Smash burgers, which have infiltrated their way throughout every neighborhood of NYC, are good and all but they get a bit boring. A crisped peppery flattened patty usually topped with American cheese, onions, and pickles. And probably on a potato bun or something similar.
Yes, without a doubt, simple, nostalgic, and tasty when done right.
But I was very eager to discover a smash burger that takes some risks and gives us something a bit different from what you expect.
That’s why I made my way out to Bed Stuy to the unassuming little Thai restaurant Little Grenjai. This new spot is the work of a American-Thai husband and wife team who I once encountered at the Vendy Awards where they were being celebrated for their Thai street food concept Warung Roadside. I’m excited they took that to the next level with this new hotspot.
While the concise menu goes beyond the burger to more traditional Thai street food dishes, I was here to try the very unique spin on the now ubiquitous smashed patty.
As expected, this Krapow (holy basil) smash burger has a Thai twist with the spicy herbaceous funky notes you would get from pad krapow stir fry. The beef and pork patty was cooked nicely and was topped with lemongrass-kissed pickles, American cheese, and a good deal of holy basil.
It’s a very interesting creative concept – combining both the Thai and American heritage of the owners. It’s quite spicy with a hint of sourness from the meat (reminds me a bit of Thai sausage) and a funky sauce that I wish had just a hint of sweetness.
I can’t say every aspect of it works for me (I think the cheese takes away from the other flavors and it could use a bit more balance), but it is super exciting and the one smash burger I have tried recently that I won’t soon forget. Price: $11 (single), $17 (double)
| LITTLE GRENJAI |
| 477 Gates Avenue (between Nostrand and Marcy Avenues), Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn |
| littlegrenjai.com |
