Burgers & Beef Bowls at Grinder
Burger joint Grinder has reopened in Shanghai's Changning district, settling into a prime corner spot at the entrance of MIX320.
This marks its third move since its 2015 debut on Wuding Lu.
The Space
The aesthetics of the space are visually pleasing, blending trendy diner vibes with cozy charm — egg-white walls, wooden tables, checkered tablecloths, and a sprinkle of retro collectibles on display. It’s cheerful without trying too hard.
As for the name, it’s a nod to their house ground beef for the patties.
The Food
Burgers range from ¥58 to ¥68, with plenty of add-ons available from fried eggs to foie gras. Each burger includes fries or a side salad — value for money, indeed.
Fatty’s Love Burger (¥68)
A signature is Fatty’s Love Burger, tacked with fried bacon, cheese, arugula, tomato, and caramelized onions. It’s a hearty, well-balanced burger with a soft brioche bun, juicy patty with a nice char, and those caramelized onions adding a sweet, savory punch. A classic done right.
For those feeling adventurous, there’s a Hawaiian-style burger, one with smoked salmon, and even a divisive durian option. Apparently, the durian burger has its own cult following, but I’ll stick to the classics.
Beyond burgers, Grinder offers beef-topped rice bowls, which are just as satisfying. Starting from ¥58, each bowl comes with a choice of beef, a hard-boiled egg, lightly seasoned veggies, and sides like pickled radish, kimchi, and a sweet-savory garlic dipping sauce. Pricing differs based on the cut of beef. It’s simple, wholesome, and perfect for a healthy-ish lunch.
On the snackier side, don’t miss the fried ground meat cutlets, reminiscent of Japanese Menchi Katsu. These hockey-puck-sized bites combine ground beef with egg and ingredients like cheese, mushrooms, and Chinese yam, and are breaded and fried. They come in pairs, starting from ¥22.
Don’t miss the Wings (¥48), coated in chili oil and tossed with peanuts and crispy chilies. They hit that mala spot just right.
For something lighter, the Salad (¥38) is a generous portion with grilled corn, zucchini, garden greens, and an onsen egg. It’s fresh, filling, and a great option if you’re not in the mood for a burger.
Good burgers! If I had to choose, I’d do burgers in-store and rice bowls for waimai.
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About Rachel Gouk
Founder & Editor, Nomfluence
Rachel Gouk is a seasoned dining journalist based in Shanghai with over a decade of experience covering food culture, restaurant developments, and the Asian culinary landscape.
