Big burger battle won by a Filipino mate

THE burgers were thrown down, but only one food truck could emerge victorious after the feast. Mate Burger won the judges choice award at the Battle of the Burgers at Greenacre late last month.

World competition wood chopper and burger judge David Foster OAM tastes one of the burgers in the battle. Picture: AP Image/Angelo Velardo

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THE burgers were thrown down, but only one food truck could emerge victorious after the feast.

Mate Burger won the judges choice award at the Battle of the Burgers at Greenacre late last month.

Henry Paraan, who has owned the truck for two years, served two burgers — the Ensaymada and the CheeseMate.

“I’m Filipino, so instead of serving a traditional burger, I did the Filipino-infused Ensaymada burger,” he said.

Norman's Burger Bar burger chef Massimo Casolari prepares his burger for judgment. Picture: AAP Image/Angelo Velardo

“The judges said they liked the bun, which is built with cheese inside it.

“The beef patty is a mix of Angus and Wagyu beef, then we use Kraft cheese, which has a light cream to it, plus rocket leaves to balance it out.

“Plus it has sticky bacon and our special M8 sauce, topped with grated cheese and a bit of sugar on top of the bun.”

Food blogger Sean Conlon from Prestons takes a photo of the great burgers on offer at Battle of the Burgers. Picture: AAP Image/Angelo Velardo

Mr Paraan, 42, of Minchinbury, said he was a financial planner for 18 years, before following his passion for cooking and bringing Filipino flavours to western culture.

The Battle of the Burgers was held at The Acres club, with world champion axeman David Foster, a Fatties Burger Appreciation Society representative and Happy Endings Burger owner Mr Gee choosing their favourite.

The crowd also had the chance to vote, with Newy Burger Co picking up the win for People’s Choice.

Other trucks at the event included G-Dup Burgers, Norma’s Burger Bar and Chef’s Kitchen.

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