Dom Burger — Review by Sonny Side
Tokyo, Japan — Japanese Burgers
A comprehensive tour of Japan's innovative burger scene showcasing how Japanese burger shops have reimagined the classic American burger with creative twists like okonomiyaki pancake patties, massive lettuce wraps with shrimp, sukiyaki-inspired burgers with raw egg yolks, sealed UFO burgers, and A5 Wagyu creations. The reviewer discovers that while some experimental burgers succeed brilliantly, others prioritize novelty over substance.
What was great: Creative and unique burger variations like the okonomiyaki burger and lettuce shrimp burger; high quality A5 Wagyu burgers at other establishments; innovative approaches to traditional Japanese dishes in burger form
What could improve: Some burgers felt overly bread-heavy (UFO burger); initial Dom Burger double cheeseburger was too conservative and lacked the greasy, bold American burger experience
The Dishes
The video showcases an impressive array of Japanese burger innovations across multiple establishments. At Dom Burger, the Double Cheeseburger serves as a baseline American-style burger with thin patties and conservative toppings. The okonomiyaki burger transforms the savory Japanese pancake into burger form with crispy fried edges, raw cabbage, egg, and bonito flakes, successfully capturing the essence of the original dish. The mostly lettuce burger delivers shrimp hidden between fresh lettuce leaves and held together with creamy Japanese mayonnaise. At Wagyu Brothers, the sukiyaki burger features A5 Wagyu slices over a beef patty with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and a raw egg yolk crown that drips down through the burger when bitten. The UFO burger comes sealed inside extra-large buns using a specialized pressing machine, creating a hand-friendly option with beef, cheese, egg, bacon, and secret sauce. The teriyaki omelette burger at Wagyu Burger Hiroia stacks two A5 Wagyu patties with a perfectly cooked omelette, teriyaki sauce, onion jam, and tartar sauce.
The Experience
The reviewer visits multiple burger establishments with Sarah Mizui as a knowledgeable guide about Japanese food culture. The shops range from Dom Burger, Japan's first burger chain founded in 1970, to newer trendy establishments like Wagyu Brothers (opened 2024) and Wagyu Burger Hiroia (opened 2025). The atmosphere across venues is described as modern and social media-friendly, with young people photographing burgers for Instagram. Service appears efficient and the chefs demonstrate pride in their creations, with some like the omelette burger chef implementing rigorous training standards requiring chefs to perfect the technique three times in a row before serving customers.
Value and Pricing
While specific prices aren't detailed in the transcript, the reviewer notes that customers can get a lot of burger for a reasonable amount of money at these establishments. The A5 Wagyu burgers represent premium offerings, and specialized creations like the UFO burger and teriyaki omelette burger command higher prices befitting their complexity and ingredient quality.
Notable Moments
This is stunt food. It's inedible.The reviewer's initial skepticism about experimental burgers sets up the video's central tension.
Anything can be called a burger as long as there are ingredients between the buns.A comedic debate about burger terminology highlights how Japanese establishments challenge the definition.
I'm going to ask a quick question to our future overlords. Uh, AI. What are the ingredients required in order to call something a hamburger?The reviewer humorously consults AI to settle burger classification debates.
It burst. Oh my god, it's water broke. It's dripping like crazy.The sukiyaki burger's egg yolk explodes when bitten, creating an unforgettable moment.
I don't hate it.The reviewer's surprised approval of the lettuce shrimp burger contradicts his initial expectations.
The Verdict
The reviewer concludes that Japan has successfully elevated the burger beyond its American origins through creative innovation and high-quality ingredients. While not all experiments succeed equally, the best Japanese burgers like the okonomiyaki burger and sukiyaki burger genuinely improve upon or meaningfully reinterpret the format. The video suggests that Japan's burger scene appeals particularly to social media-savvy younger diners and food enthusiasts seeking novelty and quality ingredients like A5 Wagyu. The reviewer leaves impressed by the technical skill and creativity displayed, though acknowledging that innovation for innovation's sake doesn't always result in superior eating experiences.