Smashed Burgers: What They Are + Where to Try Them in Manila

(SPOT.ph) "Smash burgers" aren't exactly new—it's even said that it was the first burger that was ever made before technology came in. It seems as though there is a resurgence of the trend in the U.S., and it's rapidly gaining traction in the Philippines too. It's evident with the back-to-back-to-back opening of burger joints in the Metro, namely Bored & Hungry, MrBeast, and Burger Beast, who are all serving their own takes on the classic. 

Also read:
SPOT.ph Roadtest: Does "America's Best Burger" Have What It Takes to Be Ours Too?
SPOT.ph Roadtest: Is MrBeast's Smash Burger Worth the Hype?

What is a "smash burger"?

"Smash burgers" get their name from the method by which the burger patty's cooked. Compared to the extra-thick, extra-juicy patties that are usually the selling points of most burger joints, these burgers are different because the patties used are flattened—i.e., "smashed"—on the grill, which lets them get cooked to a crisp.

Classic smashed burger patties don't use any burger press. Instead, smashed burger patties use a "freestyle" cooking method of flattening the ball of ground beef on a grill with a turner or a spatula, with more pressure applied toward the edges. Sliced processed cheese is then layered on top of the patty, followed by another patty and another layer of cheese and so on.

The result: uneven-shaped patties with a crisp, browned surface and lacy edges. Those browned bits make for lots of meaty, umami, deeply savory flavor, thanks to the power of what's called the Maillard reaction. The cheese, of course, melts from the residual heat—which translates to rich, gooey contrast against the crisp edges.

For those who like their bacon and other fried food on the toasty end of the spectrum, the smashed burger can win you over to the darker side, literally. Now that the Philippines is catching up with the trend, we wouldn't be surprised if more launch soon. 

Where to buy "smash burgers" in Metro Manila?

Burger Beast

Burger Beast—which recently opened its first physical store after exclusively operating in a cloud kitchen—serves their own take simply called the Smash Burger (P289). Chef Carlo Miguel's straightforward, foolproof approach enhances the crisp patties with can-do-no-wrong burger add-ons such as grilled onions, crisp lettuce, slices of tomatoes, American cheese, and their secret sauce.

We recommend ordering a side of Burger Beast's Onion Rings with Beast Ketchup (P169) to go with this one—or any Burger Beast burger. 

Burger Beast is at 4/F Food Hall, Uptown Mall, Taguig City. For delivery orders, visit Burger Beast's website.

Bored & Hungry

Bored and Hungry comes with a heavy qualifier: "America's Best Burger." This American burger joint caused a buzz when they recently set up their first permanent shop at The Grid in Powerplant Mall, Rockwell.

There's no need to stress out about which burger to pick as there's only one on the menu: the Bored OG Burger (P395). This has two smashed beef patties, pickles for tang, caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness, American cheddar for saltiness, and the signature secret sauce, all sandwiched in between potato buns.

Bored & Hungry is at Stall 7, The Grid, R2 Level Expansion, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, corner Estrella, Makati City. For delivery orders, visit The Grid Food Market's website.

Brothers Burger

Brothers Burger's version of the smashed burger is the Smash Brothers(P240), that's also available in a heftier version called the Super Smash Burger (P335) as it uses double patties. This OG burger place uses seasoned smashed patties and serves them with melted cheese squares, dill pickles, and a slather of Brother Burger's signature "Special q-sauce.

See a list of Brothers Burger branches.

Mimi & Bros

Mimi & Bros has always been known for their chicken, which is understandable if you've ever tried it. But hidden in plain sight—on the menu, specifically under "sandwiches"—is the chicken restaurant's Double Cheese Smash Burger (P325). 

This beefy item is a double-patty smashed burger that has cheese, pickles, sauteed onions, spicy mustard, and the restaurant's homemade secret sauce. This is the sole sandwich of Mimi & Bros that uses a beef patty.

Mimi & Bros is located along 32nd Street, Taguig City. For delivery orders, find them on GrabFood, foodpanda, Pick.A.Roo, and DingDong.

MrBeast

MrBeast, the newest burger joint included on this list, is an American burger chain founded by content creator Jimmy Donaldson (a.k.a. MrBeast). This joint has four kinds of smashed burgers on the menu, namely the Beast Style (P375), Chandler Style (P365), Chris Style (P430), and Karl's Deluxe (P245).

Out of the four, we've tried the Chandler Style which has two smashed beef patties, Chris Style which stuffs the burger with crinkle fries, and the Karl's Deluxe that's served as a grilled cheese sandwich with inverted toasted buns. We recommend Karl's Deluxe!

For delivery orders, find Mr.Beast on GrabFood.

Hackensack

For those living in the north of the Metro, Hackensack is a 1950s-themed diner that serves Angus beef burgers smashed and crisped in three of their appetizing burgers. These are the 50s Cheeseburger (P195/single patty, P295/double patty) that's basically an Oklahoma-style smash burger as it grills the patties with onions; the Deluxe Cheeseburger (P200/single patty, P300/double patty) that's garnished with tomatoes and lettuce; the Monty Brewster (P330) which is understandably the bestselling of the three as it has the smashed patties, two bacon strips, fried egg, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and fried pickles.

Hackensack has branches at Devour Food Hub, 1216 E Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, New Manila, Quezon City, and at Food Court, Promenade Mall, Annapolis Street Cor, 1502 Missouri St, San Juan City. For delivery orders, find them on GrabFood and Pick.A.Roo.

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