It’s debatable whether Charlie Nagreen first formed pork patties at the 1895 Seymour Fair in Wisconsin; Louis Lassen first crafted beef patties at Louis’ Lunch (still standing) in New Haven, or Otto Kuase first cooked beef patties in Hamburg, Germany. Regardless, the international appeal of cooked meat patties remains clear. In L.A., several restaurants serve global versions that mostly have roots in Asia and the Middle East. Learn about eight standout Los Angeles international burgers, often served without buns, and listed in alphabetical order instead of in order of preference.

Updates Since February 19, 2014
Additions: Aroma Cafe, Burgers 99, Esso Mediterranean Bistro, Honey Hi, Mini Kabob, Mom’s List, Monta Factory, Oi Asian Kitchen, Pijja Palace, Tarme Grill
Subtractions: Bilal Hilal (CLOSED), Gottsui (CLOSED), Kebab Halebi (Closed), Oleego By Park’s BBQ (N/A)

Aroma Cafe: Gourmet Pljeskavica – West Los Angeles ↓

Burgers 99: Markham Burger – Mid-City ↓

Esso Mediterranean Bistro: Ras Nahnah – Encino ↓

Honey Hi: Lambwich – Echo Park ↓

Hummus Bar & Grill: Middle Eastern Kabab – Tarzana ↓

This popular Tarzana restaurant serves a balanced Israeli menu. Middle Eastern Kabab showcases juicy Angus beef shoulder patties blended with 20% lamb fat, onions, parsleys and “secret spices” from Israel. Choose two sides, the best being tangy minced Israeli Salad and colorful Veggie Rice, which may include eggplant, celery, onion, carrot, cumin and olive oil.

Jitlada: Jazz Burger – Hollywood ↓

Jitlada earned national acclaim thanks to late, great chef Suthiporn “Tui” Sungkamee’s menu that runs over 300 dishes deep. However, Jitlada wouldn’t be what it is without Sarintip “Jazz” Singsanong, Tui’s sister and the restaurant’s front of house dynamo. When time allows, Jazz has been known to jump into the kitchen to prepare an off-menu Jazz Burger. Order ahead, and if Jazz is there, she’ll mold and marinate fresh ground tri-tip. She grills and serves the thick patty on a bed of iceberg lettuce, tomatoes and basil. Accouterments vary, depending on what’s in stock. During my visit, I encountered shaved red onion, spicy green Thai chiles and light yellow secret sauce.

Mini Kabob @ Neighborly: Armen’s Deluxe Cheeseburger Wrap – Westlake Village ↓

Mom’s List: Mom’s “Heritage” Burger – Culver City ↓

Monta Factory: Monta Beef Sandwich – Glendale + Pasadena ↓

Oi Asian Kitchen: Chicken Longanisa Bowl – Canoga Park + East Hollywood ↓

Pijja Palace: Lamb Burger – Silver Lake ↓

Tarme Grill: Beef Luleh Burger – Glendale ↓