This International Burger Day, skip the standard cheeseburger and explore India’s street food scene with three deliciously creative local burger-style delights. From the spicy streets of Mumbai to the flavorful kitchens of Goa and Gujarat, these Indian burgers fuse traditional ingredients with bold regional spices—perfect for anyone who wants to level up their burger experience with desi flair.
Goan Chorizo Poe – A Coastal Delight
Originating from Goa, Poe is a soft bread with a slight sourdough tang that’s ideal for stuffing. For this version, Goan chorizo sausages are cooked with onions, Goan vinegar, and seasonings to form a rich, spicy filling. Once the chorizo mixture is cooked and aromatic, it’s tucked into the Poe with cool slaw or sliced cucumbers and tomatoes, offering a balance of heat and freshness. This burger embodies Goan street soul in every bite.
Mumbai’s Beloved Vada Pav – A Spicy Staple
Often called Mumbai’s answer to the burger, the Vada Pav features a mashed potato fritter spiced with garlic, turmeric, and green chillies. These vadas are dipped in besan batter and deep-fried until golden, then tucked into pav buns layered with tangy tamarind and zesty green chutneys. This handheld treat delivers a burst of flavor and heat that’s iconic in the city’s street food culture. Fried green chillies on the side and a cup of chai make it complete.
Gujarati Dabeli – Sweet, Spicy, and Crunchy
Dabeli takes the concept of a burger and adds a complex medley of flavors through its unique spice mix. Mashed potatoes are mixed with homemade Dabeli masala, tamarind chutney, and garnished with coconut, sev, pomegranate, and spiced peanuts. This mixture is stuffed into pav buns slathered with green and tamarind chutneys, then toasted in butter and rolled in crispy sev. Dabeli isn’t just a burger—it’s an explosion of textures and sweet-spicy layers.
This International Burger Day, move beyond the bun with these Indian-inspired creations. Whether you try the tangy richness of Goan Chorizo Poe, the fiery simplicity of Mumbai Vada Pav, or the multi-layered experience of Gujarati Dabeli, these street food staples prove that the best burgers don’t always come from fast food joints—they come from Indian streets.
