Desi spiced smash burger: what's in the patty?
A Desi spiced smash burger is a smash burger whose patty is mixed with fresh chilli, coriander, ginger-garlic and ground spices before it hits the griddle, so the flavour is built into the meat rather than only sitting in the sauce.
Chef Hass has cooked with spice for 25 years, and DesiSmash is that experience in a smash burger. Every burger on the menu comes in two styles: Original, a classic American-style smash, or Desi, with the spiced patty. Here is what that actually means.
What goes into the Desi patty
- Beef Desi: mixed with green chilli, coriander, ginger-garlic, cumin and garam masala, in two 2.5 oz patties.
- Chicken Desi: chicken thigh mixed with mint, chaat masala and cumin, in two 2.5 oz patties.
The Original patties, in comparison, are seasoned simply with salt and pepper on the griddle, in two 2 oz patties, so the beef or chicken itself stays centre stage.
Why spice the patty itself?
Many of the flavour compounds in spices dissolve in fat. When a spiced patty hits a very hot griddle, the fat renders out, carries those flavours with it and fries the edges, so the spices bloom right where the crust forms. That is why a Desi patty tastes toasted and fragrant rather than raw and dusty. Adding fresh chilli, coriander and ginger-garlic gives brightness on top of the warmth from cumin and garam masala.
Is Desi the same as hot?
No. Desi means spiced, not necessarily hot. Heat depends on the burger you choose. Here is a simple guide to the menu:
- No heat: The OG Smash, The Oklahoma Onion, Smoked BBQ Pitmaster, Caramelized Stampede, Truffle & Wild Mushroom and The Triple Threat.
- Mild warmth: Tikka Butter Melt, Tamarind & Bombay Street and Paneer Tikka Melt.
- Medium heat: Garlic Chilli Crisp.
- Hot: The Naga Firecracker, with naga chilli mayo, pickled jalapeños and crispy shallots.
Choosing the Desi patty adds spice to the meat, while the burger you pick decides how much chilli heat you get.
Burgers that go well with a Desi patty
Tikka Butter Melt
Spiced cheese, makhani butter glaze, mint-coriander chutney mayo and red onion. Creamy, a little tangy and gently warm, it is our best starting point for the Desi patty.
Tamarind & Bombay Street
Aged cheddar, tamarind chutney, coriander lime sauce and crushed papri crisp for crunch. Sweet, sour and crisp.
Garlic Chilli Crisp
Chilli-jack cheese, roasted garlic aioli, chilli crisp oil and iceberg. Garlicky with a proper chilli kick.
Naga Firecracker
For people who like it properly hot. Naga is one of the hottest chillies you can cook with, so we balance it with creamy mayo and crunch. Start here only if you enjoy serious heat.
Paneer Tikka Melt
Our vegetarian burger: tawa-seared paneer in tikka marinade, pepper jack, mint chutney mayo and pickled red onion.
Tips for ordering
- New to spice? Try the Tikka Butter Melt with a Beef or Chicken Desi patty.
- Want to cool things down? Add a mint-coriander chutney mayo dip pot.
- Allergies? Tell us when you order. All burgers contain gluten, milk and egg, and sesame and mustard are in buns and sauces.
Ready to taste the difference? Pick your burger and patty on the menu, choose a Friday, Saturday or Sunday slot, and collect or get it delivered across Leicester and Glenfield. If you want to make something similar yourself, see how to make smash burgers at home.
Keep reading
Beef or Chicken Smash Burger: How to ChooseBeef or chicken smash burger? A chef compares flavour, juiciness and spice pairings so you can pick the right patty for you.
Best Cheese and Sauce for a Smash BurgerThe best cheese and sauce for a smash burger: why American cheese melts best, when to use cheddar, pepper jack or Swiss, and sauces that work.
How to Make Smash Burgers at HomeHow to make smash burgers at home like a chef: the right mince, pan heat, smash technique, cheese and bun, with mistakes to avoid.