For many pubs and cafés, chips are the obvious side for a burger. They’re familiar and easy to understand on a menu, but they don’t have to be the only choice. A thoughtful selection of sides can give guests more ways to enjoy a burger and help your menu feel more distinctive.
A useful starting point is to offer three kinds of pairing: a classic, something fresh and a signature side.
Look at the burger as a complete dish before choosing what goes beside it. A rich burger with a creamy sauce may benefit from a crisp slaw or a sharp pickle. A simpler cheeseburger could pair with onion rings, dressed leaves or a house dip.
The goal is to create contrast, not to add more of the same. When deciding what goes with hamburgers, think about texture, flavour and how the side will sit on the plate or tray.
You can give guests a clear answer to “what sides can I have with my burger?” with a short, well-described list:
This makes sides with burgers other than fries easy to find. It also gives your team a simple way to explain the combo and recommend an alternative.
If you want to include a lighter option, name the actual side rather than making a broad health claim. For example, “dressed leaves” or “slaw” tells the guest what they can choose without implying that the complete meal has a particular nutritional profile.
Before adding an option, consider the work it creates. Does it need a separate cooking process? Can ingredients be used elsewhere on the menu? Can it be plated quickly and consistently during a busy service? These practical questions help keep the choice useful for customers and manageable for the kitchen.
You could trial one new side as a special and ask the team how it performs in service. Pay attention to guest questions, preparation steps and whether the description on the menu matches what arrives at the table.
Angel Bay offers beef patties for food service, including Gourmet Beef and Gluten Free Beef Burger Patties. The product page provides the details for each option; check those details before choosing a patty for your menu.
A memorable burger combo doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep the sides focused, make the choice clear and give each pairing a reason to be there. That way, the burger remains the star while the sides make the meal feel complete.
Explore Angel Bay’s UK food service range for more information about its beef patties.