If recently you’ve spent any time scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, chances are you must have come across the viral Dubai Paratha Smash Burger. This smash burger is a perfect combination of Middle Eastern flair and American indulgence. Imagine tender, juicy beef patties smashed until crispy on the edges, layered with cheese, and tangy sauces all wrapped inside a flaky, buttery paratha instead of a standard burger bun. It’s messy, comforting, and absolutely outstanding.
This recipe is not just about making a burger it’s about creating a food experience that feels street-style yet gourmet. Whether you’ve been dreaming of recreating the viral Dubai street style food at home or just want to impress your friends with something different, this viral paratha smash burger will deliver big-time flavor and pure comfort in every bite.
Street food in Dubai is more than just snacks it’s an expression of the city’s vibrant cultural melting pot. The smash burger originated in the U.S., where ground beef is pressed against a hot griddle for maximum caramelization and flavor. On the other hand, paratha is a South Asian flatbread loved across Pakistan, India, and beyond for its flaky, buttery layers.
When these two worlds collided in Dubai, magic happened. Many street style food restaurants began experimenting, swapping buns with parathas, creating a handmade meal that’s crispy, soft, and indulgent all at once. Recently, food bloggers, YouTubers, and TikTokers made it go viral, and now it’s one of the most talked-about street foods from Dubai.
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The first time I tried the Dubai paratha smash burger, it wasn’t from a restaurant. A friend who had just returned from Dubai kept raving about it. I was curious, and that made me attempt it at home. Instead of ordering special ingredients, I used frozen parathas from my freezer and some simple ground beef.
The result? A burger unlike anything I’d tasted before. The paratha added a crispy, flaky bite that made the usual bun feel almost boring. From then on, I make parathas myself too for the burger. Now it has become a weekend favorite in my kitchen. I would make these burgers on lazy Sundays, and soon friends started asking for them whenever they visited.
That’s when I knew this viral dish deserved a spot on the blog.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Parathas (2–4 pieces) – The star of the recipe. These buttery, flaky flatbreads replace the bun, giving the burger a crispy exterior and soft chewiness inside. You can use frozen store-bought parathas or homemade.
- Ground Beef (250g–300g) – Opt for 80/20 beef (80% lean, 20% fat) for juicy patties with crispy edges. The fat content ensures flavor and caramelization.
- Cheese Slices (2–4 slices) – Classic American cheese works best for that melt-in-your-mouth gooeyness, but cheddar or mozzarella can also be used
- Burger Sauce (2–3 tbsp) – A simple mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard works, or you can use spicy mayo for extra heat.
- Butter or Oil (1–2 tbsp) – For frying the parathas and patties.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) – Essential for seasoning the beef patties.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Take the mince, add paprika, garlic powder,onion powder,salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Mix well.
Step 3: Form into ball shape with your hands
Step 4: Heat a non-stick pan, place one mince ball on the pan, and press it down with a spatula (smash it flat).
Step 5: Cook for 3-4 minutes, flip it, and place a cheese slice on top to melt.
Step 6: Assemble the burger: Take one paratha cut it from the centre
Step 7: Spread Burger sauce
Step 8: Place a double smash patty with melted cheese.
Step 9: Cover it with another sliced part of Paratha.
Step 10: Serve hot
Hint: Always smash your burger patties on a very hot skillet or cast iron pan. This gives you the crispy edges and juicy center that make smash burgers irresistible. Don’t press too long after flipping this keeps the meat tender and not dry.
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Substitutions & Variations
- Protein Options – Swap beef with chicken mince, lamb, or even turkey. Vegetarians can use smashed paneer or plant-based patties.
- Cheese Variations – Mozzarella for stretchy pulls, cheddar for sharpness.
- Sauce Swaps – Try garlic mayo, peri-peri sauce, or even hummus for a Middle Eastern twist.
- Spicy Upgrade – Add sliced jalapeños or chili sauce for heat.
- Healthier Twist – Use whole wheat parathas and load up on veggies for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestion
- Serve the burger hot, fresh off the skillet.
- Pair it with crispy fries or sweet potato wedges.
- A chilled cola, iced tea, or mint lemonade complements the richness beautifully.
- For a Dubai-style experience, wrap the burger in parchment paper for that authentic street-food feel.
Storage
- Cooked Patties: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Parathas: Keep frozen parathas in the freezer and cook fresh when needed.
- Assembled Burgers: Best eaten immediately, as the paratha loses its crispiness if stored.
The Dubai Viral Paratha Smash Burger isn’t just a recipe it’s a food trend worth experiencing. With its flaky paratha, juicy beef, melty cheese, and punchy sauces, it’s a flavor explosion that brings together cultures in the most delicious way. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this burger is guaranteed to wow.
Top tip
Always cook parathas separately until golden and crispy before assembling the burger. This prevents sogginess and ensures the perfect crunchy bite.
Dubai Viral Paratha smash burger recipe
Bring Dubai’s hottest street-food trend to your kitchen with this viral Paratha Smash Burger. Juicy beef patties are smashed until crispy, layered with melted cheese, fresh veggies, and tangy sauce, then wrapped in a flaky, buttery paratha instead of a bun. Messy, indulgent, and unforgettable—this fusion burger is perfect for weeknight cravings or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 fresh parathas
- 700 g ground beef or chicken mince (for 6 patties)
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- Salt – to taste
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 6 slices of cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Burger sauce
- Butter or oil – for cooking
Instructions
1. Cook the Parathas:
○ Heat a pan and cook parathas until golden and crispy. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Patties:
○ Take the mince, add paprika, garlic powder,onion powder,salt and black pepper.
Mix well.
○ Make balls of mince.
○ Heat a non-stick pan, place one mince ball on the pan, and press it down with a
spatula (smash it flat).
○ Cook for 3-4 minutes, flip it, and place a cheese slice on top to melt.
3. Assemble the Burger:
○ Take one paratha cut it from the centre
○ spread Burger sauce
○ Place a double smash patty with melted cheese.
○ Cover it with another sliced part of Paratha.
○ Serve hot.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1300Total Fat: 94gSaturated Fat: 30gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 52gCholesterol: 253mgSodium: 1788mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 7gSugar: 17gProtein: 67g
FAQs
Yes! Frozen parathas are actually perfect for this recipe because they crisp up beautifully when cooked.
A heavy cast-iron skillet works best, as it retains heat and gives the patties that signature crispy edge.
You can prepare the patties in advance and freeze them. Just cook the parathas and assemble fresh for the best results.
The Dubai Paratha Smash Burger is a fusion of a classic smash burger with a flaky, buttery paratha instead of a traditional burger bun. It’s a viral street food trend from Dubai.
To make the Dubai Paratha Smash Burger, you need a juicy beef patty, paratha, and your favorite burger toppings like cheese, sauce, and caramelized onions. Smash the patty onto the paratha for that crispy texture.
Yes! You can substitute the beef patty with a grilled chicken patty for a lighter option, or even use lamb for a richer flavor.
It depends on the sauce you use! Typically, it’s served with creamy sauces like ranch, but you can add chili sauce or spicy mayo if you prefer a kick.
Yes, you can make paratha at home using flour, water, and a bit of butter. However, store-bought parathas work just as well for a quicker option.
There are many variations you can try, like using butter chicken, shawarma, or even vegetarian fillings like falafel for a unique twist on the burger.
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