Vegetarian smash burger: the Paneer Tikka Melt
The Paneer Tikka Melt is DesiSmash's vegetarian burger. It has tawa-seared paneer in a tikka marinade, melted pepper jack cheese, mint chutney mayo and pickled red onion, served on a butter-toasted brioche bun.
Smash burgers are usually about beef, which can leave vegetarians out. At DesiSmash, the vegetarian burger is not an afterthought. It is built to give you the same things a good smash burger gives everyone else: a seared, savoury edge, melted cheese, a sharp sauce and crunch.
What is paneer?
Paneer is a fresh, firm cheese made by curdling hot milk. It does not melt like most cheeses. Instead, it holds its shape when cooked, which makes it ideal for searing on a hot surface. That is why it works so well in a burger: you get golden, caramelised edges and a soft, milky centre.
What is in the Paneer Tikka Melt?
- Tawa-seared paneer in tikka marinade. A tawa is a flat griddle, so the paneer gets the same kind of heat as our smash patties.
- Pepper jack cheese melted over the top for creaminess and a little warmth.
- Mint chutney mayo, fresh and herby.
- Pickled red onion for sharp, bright contrast.
- A butter-toasted brioche bun.
On our heat scale it is gently warm, Level 1, so it suits most people. If you want a full picture, see our heat guide.
Why it works as a smash-style burger
A good smash burger needs contrast, and the Paneer Tikka Melt delivers it:
- Crust: seared paneer picks up deep golden edges.
- Creaminess: pepper jack melts into the paneer and bun.
- Freshness: mint chutney mayo cools the tikka spice.
- Acidity: pickled red onion cuts through the richness.
Good to know before you order
Is it vegetarian?
Yes, the burger itself contains no meat or fish. It does contain milk (paneer, cheese and butter) and egg (in the mayo and bun), so it is vegetarian, not vegan.
Is it cooked separately from the meat burgers?
We cook on shared equipment. The Paneer Tikka Melt is cooked on the same griddle as the meat burgers. If you need it kept separate, tell us in the notes when you order and we will tell you what is possible.
What about allergies?
All our burgers contain gluten, milk and egg, and sesame and mustard are in the buns and sauces. We cannot guarantee any item is free from an allergen. Tell us about any allergy when you order.
What to order with it
- Fries: choose masala dust for warmth, or sea salt for something simple. See loaded fries and sides.
- A dip pot: extra mint-coriander chutney mayo is a natural match.
- A cold can: Rubicon Mango goes well with the tikka spice.
Ordering for a mixed group
If some of your group eat meat and others do not, you can order everything together in one basket: a Paneer Tikka Melt for the vegetarian and any other burger for everyone else. Read how to order for a group for a few ideas.
How to order
Open the menu, use the "Vegetarian" filter to find the Paneer Tikka Melt, choose a Friday, Saturday or Sunday slot, and collect or get it delivered across Leicester and Glenfield. We confirm every order on WhatsApp, and you pay on collection or delivery.
Keep reading
Which Smash Burger Should I Order First?Not sure which smash burger to order? A simple guide to choosing your first DesiSmash burger by taste, heat and appetite.
Best Toppings for a Smash BurgerThe best toppings for a smash burger: pickles, onions, jalapeños, crispy shallots and more, and how to balance them without losing the crust.
Why a Brioche Bun Suits a Smash BurgerWhy brioche is the best bun for a smash burger: how butter toasting protects the crust, how to choose a bun, and what we use at DesiSmash.