Burgers are Shanghai’s new “it” thing! Diner-esque eatery GOODMAN Shanghai is the latest that’s making some mad waves by bringing their brand of smash burgers to the masses.
About GOODMAN Shanghai
GOODMAN is a small eatery specializing in smash burgers, located on Xiangyang Bei Lu in Xuhui district. It’s a dynamo team of co-owners/partners Michael J (Juke, Bastard) and Jiro (Bastard) and Dan Li, Andrew Moo, and Warren Pang (Yaya’s).
It’s more like a diner than a burger shack. The streamlined design is neat and tidy, and oh-so trendy, especially with the old-school cinema-style billboard bearing its boldface name out front.
Seating inside is just enough for 10, but usually customers tend to hang by the sidewalk. Passing by you might assume that a block party is underway.
Smash Burgers at GOODMAN Shanghai
Classic smash burgers are served with a single (¥48), double (¥68), or triple (¥88) patty. The patties are made with a blend of USDA beef, angus and prime, stacked on milk buns with American cheese, house pickles, raw onions, ketchup, and mustard.
The beef mix is just right, smashed to a lacy, crispy finish on the griddle, topped with American cheese. It’s a simple thing — a burger — but done well. The crisp on the beef is excellent, the seasoning is perfect, and the buns soft and buttery.
I had the triple patty, because, why not. Despite being a smash, it was a very juicy burger.
I had a bit of the double patty at FEAST, and it was OK but not as satisfying as the triple. I don’t suggest getting a single patty. I haven’t tried it, but I’d assume the patty would disappear under all the bread and condiments.
Non-Beefy Burgers
They also do a vegetarian version, the Falafel Smash (¥58).
Whoa, whoa.
Don’t diss this veggie burger. It’s tasty enough that you might have difficulty deciding between this and the beef.
The house-made falafel patty is deep-fried. As a result, the edges are crispy crumbly and crunchy. The burger is topped with tahini, zhoug spice, pickled chilies, lettuce, and tomato. The flavor and seasoning of the falafel is robust, yet not overwhelming.
Fries are ¥22.
Drinks on Tap
As for drinks, curated by Warren Pang, they have Long Island Iced Tea (¥48) on tap, as well as highballs and beer from ¥48. Also on tap is a delicious Calamansi Lemonade (¥28).
They do plan on expanding the menu. Coming soon are dry-aged Chaoshan beef patties.
Currently soft opening. They’ll shortly have an official opening party, tentatively set for June 15.
GOODMAN Shanghai
Address: 4 Xiangyang Bei Lu 襄阳北路4号
Hours: Mon-Thu & Sun, 12pm-10pm; Fri-Sat, 12pm-1am
