I have published a review of Sango! The Burger Master before. It was in early 2013 when we last visited its branch in Tomas Morato. There have been many times when I wanted to go for a return visit. Perhaps some divine force in the universe didn’t want me to push through with the plan, because apparently, all branches of Sango! were closed last year. If you’ve been a fan, don’t feel so sadβbecause there’sΒ good news: With a change in ownership, Sango! The Burger Master is now revived with its new store on Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. It had just opened its doors this June 2014, across ADMU. Everyone is welcome! π
Review of Sango! The Burger Master (Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City)
Ambiance: β β β β β
The new owners must have intended that patrons would have a consistent feel from the “old Sango” to the new one. I appreciated that the decorations and overall theme remained the same (except that there’s no more mangas displayed as a stack on shelves). The playful color scheme, a TV playing Japanese television shows and origimami pieces created and left by customers are some of the things inherited from the previous Sango branches. The place is very clean and bright, just the way I like it.
Service: β β β β β
I felt that there’s a short of staff here especially when there are more customers expected in peak hours. The orders came out quite slower than expected. This is maybe because the staffs in the kitchen need more practice in preparing food faster. Waiting time was tolerable and okay if you’re enjoying a good conversation with friends or are busy with following instructions on how to create origami while reading the books. Another consolation was that the server was friendly, attentive and accommodating throughout our stay.
Food: β β β β β
We’ve noticed some changes in the menu like cutting down on the variations of burgers available and adding more sides. The signature Master Burgers, Master Fries, and Matcha Azuki Milkshake are still present. For some people, that’s all that matters. As an added note, we were told that they’re now using angus beef for the Yakiniku Rice Burger recipe instead of the regular prime beef.
Now, let’s do the food rundown.
If plain burger does not do it for you, go find yourself some freedom. Compliment an order of the Yakiniku Kimchi Rice Burger (PhP 185) and Master Fries (PhP 115). These are my personal favorites. The kimchi didn’t have as much spicy kick as I envisioned but it was very delicious. I’m a big fan of the flavor! The fries, on the side, are a clean, quality choice if you’re into the greasy and cheesy stuff. It’s made with the Master sauce, just the best. Don’t forget to apologize to your diet afterwards. π
The Yakiniku Rice Burger (PhP 160) was also a good try. I’ve tried this before and for the second time around, I found it impressive. The strips of beef were so thin and easy to chew on, nothing fatal. Don’t consider skipping out on this.
Compared to the rice burgers (which we ate with a complete set of plate, spoon and fork), I liked the Master Double Cheese Burger (PhP 215) less. I have to sayΒ the Master sauce was a good touchdown moment.
Garnished with veggies and onions, the Chili Dog (PhP 120) got A for flavor and it’s exactly what you think it is. The bun is soft and the hotdog tasted decent, but there’s nothing really special.
A recommended order for lunch would be the Oyakudon (Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl) (PhP 150). With perfectly simmered boneless chicken thighs and beaten eggs in runny texture, the whole mixture was comforting.
The little chunks of crunchy fried chicken on Sango’s Teri Karaage Don (PhP 165) were moist on the inside, very crisp on the outside and the flavor had a tantalizing marination in pungent brine.
The cooling flavor of the melon in the Honeydew Ice Cream Shake (PhP 90) was refreshing. It’s sippable ice cream and it’s easily one of my new go-to drinks/desserts. The shake was sweet, milky and a bit citrusy. π
Another nice thought to end a meal was the sinfully great Macha Azuki (PhP 120) topped with azuki (red beans) and mochi balls (made of sticky rice). The green tea flavor came on strong and the cream was sweet enough to be enjoyable.
Price for Value: β β β β β
I’m pleased to know that prices are fair and friendly (even for a college student’s budget). At Sango! The Burger Master, you will surely find something that you both love and can afford. π They’re opening a branch soon in Makati so watch out!
Thanks, Ahia Richard, for the invite! π
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
Looks like a great place. Slow service stinks, but the food looked good!
I agree! But the long prep time was forgotten when we were able to taste their great food. Haha
Everything looks especially clean, and the pictures you took of the food are wonderful. It looks so good! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! It’s certainly a pleasure to share such a commendable restaurant with good ambiance and food. π
Wow! The food there looks so good. Wish I could go check it out. Thanks for sharing. π
Sure! Hope you find time to try it especially if you’re craving for burgers. π
The food there looks AWESOME! Burgers are my favorite meal!
Their food especially the burgers are really top notch with interesting flavors and texture.
