Make the Ultimate Smash Burger: Malta’s Hottest Food Trend

August 21, 2025 at 09:10 AM
The Independent

The smash burger craze, a sizzling food trend dominating London's culinary scene, is inspiring home cooks and chefs in Malta to bring this indulgent dish to life. Known for its crispy-edged patties and molten cheese, the smash burger aligns with Malta's emphasis on simplicity and high-quality ingredients, offering an opportunity for local chefs to add a Mediterranean twist with elements like sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. This trend reflects broader European preferences for nostalgic yet innovative dining and supports sustainable practices through locally-sourced ingredients. For Malta, the smash burger trend could enhance the island's vibrant dining culture, boost demand for artisanal food products, and attract both locals and tourists seeking creative comfort food. With health-conscious tweaks, such as pairing burgers with fresh vegetables or using whole-grain buns, the dish can complement the Mediterranean diet's focus on balance and longevity. As the trend grows, Malta’s restaurants and suppliers are poised to benefit economically, while the island continues to strengthen its reputation as a culinary destination blending tradition with

Smash Burgers: The Hottest Food Trend You Can Now Bring to Malta

The smash burger phenomenon, a sizzling food trend that’s taken London by storm, is now inspiring home chefs across Europe to recreate its magic. With National Burger Day celebrated annually on 22 August, there’s no better time for Malta’s food enthusiasts to dive into this irresistible trend.

Smash burgers, famous for their crisp-edged patties and molten cheese, have become a staple at hotspots like Soho’s Supernova and Shoreditch’s Dumbo. The method, dating back to the Great Depression in America, transforms humble beef into an indulgent culinary experience with just a hiss, a sizzle, and a heavy spatula. While London queues snake around corners for a taste, chefs like Abbie Hendren of Sam’s Waterside in Brentford are sharing foolproof recipes for replicating the perfect smash burger at home. For Malta’s passionate foodies, this trend offers a chance to elevate backyard grilling and bring global flavors to the local dining table.

What does this mean for Malta?

Malta’s culinary scene, steeped in Mediterranean traditions, has always celebrated high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. The smash burger craze aligns perfectly with Maltese values of simplicity and flavor, where premium beef and fresh accompaniments take center stage. Just as Malta’s famed “hobż biż-żejt” relies on hearty bread and flavorful toppings, smash burgers showcase the power of basic, well-executed components like aged beef, crispy crusts, and velvety cheese.

With Malta’s vibrant restaurant culture, this trend could inspire local chefs to create their own Mediterranean twist on the smash burger, incorporating elements like sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or fresh Maltese herbs. It’s an opportunity to blend global innovation with the island’s rich culinary heritage.

European Food Landscape Impact

The smash burger’s growing popularity reflects broader European culinary trends focused on nostalgia, indulgence, and quality. As consumers seek experiences that balance comfort with creativity, smash burgers emerge as the perfect fusion of diner-style simplicity and modern culinary flair. This trend also complements Europe’s push toward sustainable dining, with many chefs sourcing beef from local suppliers and using eco-friendly cooking methods.

For Malta, which plays a key role in the Mediterranean’s culinary crossroads, the rise of smash burgers resonates with the island’s love for artisanal food. Local producers and butchers could benefit from increased demand for high-fat cuts of beef, while restaurants may start incorporating smash burgers into their menus to attract both tourists and residents eager to explore trending dishes.

How does that influence Health and Longevity?

Smash burgers, when made with high-quality ingredients, can align with the Mediterranean diet’s emphasis on balance and flavor. Malta’s culinary traditions already prioritize fresh vegetables, olive oil, and lean proteins, making it easy to incorporate health-conscious tweaks to this indulgent dish. For instance, pairing the burger with a side of grilled seasonal vegetables or swapping brioche buns for whole-grain options could elevate its nutritional profile.

Research from Harvard highlights the Mediterranean diet’s ability to reduce mortality risks by up to 23%, largely due to its focus on wholesome ingredients. Malta’s chefs can take inspiration from this data to create smash burgers that are both delicious and diet-friendly, blending the indulgence of the trend with the health benefits of local produce.

Consumer and Industry Implications

For diners in Malta, the rise of smash burgers offers a fresh and exciting option on restaurant menus, particularly for those seeking comfort food with a creative twist. Local chefs and restaurateurs are likely to experiment with Mediterranean-inspired variations, while home cooks can embrace the simplicity of recreating smash burgers with ingredients sourced from neighborhood butchers and farmers’ markets.

The Mela Index, which tracks dining satisfaction across the island, has already noted increased interest in innovative food trends. This suggests that Malta’s restaurants may see a spike in demand for smash burgers, particularly among younger diners eager to explore global flavors. As the trend grows, expect more establishments to feature unique takes on the dish, complete with Maltese flair.

Sustainability and Future Outlook

Malta’s commitment to sustainability can play a key role in shaping the future of the smash burger trend on the island. With many local chefs and suppliers already prioritizing eco-friendly practices, the smash burger could become a symbol of responsible indulgence. Sourcing beef from ethical suppliers, minimizing food waste, and using energy-efficient cooking techniques are ways Malta can embrace this trend while staying true to its environmental values.

Economic Impact

As smash burgers gain traction in Malta, the hospitality sector may experience a boost, with restaurants and casual eateries tapping into the trend to attract diners. Local suppliers of high-quality beef, artisanal buns, and fresh toppings could see increased demand, supporting the island’s agricultural and food production industries. Culinary tourism, a growing segment of Malta’s economy, could also benefit, as travelers seek out authentic Mediterranean interpretations of global food trends.


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