Take it away: Grab a gourmet burger on the hoof

The V&A Waterfront has plenty of sit-down dining.

But if you've left Christmas shopping until the last minute, or prefer being outdoors appreciating buskers, mime artists or Table Mountain views, then quality takeaway eating isn't so easy to find.

Mondiall Burger Bar is a new hatch opening onto the pedestrian area next to Mondiall restaurant, if you're heading towards the Clock Tower. It serves burgers and hotdogs to go, with a hamburger starting at R55.

Co-owner Peter Tempelhoff loves burgers, which is why Mondiall's smarter sit-down restaurant serves a chargrilled wagyu beef burger, the fatty cattle breed pushing the price to R110.

On a weekday evening before a movie, Mondiall Burger Bar made for a tasty, inexpensive supper, albeit a messy one. We found seating opposite at a couple of shady benches and a table overlooking the NSRI boats.

The day's offering (R70) was a cheeseburger topped with two crispy bacon rashers and umami tomato sauce. I missed sesame seeds on my toasted bun, but the tasty, seared Angus patty was flavoursome and rich. It perched on red onions and pink mayo, topped with lettuce, tomato, gherkins and mature cheddar.

The umami dog of the day (R45) didn't lag in the taste stakes. The Vienna sausage had lovely smokiness, inside a soft bun topped with umami tomato sauce. On top, caramelised onion, mushroom, cheddar bits and a chilli-spiked cucumber relish.

But the clincher was a bag of golden-crisp french fries, drizzled with truffle oil and grated parmesan (R28). Delicious, skinny and handcut. Fries start at R20; mushrooms and grilled onions are other sides.

Artisan butcher Ryan Boon supplies the Angus topside-brisket beef patties, bacon and free-range pork Viennas. Other options include a vegetarian burger of sliced aubergine, mushrooms and cheese, a chipotle chicken burger, or even a double-double burger.

• Mondiall Burger Bar, Alfred Mall, V&A Waterfront, 11am-10pm daily, 021-418-3003