World Food Day: Chuck Videsi Burger, Try Be-Desi Burger!

Chatpata Burger or Noodle Burger, which desi burger do you want to try?

The burger has introduced Indian palates to the fast food of the world. 

(Photo: Harsh Sahni/The Quint)

Camera: Abhay Singh, Shiv Kumar Maurya, and Abhishek Ranjan Choudhary
Video Editor: Kunal Mehra

(This video from The Quint’s archives has been reposted to mark World Food Day on 16 October.)

Yeh sasta bhi hai aur accha bhi hai!

Mahipal Singh, <i>Desi</i> Burger Chef&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

We Indians have a habit of giving a desi twist to whatever is thrown our way, from clothes, to language, to food. No wonder that we have a desi version of everything videsi!

So, as the world celebrates International Burger Day, we bring to you one of our very own home-grown burger variety.

The Roots of the Burger Are Lost in Ambiguity

Though most of us think that the burger is an American invention, the word ‘hamburger’ actually comes from the word ‘Hamburg’, which is a city in Germany.

The history of the hamburger is lost in ambiguity. Most food historians claim that it originated sometime between 1880 and 1900. Today, the simple patty-in-a-bun burger is one of the most popular fast food items.

The Chatpata Burger vs. the Noodle Burger

To lure the Indian palates, big brands like McDonalds and Burger King have introduced burgers like the McAloo Tikki and Chicken Tandoori Burger. Their menus have been customised to Indian tastes and vegetarian options have been introduced for those who avoid meat.

Burger with a ‘Desi’ Twist

Mr Mahipal Singh has been making burgers for the past fifteen years. He puts up his cart in front of The Great India Place (GIP) mall in Noida and makes tantalizing desi burgers. Each burger is priced at Rs 20.

Dollops of oil is used to deep fry the tikki (patty) until it gets crunchy and acquires a rich brown in colour. The bun is then fried to make it crispier and, of course, tastier!

Singh then adds the vegetables one by one and then the desi tadka of Imli (Tamarind) Chutney and Dhaniya (Coriander) Chutney! He tops it with Chili Powder because desi and spicy go hand in hand.

The only difference in the Noodle Burger is the noodle! The rest of the process remains the same.

This International Burger Day, go a little desi and try the Chatpata Burger!

(What desi twist would you add to your burger? Send us your recipes at [e-mail])