Smash beef burgers have become a sensation in Lahore’s vibrant culinary scene, where trends swiftly come and go.
These burgers have evolved from modest takeaway joints to sought-after dine-in establishments, with numerous new spots popping up across the city in recent times.
What sets them apart is their emphasis on the patty: unlike elaborate burgers overflowing with toppings and sauces, these burgers are simple and modest, allowing the high-quality beef to take center stage.
Featuring juicy, thick patties with a crispy, caramelized crust, these burgers typically come with classic toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a signature sauce.
One of the leading brands offering these burgers is Melt, situated in the bustling DHA Phase 4 market. Recently relaunched, the outlet is more suited for takeaways due to its limited seating capacity. The interior adopts a simple yellow and white theme, with a few tables arranged on the mezzanine floor overlooking the open kitchen.
The menu at the restaurant is simple and straightforward, offering five choices for beef smash and chicken fillet burgers, along with a selection of chicken fillet wraps, crinkle-cut fries, shakes, and ice cream. During our recent visit, we decided to try their ‘premium’ smash burger.
To start off the meal, we ordered their Mozzarella Bites and Cheetos Poppers.
The Mozzarella Bites were delightful! These golden nuggets were a real treat, boasting a crispy exterior and a gooey, almost stretchy cheese filling that oozed out with each bite. Paired with their spicy, tangy sauce, they were absolutely irresistible!
We continued our culinary journey with the Cheetos Poppers, resembling ruby nuggets in a tub, they surprised us with their soft chicken chunks coated in fiery red crushed Cheetos. Paired with the spicy sauce, they transformed into a satisfying mini-meal.
Moving on to the main courses, we sampled three beef burgers and loaded fries. The Smokey Dokey, a classic beef cheeseburger, impressed with its combination of crispy onion rings, melted mortadella cheese, and smokey sauce, creating a textural and flavorful delight.
For mushroom enthusiasts, the Smashroom offered juicy beef topped with caramelized onions, hearty mushroom chunks, and a creamy mushroom sauce.
However, the Fiery Sriracha burger, despite its promise of spiciness, fell short. While enjoyable, the lackluster sriracha sauce failed to ignite the taste buds, leaving the burger akin to a plain beef cheeseburger.
Melt offers a delightful culinary experience with their burgers showcasing juicy, tender smash beef between buttery brioche buns, allowing each ingredient to shine. Their double patty option caters to those craving extra protein.
Their beef and chicken loaded fries are generously topped with flavorful ingredients, serving as a satisfying meal on their own. Priced reasonably at Rs599 (chicken) and Rs699 (beef), they are a great value. Their shakes, available in various flavors, are a highlight and complement any meal perfectly.
Melt’s late-night hours make it convenient for satisfying midnight cravings, but they could improve service efficiency to avoid delays in orders.
