Handmade burgers, Dongdaemun: shrimp and wagyu at 1986 Shibuya Burger

How did I get there from Hoegi Station?

I visited 1986 Shibuya Burger (1986시부야버거) for handmade burgers at lunch in Hoegi. I walked from Hoegi Station toward Kyung Hee University, then entered the alley behind the intersection in front of the university. The address is 서울 동대문구 경희대로1가길 5 1층.

What were the atmosphere and seating like?

Even the exterior had a retro feel that reminded me of 1980s Japan. The signs and props evoked a Japanese street, giving me things to look at before I went inside.

Inside, retro props and decorations appeared throughout the space. There were more tables than I expected, including two-person tables. It seemed well suited to a meal for two, and I felt it would not be awkward to come alone for a burger either.

At the time of my visit, the posted hours were 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with last orders at 8:30 PM.

What was at the self-service station?

My personal favorite was the self-service station where I could take unlimited potato chips. They were tasty with the various sauces, so I went back for more a few times.

I could also take as many pickles, jalapeños, and sauces as I needed at no extra charge. Since I tend to use plenty of sauce, that was convenient, and I put some pickles on a separate plate to eat with the burgers. There were also several kinds of snacks for dessert.

What did I order, and how much did it cost?

The menu included individual burgers, combos, sets, griddle burgers, and a wide range of sides. I used the kiosk to choose burgers, sets, sides, and drinks.

• Kuro Sakura Shrimp Burger set + beer: ₩17,700
• Golden Sambong Wagyu Burger set: ₩13,800
• Iced Americano: ₩2,200

Cooking began after I ordered, and I think the burgers took about 10 minutes that day. Of the two, the shrimp burger caught my eye first because of its black bun. The wrappers were also marked with shrimp and wagyu, making them easy to tell apart.

What did the Kuro Sakura Shrimp Burger taste like?

The black bun held a shrimp patty, vegetables, and sauce. The bun was soft, while the shrimp patty had a springy bite. The shrimp texture came through in places instead of being hidden by the sauce.

The lettuce and tomato made it refreshing, while the moderately spicy sauce added savory depth.

How were the sweet potato fries?

The sweet potato fries were crisp and sweet. Eaten alongside the salty burger, they added sweetness and changed up the flavors. I preferred them to regular fries.

How did the Golden Sambong Wagyu Burger differ from the shrimp burger?

The Golden Sambong Wagyu Burger had a thick wagyu patty with cheese, onion, and jambon (French-style cured ham). The meat flavor anchored it, joined by the softness of the cheese, the sweetness of onion, and the saltiness of the jambon.

The flavor felt more balanced when I ate the patty together with the bun, vegetables, and cheese than when I ate the patty on its own.

After sharing the two, I found their differences clear. The Kuro Sakura Shrimp Burger would suit someone wanting springy shrimp, vegetables, and spicy sauce, while the Golden Sambong Wagyu Burger would suit someone after the flavor of a meaty patty. Next time, I would like to try another wagyu burger.