When I lived in Shanghai, ironically, some of the best food you could get was American-style burgers. The city had an abundance of smashburger joints like Charlie’s, offering everything from classic cheeseburgers to extravagant toppings like foie gras. Another favourite was Fat Cow, a spot known for its buy-one-get-one-free Monday burger deal, featuring thick, made-to-order patties packed with unique flavours—all at an incredibly affordable price.

I often think about these burgers in Shanghai and if I am honest—London’s burger game is weak. Most fast-food chains serve up dry, uninspiring burgers, while the places that specialise in them often overcharge for the experience. That’s usually enough to put me off trying new burger spots. But then I came across Buk.

Located near Camden's Roundhouse, Buk is a small independent chain serving up calorie-loaded burgers, fried chicken, and thick milkshakes. Every time I walked past, the place had a steady crowd, which had me wondering—could they actually be doing something different? Fortunately, they were. Messy, saucy, and bold—Buk’s take on burgers is worth talking about.

First Impressions & Atmosphere

Buk Burgers on Ferdinand Street

Buk’s stylish no-nonsense dining space.

Buk isn’t the easiest place to spot—it’s tucked away on a corner by an alleyway on Ferdinand Street, just a short walk from Chalk Farm station and two minutes from Camden’s Roundhouse. From the outside, the space feels a little makeshift; even the front door looks more like a fire exit than a proper entrance. Inside, the dining area is compact, seating a maximum of 30 people at best. But rather than feeling cramped, it gives the place a certain charm—you get the sense that every guest who walks through the door is genuinely appreciated.

The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. It’s never too loud, and the cool, muted tones of the interior create a relaxed atmosphere. Buk isn’t trying to impress with flashy décor—it’s clear that the focus is on the food, with bold flavours taking centre stage.

The Food – Breaking Down the Burgers

A close-up of Buk's truffle burger

Rich truffle sauce oozing out over crispy smash patties

We ordered two burgers, each with a distinct style and flavour profile. The first, a truffle burger, was an absolute flavour bomb—two smash patties, two types of onions (one pickled, one caramelized), crispy bacon slices, truffle mayo, pickles, and chilli. Right away, I wasn’t expecting it to be as spicy as it was, but it packed a serious punch.

The smash patties were beautifully caramelized, creating a crispy, golden crust while still retaining juiciness inside. The truffle mayo acted as a cooling contrast to the heat from the chilli, balancing everything out. My only complaint? The sauce was excessive, and the brioche bun completely fell apart, making it almost impossible to pick up and eat. But despite the mess, this is exactly what I love in a smashburger—bold, intense flavours.

Taking a detour from smash patties, we opted for the pulled brisket burger, which came with similar toppings to the truffle burger but with a few key differences: we added cheese, swapped out the truffle mayo for Buk’s house sauce, and got a homemade slaw on top. Incredibly, this burger was even messier than the truffle burger. Juicy brisket spilling out, cheese melting into the house sauce, and slaw desperately trying to stay in place—this was a burger that had absolutely no intention of staying neat.

Flavour-wise, it was sweeter than the truffle burger, likely thanks to the slaw and house sauce. By the time we finished, the plate was a chaotic masterpiece of sauce, meat, and mayo—I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever eaten a burger that left a plate this messy before, and honestly, it was kind of impressive.

Sides

Crispy fried chicken tenders at Buk

Chicken tender with a pink centre, showing the effects of Buk's marinade

We were feeling extra indulgent, so we decided to order an extra portion of fried chicken. The menu offers chicken tenders or wings, and the waitress gave us a heads-up that they’re marinated in a homemade sauce, meaning the meat might have a pinkish hue—not from being undercooked, but from the marinade itself.

The portion was fairly generous, and each piece was completely coated in garlic and aioli sauce. I initially expected the flavouring to be more of a dry rub sprinkled on after frying, but instead, it was a thick, rich sauce that added to the indulgence. While delicious, the extra sauce pushed the fullness factor up fast, making us feel stuffed quicker than expected.

We also ordered a portion of parmesan and garlic fries, which, again, weren’t just lightly seasoned. Instead of a simple sprinkle of garlic and parmesan, these fries were fully drenched in garlic sauce with parmesan shavings generously scattered on top.

The result? A gloriously messy, indulgent, and undeniably rich side. The garlic sauce had a strong, bold flavour that really stood out, and the parmesan was noticeable and well-portioned—no skimping here. Given how heavy and rich the food was overall, we struggled to finish everything after polishing off our burgers. In the end, we had to take the remaining chicken and fries home, which was probably for the best..

Is Buk a Must-Visit for Burgers in Camden?

If you’re on the hunt for the most unapologetically indulgent meal possible, then this is your place—and I don’t say that as a criticism. Buk doesn’t hold back. Every bite is rich, saucy, and packed with bold flavours, from truffle and parmesan to barbecue and garlic, all layered over already flavourful, marinated meat. It’s an absolute flavour overload, and the messiness of it all means this is the kind of restaurant you only visit with someone you’re truly comfortable with—because there’s no neat way to eat here.

Buk might just be Camden’s wildest burger joint, and for the first time, it’s given me a glimmer of hope that London’s burger scene isn’t as disappointing as I once thought.

Key Information

Address: 8 Ferdinand St, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8ER

Website: www.bukburger.com

Burger Prices: £11.50-£15.50

Sandwich Prices: £14-£15

Wings & Strips: £7.50-£8

Sides: £4-£12.50

Drinks: £2.50-£7