distinct brand that feels entirely fresh for Canberra, these burgers, I have to say, slap.

It’s a sound strategic move too, opening up in the heart of old Kingston. With so many iconic, undeniably tasty burger spots already culturally ingrained in the Canberra population, Kingston’s Green Square area is one of the rare spots where there was a genuine gap.

We’ll get to the food in a sec, but first, we’ve gotta acknowledge the brand. With a fitout that evokes feelings of nostalgia – checkered tiles, wood paneling and bar stools, these retro family diner vibes let you know what you’re in for as soon as you walk in. White and red signage with pops of orange feel distinctly familiar; the crinkle-cut fries and soft-serve dessert options are a stroke of genius. It all just feels… comfy.

There’s no room for subtlety here – the imagery for Wonderburger is all about filling the frame with the food. In-your-face, crisply lit hero shots for everything. Keeping it simple, we shoot on white and red backdrops – the red helps the fried food pop, the white eliminates any chance of distraction, letting the burgers speak for themselves.

We shoot in the morning before open, but by the time 11am rolls around people are already peeking their heads in the door, eager to get their Wonder fix before it’s even lunchtime.

You’ve got your classics – the eponymous Wonderburger… the obligatory fried chicken burger… the smashed cheeseburger. But the owner’s favourites include the Truffle (beef, raclette cheese, truffle mayo – my personal fave), the First Lady (grilled chicken, brie, avo, bacon, rocket, relish – oooft) and the Wonderworks – your old fashioned takeaway burger with the lot. Vego? No worries, you’re covered too – with a vegan patty and a crumbed portabello option.

I’ve left out the second half of the name – ‘…and Chickenette’. The fried chicken is perfect – either to accompany your meal or as the whole thing. But if that wasn’t enough for you, the sides keep going – insanely loaded chips, onion rings, mac and cheese bites and good old jalapeno poppers.

So look, like I mentioned, Canberra already has its fair share of insane burgers. So, why come here? The answer is simple – Wonderburger is really freakin good.

And while I, like most Canberrans, enjoy a refined dining experience, I’ve gotta be honest – sometimes nothing hits quite as good as a fat, tasty burger and thickshake. We’re in peak winter right now, and this is as good as comfort food gets. But I have a feeling when the weather heats up, those picnic tables out front are gonna be bustling.

Oh and lastly, it can’t be left unsaid – the kids menu is genuinely hilarious. Big ups.