Did you know that May is National Hamburger Month? I took advantage of this month by trying one of the most unique, healthy (is that even possible?!), and unknown state delicacies in central Connecticut. A Steamed Cheeseburger from Ted’s Restaurant in Meriden, CT.
When I found out that May was National Hamburger Month, I felt like it was the excuse I needed to splurge on burgers. But not just any type of regular burgers you buy at Whole Foods, Stop N Shop, or Costco. But unique burgers you can only buy in certain regions or at a certain price. One of those unique burgers I decided to try in celebration of National Hamburger Month is the steamed Cheeseburger. Many don’t know what a steamed cheeseburger is, which is totally normal because it’s not a common food. It’s actually unique to central Connecticut and it’s rare to find a steamed cheeseburger outside of that area.
The history of the steamed cheeseburger goes back to the 1920s or 1930s in the town of Middletown, Connecticut. Back in the 1920s, steaming was trending. It was a healthy alternative to frying at the time and helped with many digestive issues people were having. A restaurant called Jack’s Lunch had the idea of steaming a burger in a tall copper box filled with simmering water. Cheddar cheese was then added on top at an additional cost. The trend never went farther than central Connecticut, but it has remained and has drawn people interested in this unique culinary delicacy (such as myself).
Is a steamed burger healthier than a regular burger?
Yes, it is — hallelujah! Steaming burgers melts the fat away. They’re steamed in steel containers and The fat is drained from the tray once the patty is fully cooked. However. the result and consistency of the burger is different than your regular burger.
Today, the best place to try a steamed cheeseburger is at Ted’s Restaurant in Meriden, CT established in 1959. Why? Because Ted’s Restaurant is the only known restaurant in the U.S. that exclusively sells steamed cheeseburgers. After an 8-mile hike and a visit to Craig’s Castle, we stopped by to pick up two steamed cheeseburgers with pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes (yes, they steam the cheese too) and their traditional side of home fries to-go (COVID requirement, couldn’t eat in the establishment). If I could’ve I would’ve definitely jumped at the opportunity to eat in the diner. Ted’s Restaurant had an old school 1950s diner style going on with the high stools and counter top and all. There are about 6-8 stools inside the establishment and 3-4 booths. The chef is located right behind the counter where you can watch the magic happen as you wait for your meal. There is outdoor seating as well in the warmer months. The place uses locally ground beef and locally sourced cheese to make their burgers…added bonus!
So let’s get to it…how was the cheeseburger? Well, the first thing I noticed when biting into this juicy piece of meat was its consistency. Unlike other burgers whose meat is tough and dry, a steamed cheeseburger is moist and juicy. So juicy in fact that with every bite, a bit of water falls out the back of your burger. The quality of the meat was very good and I truly felt like I was eating a lighter, healthier cheeseburger. The cheese tasted healthier as well. While the burger was amazing and I would stop by in a heartbeat for another, I did feel that it was missing that hint of American cheese I love so much on my burgers. I’m not sure if it was almost too healthy though or perhaps it was the type of cheese they used. I like my cheeseburgers very cheesy with American cheese, but Ted’s steamed cheeseburger uses Vermont Cheddar, which is definitely much a mild flavor.
All in all, 5 minutes later, 30 minutes later, 1 hour later, and 3 hours later, my stomach still felt happy and light as a feather. The home fries were just as healthy and a delicious side dipped in ketchup. And to think the cheeseburger is only 580 calories (plain burger is about 400) and 150 of those calorie are just the bun.
Whether you need an excuse to eat a burger (hello National Burger Month), are looking for a healthy alternative to a burger, or are craving a unique food that can only be found in central Connecticut–head to Ted’s Restaurant in Meriden, CT.
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