© Carolina Reinertz
In the third edition of Caro tries, she goes to Munchies in the centre of Luxembourg City to try their their new burger joint.
Fast food usually means plastic trays and lights so bright they highlight a Friday night's questionable choices on your face. Munchies does the opposite: no cheap lights, just a tasteful space that feels like a proper restaurant. Honestly, the term “fast food” doesn't do it justice, so let's call it a burger joint.
It's quite straightforward. You enter, you go to the borne (self-service screen), take a seat, and guess what? The food arrives – fast.
Whether you're a big-four finance person grabbing a burger in your suit before your paddle session, a parent who caved into your kids' burger and fries demands, or a student who doesn't feel like spending a fortune on a burger, Munchies is a place where most can find their thing.
The food
After talking to Alex, one of the owners who kindly took time to explain their concept, I understood how much thought and effort went into the Munchies. He always wanted a smash-burger place that looks, but most importantly, serves local, good quality ingredients.
Let's talk fries first, because priorities: Luxembourgish potatoes, Belgian style: crispy, golden, and fresh, just as you want them to be. The sauces are mostly homemade: roasted garlic mayo, spicy korean sauce, chili mayo...(only the standard mayo and ketchup are exceptions). The patties are 100% luxembourgish beef, juicy, and full of flavour.
The buns also deserve their spotlight, as the brioche bun is freshly baked with Boulangerie Mosella (after developing the recipe together), while the potato buns are flown in from the US, since they're not easy to find. Also, the potato burger is best when dunked in the cheese sauce, because why not?
For vegetarians: every burger can be swapped for a veggie patty!
Some unusual creative burgers include:
Truffle Goat (truffle sauce, goat cheese, carmelised onions and bacon jam.... or if you like a bit of fusion the Korean Chicken Burger (spicy Korean chicken, mayo, cucumber-chili-mint salad...) and one of the best sellers the Oklahoma Smash (double smash patty, cheddar, and the only acceptable three-way: grilled, caramelised, and pickled onions).
I went for the BLT and it really did it justice.
Extras
Something that escaped my ears until now (and should definitely get more attention) – you can get prosecco at €2 a glass, Aperol Spritz at €6 (yes, in Luxembourg!). Beer lovers don't fret as, because you'll appreciate the presence of Battin beer on tap – which is always a good sign in a restaurant.
For those who'd rather stay on the sober side, homemade lemonade and 'Kelti', their own hop lemonade. I tried the orange-cardamon-ginger version, a good alternative if you want your burger with a side of fizz!
Final thoughts
Munchies is proof that fast food doesn't need to feel cheap or soulless. Thanks to their locally sourced food, inventive recipes and cozy atmosphere, it hits the sweet spot between casual dining and quality food.
Food quality – 4,5/5
Family-friendly – 4/5
Budget-friendly – 4,5/5
Date-friendly – 4/5
Veggie-friendly – 4/5
