From innocent typo to neon lights, Ken Behrens is certainly a name that captures attention. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Nothing says ‘Canberra Pride’ like poking fun at the government, pointing out grammatical errors and – let’s add to that list – a good burger.
In the darkness of COVID lockdowns, Canberrans found light-heartedness with an innocent press conference auto-caption glitch, quickly turning it into a viral expression of our identity.
The iconic name continues its legacy at Ken Behrens Burgers & Cafe on University Avenue in the City, with a second premises now open in Erindale.
After its first year of operation, this unassuming burger joint has attracted attention. It appears to be fast finding its way into the hearts of Canberrans – alongside Hall of Famers like Kingsley’s, BrodBurger and Chicken Gourmet.
We visit on a Wednesday morning and watch a steady flow of office workers, ANU students and construction crews – all of whom are greeted like old friends by the owner, Pradip Shrestha.
“Everybody knows my name now. They come in and have a talk with me, and I enjoy that,” he said.
Pradip delivers us the smoothest coffee, and when we comment on its quality. He proudly retrieves a bag of Parliament by Canberra’s own coffee farm and roastery, Bean Culture.
It’s clear this business is steeped in a strong sense of community, and Pradip is bursting with civic pride.
Pradip and his team serve a mean burger – with a healthy side of Canberra pride. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Originally from Nepal, he earned his Bachelor of Accounting while working as a chef in kitchens throughout Sydney, before moving to Canberra so his wife could study nursing.
First arriving during the COVID era, Pradip’s family quickly became Ken Behrens themselves.
“The weather is good, education is great, there’s a good community, less crime – and anywhere you want to go, it takes you 20 minutes.”
Well on its way to becoming a Canberra favourite, Ken Behrens has amassed over 200 Google reviews and a 4.9 star rating, with enthusiastic reviews praising the “legendary hospitality”, quality food and fair pricing.
Interestingly, many reviews also note its clean and tidy presentation. On my visit, I note sanitiser available on every table – an apt centrepiece, given the cafe’s namesake.
As we Ken Behrens know, bargain prices can be hard to find in our nation’s capital – something which is front of mind for Pradip.
“All the costs of supplies have gone up, but I’m trying my best to keep prices low.”
And the proof is in the patty! For $10, you can start your day with a generous bacon and egg roll and a small coffee, while the $18 lunch deal offers a range of classic or chicken burgers, small chips, and a soft drink.
With all the ‘must-haves’ of a humble burger joint, the menu also offers a couple of more adventurous options.
The Behren Beast is built to sate the heartiest hunger, and the giant Truffle Twin Stack Burger will stretch your jaw muscles and your taste buds.
The sweet, crunchy pickles on the Manhattan Burger were a fresh delight, while the Portuguese Burger’s Portuking chilli gives you a welcome kick.
If wings are your thing, opt for Ken’s Sweet and Spicy or branch out with Buffalo with blue cheese sauce.
Loaded Fries come seriously stacked, with adornments from pulled pork to Peri-Peri.
Vegetarians and vegans are well-served with multiple burger options, as well as thoughtful additions like nuggets and aioli.
Pradip tells me about an ANU student and frequent customer who came in one day, smiling from ear to ear.
“He was so happy, and when I asked why, he said he got 10 out of 10 on an assessment,” said Pradip.
“I said ‘good job’, and he said I should say that to myself for making him go to uni every day. He said, ‘Because of your burger, I didn’t miss a class!’”
The COVID-era caption glitch that started it all. Photo: Twitter.
Opening new premises in Erindale in August this year, Pradip has plans to expand further – with help from the community.
“We’ll offer some free burgers for a couple of days so people can taste my food,” he said, adding with a smile, “and then they can come back – because I know they’re going to love it once they taste it.”
Long-term, Pradip says, we could find Ken Behrens all over the country.
“I want to open up Ken Behrens in every state in Australia. We’ll get there one day.”
