From the Polish forest to a smorgasbord that connects
Rival Umami is a burger that smells of the forest, brings back memories of autumn walks and draws inspiration from local flavors that are close to Polish guests. It was Jagna Niedzielska, co-author of the recipe, who brought to the project what Poles know and like the most – notes associated with home, nature and culinary tradition. Jonas Mårtensson, chef of MAX Premium Burgers, combined them with the Swedish precision and attention to detail typical of the brand.
The result is a burger in which aromatic mushroom paste with truffles combines with intense Umami sauce with forest berries, giving it an original, light purple shade and creating a surprisingly harmonious composition of flavors. There were also elements typical of the Rywał line – breaded mozzarella and a classic Frisco roll. The whole thing is complemented by cheddar, iceberg lettuce and pickled red onion, which add distinctiveness and balance the complex flavor profile.
As always, choice is the most important thing at MAX Premium Burgers – and it is the guests who decide how they want to experience the new taste. Umami Rival is available in five variants: Beef, Beef ‘n’ Bacon, Crispy Chicken, Crispy Supreme and Plant Beef, so everyone can discover this composition in their own way.
The menu also includes vegetarian options, which have been an integral element of the MAX Premium Burgers philosophy for years. This is a place where the convenience of fast food combines with freedom of choice and awareness – without compromising on taste, regardless of dietary preferences. Thanks to this, everyone can sit at one table and enjoy the taste, regardless of whether they choose meat or the option with a plant-based cutlet.
As Jonas Mårtensson, chef of MAX Burgers, emphasizes: Umami Rival is a tribute to the fifth taste of umami and local ingredients. We wanted to create something surprising and at the same time familiar and once again show that we do it better. Cooperation with Jagna was irreplaceable and full of inspiration. She told me what is important to Poles in the kitchen – what flavors are associated with tradition, seasonality and nature. Together we were looking for a way to combine what we know into a coherent, modern whole. I think that’s why Umami’s Rival has so much harmony and depth to it.
Collaboration with Jagna Niedzielska
Joint development of the recipe for the flagship product is the first such project of MAX Premium Burgers in Poland. Jagna Niedzielska, known for promoting local ingredients and a modern approach to cuisine, co-created the recipe for the new Rywal Umami burger.
Working with Jonas is a unique experience for me. The meeting of two culinary worlds – Swedish peace and Polish expression – turned into a joint journey through the flavors we both know and like. We inspired each other by sharing our perspective on simplicity, seasonality and emotions in the kitchen. We wanted this burger to be close to Polish flavors, but at the same time modern. I wanted it to be a taste that would stay in memory. I think we managed to find the perfect balance between what is known and what is surprising – and that is where its magic lies – says Jagna Niedzielska, cook, TV personality and co-author of the recipe.
Rival Umami is the next step on MAX Premium Burgers’ path to redefining comfort food. The brand does not follow trends – it sets them itself, combining modernity with authenticity and taste that really matters. The goal is not only to respond to competitors’ actions, but to consistently prove that it can still be done better in the fast food industry – in terms of taste, quality and approach to sustainable development.
When and where to try Umami Rival?
From November 6, the new Umami Rival is available in all MAX Premium Burgers restaurants in Poland and in the MAX Express application and delivery partners. The price of a burger starts from PLN 28.95, and in a set with fries and a drink from PLN 38.45 – depending on the selected version and sales channel.