The Place looks really nice and clean. Love the photos! I especially wanna try the teriyaki burger it looks so good. Thank you for sharing, I might just drop by when I visit next year!
Thanks, Misa! Yes, their burgers are a must-try! You won’t be disappointed. Hope you enjoy your visit! π
Yummie! All these dishes look absolutely delicious, would be hard to make a choice. I like the origami-touch in the interior
Try their burgers and you’ll understand why they’re the burger master π
Their burger must be really great since you did locate them again. I would try this when I’m in Katipunan.
Yeah, fortunately they opened again and will have another branch in Makati which is more convenient for me to go back since it’s nearer. π
You said the magic word, Makati. That would be easier for me to visit too.
Ah haha!
What a great place! I love that fun, energetic atmosphere, and the food looks so tasty!
It’s really an ideal place to hangout and dine with friends, colleagues or family. π
How fun! I’d absolutely LOVE to see eat there. It looks like dining there is an event itself. It just exudes fun!
They also provide origami papers to customers so dining here is really entertaining too. π
Love the origami wall! I need to remember to eat before checking your blog posts!
xoxo
Candace
My sister feels the same way! She always gets hungry after reading my food reviews. Haha And yeah, the origami wall does make the atmosphere fun and exciting that you’d want to learn how to make them.
That Yakiniku Kimchi Rice Burger looks delish! The place looks like such a cute place to dine at.
Yes! It’s my favorite in their menu. It has an interesting and complimenting flavor and texture. Hope you try it!
The food looks simply delectable, especially the chili dog!
The cheese, onions, and mustard all contributed for the chili dog to be delicious. Try it! π
The dishes look delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Sure! There are also other interesting food on their menu to try. No doubt they’re gonna taste great too. π
I like the decor and cleanliness of the place. You are so good at capturing burgers and other food items.
Thanks, Sandy! I must say it’s also all thanks to the food for looking and being so delicious. Hehe π
Oh wow that place look so bright and inviting and the food looks to die for. You are making me hungry with this post.
Thanks, Danielle! Their menu really offers a list of interesting food to try. And I’m actually craving for their burger again now. Haha
The food looks and sounds great. I would like to try the chili dog.
That’s a good and filling snack. π
Looks like a wonderful place to grab something to eat. Loved all your pictures. The food looks great!
Thanks, Michele! It is a nice place to eat out if you’re looking for a snack or a meal that can surely please your tummy!
I love your photos! thank you for this!
Thanks, Tin! π Come visit them soon in this branch or the upcoming one in Makati.
What a fun atmosphere! Everything looks so good, but I would have to order the Master Fries & Chili Dog.
Yes! That’s a great combo choice too! π
It’s so interesting to see a burger place there compared to one in America. So different!
Yeah, I guess it’s also nice to see the uniqueness and specialty every country/restaurant has to offer. π
I do like how the place is looking like, feels comfy and neat. To me a well cooked food is very important, even though it takes a little bit longer to wait for it, I don’t mind. I have never tried the dishes that you were showing in the pictures, but I would definitely want to try the Oyakudon.
I have to agree but for a complete customer satisfaction, it would still be better if service time is faster while, of course, maintaining the goodness of the food. π
It is fun to check out the new restaurants when they open. I’m glad they kept some things you liked about the old place, and new additions can be fun. π
Offering new items in their menu is really a great strategy for innovation and to attract more regular and new customers to come. π
Looks like a fantastic place to eat. I love the burgers on the menu and would love to try them.
Hi, Ann! Make sure you do because you’re totally not gonna regret it. π
This place truly has mouth watering foods for me!!! I’ve always been a huge fan of rice burger, too bad we don’t have any place that serves them locally (in Jakarta there’s MOS burger, severely overpriced for a fastfood joint but better than nothing), your pics makes me drool so bad haha
Thanks, Mindy! π The food here are really affordable yet still interesting and very full of flavor so being able to try and taste these is certainly a great opportunity anyone shouldn’t miss!
This looks like a really unique restaurant! I’d love to try some of these dishes!
Yup, they’re must-tries!
woot woot !!! i love how they re openned near my alma mater ^_^ …. and as you said… the fries are awesome… its just that the diet would suffer hahahahahaha
So you’re from the Ateneo pala ah! π It’s okay to get those fries once in a while, maybe as a reward or something to make yourself feel better. Those are comfort food indeed!
The re-opening case, the regulars might ask some questions why? But to bolster the new image of Sango, the owner must find a way to innovate something new. The place looks clean and the decors are great. Maybe because it’s new. The counter and furniture are okay for the food establishment.
