Smash burgers storm London’s culinary scene: A delectable revolution

Smash Burgers Storm London’s Culinary Scene: A Delectable Revolution

London’s food landscape is undergoing a tantalising transformation as the latest culinary trend takes hold: the smash burger. This slimmer, crispier variant of the traditional burger has captured the attention and taste buds of both foodies and casual diners alike. Originating in the United States, the smash burger’s distinct characteristic lies in its preparation—utilising the Maillard reaction, where amino acids and reducing sugars form new compounds that create a distinctive flavour when browned, achieving a tantalising taste experience.

To explore this burgeoning trend, the FEMAIL publication undertook the delicious yet challenging task of identifying the best smash burgers in West London through an extensive taste test. The evaluation criteria focused on five key factors: crispiness, structural integrity, meat composition, the bun quality, and the necessity of a double patty. Eight popular burger spots were selected from which to order via Deliveroo, and the results were certainly revealing.

The Contenders

1. Sidney’s Cheeseburger: Situated in W12 8PH, the Sidney’s Cheeseburger featuring two smash patties, cheese, pickles, and their signature ‘Sidney’s sauce’ was reviewed with mixed feelings, scoring 6 out of 10. While visually appealing, it fell short with the double patty seeming unnecessary, lacking the crispiness typical of smash burgers. The cheese, however, was a laudable highlight.

2. Street Burger: At WC2 E7NE, Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger impressed with its ‘Next Level’ burger, earning a perfect score of 10. The combination of American cheese, onion, and Sriracha mayonnaise atop a perfectly crisp and thin double beef patty pleased the reviewers, despite being slightly messy structurally.

3. Five Guys: Located in W11 2EB, the Little Cheeseburger from this well-known chain was expected to excel but only scored a 6. The offering was noted for its classic appeal but ultimately lacked the juicy flavour that smash burgers are celebrated for.

4. Super Smash Burgers: Rated 10 out of 10, this W9 2AH establishment delivered excellent value with its well-balanced, perfectly contained burger featuring a single 3oz smashed patty and complementary toppings that enhanced rather than overpowered the flavour.

5. Black Bear Burger: This SW1 E5NE joint presented a burger with two aged beef patties, earning a score of 7. Though the flavours and textures were commendable, the undercooked meat in the middle detracted from an otherwise enjoyable experience.

6. Flat Out: In NW6 6NJ, Flat Out’s Single Cheeseburger rated a 5 due to its extreme thinness that diminished the meat flavour, despite being structurally sound.

7. Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK): Scoring 5 at SW7 3LE, the Smashed Classic was visually appealing but ultimately underwhelming in taste, failing to live up to the memory of its once-trendy reputation.

8. Bronson’s Burger: Concluding the survey with a triumphant 10, Bronson’s known at SE11 5JR delivered a standout Double Barrel (with mayo) burger featuring two dry-aged beef patties, double American cheese, and a brioche bun with structural strength and enticing flavour.

The Verdict

The taste test revealed a clear winner: Bronson’s Burger, which fused excellent meat quality with perfect cooking and flavour balance, comfortably perched atop the list. Meanwhile, Super Smash Burgers and Street Burger by Gordon Ramsay were notable for their quality and unique flavour profiles, respectively. Though all contenders had their merits, the study underscored the wide variety of options and the rising popularity of this American-inspired culinary innovation across London’s burger scene.

As smash burgers gain momentum, London’s kitchens continue to experiment and refine their offerings, promising an exciting era of gastronomic experiences for burger aficionados.

Source: Noah Wire Services