Ground Eatery Smashed Burger

When I spotted a smashed burger on the menu at Ground Eatery, I knew I had to give it a try. For those unfamiliar, a smashed burger is a style of burger where the patty is pressed onto a hot griddle during cooking, creating a crispy, caramelised crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. This method originated in American diners, particularly from roadside burger joints in the US, where simplicity and flavour were key. By maximising surface contact with the grill, the technique enhances the Maillard reaction, which is what gives the meat its irresistible crust and deep umami flavours.

As for Ground Eatery’s take, the smashed beef patty had great flavour, hitting the mark on seasoning and juiciness. What made this burger even more intriguing was the second layer beneath the meat—a fried mac and cheese patty. This added a creamy, crunchy contrast to the beef, making for a rich and decadent bite. Combined with the bun, it was undoubtedly a hefty, filling dish, so for smaller eaters, consider yourself warned. This one requires an effort to finish.

If there was one thing I’d tweak, it would be the bun’s structure. While soft, it didn’t quite hold up to the weight of the ingredients, making the experience a little messier than I’d prefer. Still, the smashed patty itself was well-executed, and the mac and cheese addition made for a unique and indulgent variation. A bold, satisfying burger worth trying. Just one thing to note - come HUNGRY!

But the big winner of the day is the Salad that Jen ordered. Just look at it. I might not have big hands but that serving is still huge.