We’ve seen some pretty wacky things done to cheeseburgers (like inside-out, grilled cheese, and whiskey varieties, to name a few). But Burger King branches in Japan are really taking things to the next level: They’ve recently revealed a revamp of  their popular Kuro Burger line – which has been available in limited supplies since 2012 – featuring an inky black bun, ketchup, and sauce.  This year’s new addition? A slice of jet black cheese.

As one blogger on Katuka laments, “The black buns? We’ve seen those before. But why, Burger King, why black cheese? Why?” While we’re petty open-minded about cheesy innovations here at the culture office, it’s hard not to see the similarities between the black slices and, you know, tire rubber. No word yet on what type of cheese they’re using, but it sure looks an awful lot like good old American cheese.

A stack of jet black cheese slices used on the burgers.

The ketchup and onion-garlic sauce is colored with squid ink, while the black bun and cheese is colored with bamboo charcoal. Two varieties are available: The Kuro Pearl is topped with just sauce and cheese, while the Kuro Diamond adds more traditional (read: regularly colored) hamburger toppings. Both burgers go on sale September 19 for a limited time only. Which one would you try? Have you tasted these Kuro burgers before? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter. 

Photo Credit: All photos courtesy of The Independent

Alicia Hahn

Alicia Hahn excels at eating and enjoys writing, crosswords, and cooking (preferably with cheese). Originally from San Francisco, she moved to Boston for school and fell in love with the city (despite an annual campaign against winter). Her favorite place to be is the farmers’ market, where she finds weird and exciting ingredients to make or break her next meal.