Our pick of Bengaluru's best burgers, from artisanal buns and smash patties to gourmet ingredients

The Hindu

5 hours ago

When we think of fast food, burgers are the first thing that comes to mind. Over the years, this classic has evolved with new flavours, textures, and techniques. Today, Bengaluru's diners are redefining burgers by borrowing international methods, using premium ingredients, and focusing on the overall experience. Despite their gourmet makeover, these burgers still deliver the comfort we crave. Here are five spots that are smashing good burgers in town.
Guerilla Diner
Walking into this 12-seater, diner felt like stepping into a retro burger joint straight out of a movie or a comic book. It is helmed by chef Tushar Sood, who boasts 13 years of experience in the industry and has worked at spots like Toast & Tonic, Lupa, and Indian Accent. This newly opened diner is his tribute to junk food, 'I grew up eating it,' Sood says. 'So when I finally opened my own place, I knew it had to be all about that.' I try the Sichuan fried chicken sandwich which was crisp, spicy and generously drizzled with sichuan chilli oil. 'This burger is a tribute to New York's Pecking House as we are following their recipe' he says. The crowd favouites are the smash burgers, The purist and Oklahoma. 'I want to explore more American classics that we mostly see on TV,' says Sood. Alongside burgers, their birria tacos are not to be missed, especially lamb and shroom.
Burgers starting at ₹220. At Halasuru. For more details call, 9313362565
Beyondburg Inc
Started in 2017 as a humble four-seater restaurant in Bengaluru, Beyondburg Inc now has outlets in Calicut and Cochin. Muhammed Anas, Ajmal Jaseem, and Muhammed Nishaph met through a mutual friend over their shared love for food, and the idea was born. 'Back then, no one was doing proper smash burgers. Smash burgers have an elevated taste because of smashing patties which creates smoky flavours and crusty edges,' says Anas. Their philosophy is simple, a burger should be classic, just meat, cheese, and a little dressing. They list calories and protein content, catering to health-conscious customers. Meat and vegetables are sourced with precision, preferring organic produce. I savour the Nashville fried chicken burger which has soft buns and a juicy patty. The red quinoa burger, their only vegetarian option for now, intrigues me. The burgers are wholesome and not greasy or messy. 'We are working on more vegetarian options which are something different and innovative, not basic.' adds Anas. Besides burgers, they serve wings, tenders, hot dogs, bagels, and milkshakes.
Burgers starting at: ₹369. At St. Marks Road. For more details, 9072964242
Good Flippin' Burgers
Established by Sijo Mathew, Sid Marchant, and Viren D'Siva in 2019 from a small cloud kitchen in Khar, Mumbai, Good Flippin' Burgers was built on a simple belief that great burgers do not need unnecessary frills. 'Our goal was never to take shortcuts, just to serve good flippin' burgers.' says D'Siva. I try the Cluckinator, their signature fried chicken burger. It features chicken with honey mustard mayo between soft buns, a classic crowd favourite. The Cheese Bomb lives up to its name, at first bite you feel the explosion of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Another standout is the hot smash, featuring two smashed buffalo patties with hot garlic aioli. Alongside burgers they offer tenders, wings, wraps, milkshakes, in house flippinade sodas and beers too. They recently started hosting burger raves, with DJs, live burger grilling, and an energetic vibe brings people together. 'The idea was to combine two things people love, great burgers and high energy. A space where people can let loose and celebrate.' says D'Siva
Burgers starting at: ₹245. At Church Street, HSR layout and RMZ Ecoworld . For more details call, 18002023312
Basco And Fry
Basco and Fry was founded in 2021 with plans to launch as a dine-in restaurant. However, frequent COVID-19 lockdowns led them to launch as a delivery kitchen instead. The brand was born out of founders Ritika Tiwari and Karan Vir Sing's shared love for hot sauce. 'We have a huge pantry filled with different hot sauces, and we thought, why not create dishes using them?' says Ritika. They began with chicken wings in a variety of sauces, which eventually evolved into burgers. 'Basco is a colloquial term for hot sauce in the US, and 'Fry' represents our wings and burgers,' she adds. I am amazed by their Nashville hot chicken which is loaded, and well-rounded with house slaw, gherkins, and homemade ranch. Another must-try is the smashed double cheeseburger, featuring a smashed tenderloin patty, cheddar, cocktail sauce, and dijon mustard. Beyond burgers, they offer wings and a range of appetizers.
Burgers starting at: ₹315. At Indiranagar. For more details, call 7411782411
Smash Guys
Abhijit Gupta and Nikhil Gupta, co-founders of The Pizza Bakery and Paris Panini, are now on a mission to build a ₹100 crore burger brand in 100 days. After multiple online and offline pop-ups, their smash burger venture finally opens its first outlet in Indiranagar. 'One year of trials, countless bun experiments with milk, brioche, sesame, Japanese milk bun, we have finally arrived,' says Abhijit. The menu highlights bold flavours and perfected textures. I taste the oyster mushroom karaage burger, which has crispy mushrooms, togarashi flakes, and truffle aioli, and is a standout vegetarian pick. I am also impressed with the Nashville fried chicken burger that delivers crunch, spice, and balance with garlic aioli and pickles. Among the smash burgers, the chilli cheese lamb which has double smash patties is excellent, while the 8-hour braised brisket burger is equally good. 'We sear the brisket and slow-cook it for eight hours to lock in flavours,' says Abhijit. 'Our goal is to elevate the burger experience.'
Burgers starting at: ₹320. At Indiranagar. For more details call, 89517 57290