Trying to attract both old and new customers may pose as a challenge at the start since they’re reviving the business. It might not be that hard though. The new owners have earned quite an experience in handling and managing food establishments like this. π
Yay, I’m so happy that Sango is back!! I love their chili dog. Sad lang that they’re so far away from me now. I used to go to the branch in Makati. I wonder when I’ll be able to take a trip to Katipunan from Alabang?
Oh yeah I get that problem a lot–when I want to try restaurants but they’re too far from my place. Well, at least you’re aware of their new location. Maybe you’ll find a time one day to catch up with friends and meet them here. π
How terrible that their branch in Morato has closed down. Going all the way to Katipunan is not easy with its traffic and parking issues.
There are a few parking slots available at the front of the store. But yeah, traffic is really a problem now in Katipunan. That was why I just took LRT that day–faster and convenient.
wow! this place looks so nice and clean and those cute decoration are indeed very nice too! sounds like a good place to have with school friends!
Yup, this is a cool hangout place for students in the area. I can imagine how the dining area would be full during weekdays! π
The food seems fresh and delicious, prepared with care and diligence, however I do not like the fact the service comes somewhat slowly in the peak hours, waiting is irritating to me.
Waiting time was not too long; it was tolerable. There are a number of items that can entertain you while waiting such as your company, the books, origami, the TV show and the lovely ambiance. π
You always look like you are having a great time with your friends. Thanks so much for the review. Looks great.
Yup, it’s what I love to do during weekends. π You’re welcome, Margarita.
Such a nice foodie discovery, Roch! My kids would have love seeing and learning how to make those cute origami. I sude to know Sango at their Makati, Olympia branch.
Sango says that they might be opening the new branch in Makati before the year ends. We’re pretty excited to see and come visit that one, too! π I’m sure your kids would love creating origami.
Once again! You make me crave for burgers at this time of the night!
I’ll be visiting Manila by December, I hope we can met and visit some places that you reviewed here! π
Haha sure! Drop by there soon and I hope you have a good time. π
Seems like a nice place with a huge assortment of items on the menu. I would imagine once they have been open for a bit they will pick up and have better service.
Improvement builds road to success. I don’t see problems of Sango making it to the top of burger joints list next time. π
Looks like a new burger experience right there. I’ll sure give it a try if I get to this place. but since I’m still out of the country not might happen not just too soon.
The story of re-opening is a good one. Here’s a cheers to a lasting business this time around.
You may visit them anytime when you’re back. π
The restaurant looking clean and well furnished and ideal for child
There’s actually a church nearby and Sango gets a lot of kids customers from the Sunday school of the church. π
Macha Azuki! My favourite dessert! Is this a place you will return for a second round next time? All the dishes look pretty big a portion!
Yes, for sure we’ll be back. My boyfriend is also a fan of Sango as he was the one who introduced me to these delicious Japanese burgers. π
Oh, brother. Looks like great deals at stake, and that Yakiniku Rice Burger is something I wanted in my taste buds right now!
That will definitely get your day going. I suggest the kimchi one over the plain yakiniku rice burger. π
I’ve been hearing that literally every cool new thing is opening in Katipunan and it’s just so sad because I live so far away! π This restaurant looks super awesome and I only wish the restaurants were as diverse as this in my college! :O
I live far away too but this one is really worth the trip! π
I am glad your favourite joint is back in action . I like the bright, well light ambience a lot! Great place.
Yup, and hopefully soon, they’d open up in a location nearer to me. π
will definitely try this one tomorrow since I will be at Katipunan!
Hope you have a good time there. π
the place looks cute and cozy and the food looks yummy! kinda of remind me of a mos burger yoshinoya mash up though.
Right. I think I read one article saying that they’re like the Mos Burger in the Philippines. π
I love the origami stuff. It’s so cute! As well as the aura of the restaurant. It looks like a place where you can hang out for hours.
Yup, it’s a laidback/chillax place where you can stay without worries. π They also have free wifi but you have to ask for the password from the staff (one user=one password).
I love their personal touch on the hamburger menu. It’s a hard one to make unique but they have managed well.
Yup, I have never encountered any burger joint that’s similar. π
The origamis are so cute! The food looks drooling!~
Try to make origami when you’re here and you may bring your creations home. π
I’ve never been to any Sango branch even before they took that year long hiatus. I love all the cute details like the origami make the interiors look more interesting. I’m very intrigued with the burgers btw.
Try their rice burgers and you’ll wonder why and how you’ve been missing them for so long. π
I wish I could get on a plane right now to try this restaurant out.