The Ultimate Dubai Burger Recipe (Paratha Bun Smash Burger)

The Dubai Burger isn’t your everyday burger. It’s a fusion born in the bustling food streets of the UAE where South Asian flavors meet Middle Eastern street food creativity. Unlike the usual sesame bun, this burger swaps bread for flaky, layered porota – a nod to Indian and Bangladeshi paratha culture that traveled with migrant workers and became a staple in Dubai’s food scene.

The patty itself is seasoned like a kebab, with cumin, coriander, garlic, and fresh herbs, giving it that unmistakable Middle Eastern touch. The creamy-tangy sauce, inspired by shawarma-style garlic mayo, ties it all together.

This street-style creation became popular because it’s filling, bold, and packed with flavor – the kind of food that feels both familiar and adventurous. In Dubai’s diverse food culture, you’ll find many riffs of this burger, but the heart of it always lies in that juicy spiced patty and flaky porota bun.

A flaky paratha burger is served alongside a fresh shredded lettuce salad and a creamy dipping sauce on a black plate.

Ingredients

For the Patty

• White bread – 1 slice, edges removed

• Milk – 1 tbsp

• Garlic paste – 1 tsp

• Ground coriander – ½ tsp

• Roasted cumin powder – ½ tsp

• Black pepper – ½ tsp

• Fresh coriander leaves – 1 tbsp, chopped

• Salt – ¾ tsp (or to taste)

• Ground meat (beef, chicken, or mutton) – 300 g

For the Sauce

• Mayonnaise – 4 tbsp

• Ketchup – 2 tbsp

• Vinegar – ½ tsp

• Sugar – ½ tsp

For the Porota Bun

• Paratha dough (homemade or store-bought)

• Oil – for brushing and cooking

• Flour – for dusting

For Assembling

• Onion – 1–2 tbsp, very thinly sliced

• Cheese slice – 1 per burger

Method

1. Make the Patty

1. Tear the bread slice into small pieces in a bowl.

2. Add milk, garlic paste, coriander powder, roasted cumin, pepper, chopped coriander, and salt. Mix well with your hand.

3. Add the ground meat and knead for 3–4 minutes until sticky and smooth. The more you knead, the better the flavor.

4. Shape into 5 equal balls and set aside.

   
   

2. Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, and sugar.

2. Stir until smooth and set aside.

   
   

3. Make the Porota Bun

1. Roll the dough into a thin disk.

2. Brush with oil, sprinkle a little flour, then cut thin strips with a knife while keeping one side attached.

3. Gather the strips into a thick rope shape (these are the “layers” of the bread). Coil it into a round bun shape, tucking the ends underneath.

4. Roll it out gently into a small disk again.

5. Heat a tawa or skillet and place the porota. Cook both sides until half done, pressing with a spatula.

6. Drizzle 1–2 tsp oil around the edges and cook until fully golden and crispy. Remove and set aside. Repeat for the second porota disk.

   
   

4. Cook the Burger Patty

1. On the same pan, add a few onion slices with a drop of oil and pinch of salt.

2. Place one meat ball on top and smash it flat with a spatula (like a smash burger).

3. Cook on medium heat until onions are golden and the bottom side is well browned.

4. Flip, add a cheese slice on top, and cook until the cheese melts.

   
   

5. Assemble the Dubai Burger

1. Take one porota disk and spread the sauce generously.

2. Place the cheesy patty with caramelized onions on top.

3. Cover with the second porota disk.

4. Serve hot and enjoy this flaky, juicy, cheesy Dubai burger!