Think of a burger chain and your mind is inevitably drawn to images of a certain large neon sign and somewhat ubiquitous food offering.

The said well-known global chain has an estimated 40,000 restos worldwide which churn out up to 12million hamburgers a day.

On a somewhat smaller scale, though, is another burger “chain” and it is right here in Belgium.

This one, however more modest in scale, has fast gained a reputation for particularly impressive and tasty burgers.

It is called “Be Burger” and its offerings can stand the test against any competition, be it large or small.

They can be mostly found in Flanders and Brussels (there’s also one in Lille) but the only one so far in Wallonia is in the town of Waterloo.

For those who fancy a delicious burger and who might live further away the French-speaking region it is well worth the excursion.

This was the second to open (in 2016) in what has become a fast growing “chain”.

Its burgers are made from a special recipe and, on the menu, are split into two categories: “Les Incontournables” and “The Signatures”.

The former consists of burgers that pretty much stay on the card all year around and include “best sellers” like the “New York” burger which consists of 100per cent Belgian Charolais beef along with bacon, cheese, lettuce and the Be Burger sauce.

You will find here another customer favourite, the “Brussels” burger (similar contents).

The Signature burgers, though, usually change with the seasons and, currently, it boasts the autumn/winter selection.

Look out too for the special seasonal burger which, currently, is called the “Chamonix” burger. This, like the other burgers on the menu, is very reasonably priced, particularly given the quality. The burgers, in fact, start from just €12.50 which is a snip compared with many other such places.

Last summer, a new feature was added to the card in order to try and diversify the choice and, in particular, encourage group bookings.

This goes under the name of “And More” and, here, you will find another customer favourite, the Black Angus entrecote steak, along with other dishes like Pork Texas ribs (the meat is lacquered and cooked in a specific oven), salmon, Americain and Italian-style Tartare.

Also on the impressive menu are salads, finger food (starters), including fried smelts, smoked onion rings and shrimp croquettes, and sides, which include a nice choice of very tasty fries.

You have a choice, of course, of various sauces and a very satisfying and wholesome meal can be washed down with a choice of Belgian beers like St Hubertus and Kriek or a glass of nice wine.

For the little one, the 2 course kids menu is just €11.90.

A spokesman said the burgers are “unique” because they are “twisted with that special something that makes a difference and cannot be found anywhere else.”

But the attention to detail does not stop there, of course, and the fresh Belgian fries are cooked in beef fat making them tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

There is also an emphasis on “going local” with, for example, the Belgian Charolais beef sourced from a local, short supply chain which is delivered to its restos three times per week.

Taking charge of the bountiful burgers in the kitchen at the Waterloo “branch” is Belgian-born Fausto while the friendly Ofeline looks after things front of house and, with her friendly team, happily guides customers through the card.

The interior and decor at the Waterloo venue, conveniently located at the heart of this bustling Brabant Walloon town, is calm and tastefully furnished.

The resto, which also does takeaways, can seat up to 60 inside and, when the better weather does eventually return, there is a nice terrace at the rear.

The first in the burger chain to open was at Zaventem (the latest being at Dilbeek) and, since then, the brand and business has certainly “taken off”.

And, if you are looking for somewhere a bit different to welcome in the New Year the good news is that Be Burger, unlike many other restos that day, will be open on 1 January.

The weather may be grim at present but what better way to see in a new year than that old favourite: a good burger?

Further info: www.beburger.be

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