There’s no shortage of good halal burger spots in East London. In fact, many would argue this is where most of the best halal burger joints are located especially smash burgers. There’s Ghost Burgers, which became famous during the initial lockdown, there’s Andy’s, which has a big following and then there’s a couple of dark kitchens that have been popping up on everyone’s social media feeds: Holy Smokes BBQ and Bun & Sum. Chicos is one of those popular spots too. We visited their new branch on Brick Lane and tried out their most famous offering. Read on to see what we thought.
About Chicos
Originally from East Ham, Chicos is a spot for all your standard fast food needs. When I say fast food I am referring to the type of food, but not the quality or service. There’s a new genre (well not really new) that is fast food but higher quality, quality fast food if you will. Well, Chicos falls into that category into that genre. The food is food that is typically found in fast food joints such as burgers, fries and chicken, but it is elevated in terms of quality. As a result, you’ll be paying more and waiting a little longer to get your food. Chicos in particular, is known for their smash burger above all, but they also supposedly do amazing loaded fries and grilled peri peri chicken. An all rounder and due to it being of higher quality in terms of food and setting compared to a typical fast food spot, it is very appropriate to take your family there.
Check out their full menu here.
Our experience
We ordered the legendary chicos smash burger (that’s literally the name). We felt this was the crowning glory, if there’s one thing you’re getting from their menu, it has to be this. It is made up of 2 smashed 3oz Aberdeen Angus beef patties, American cheese, caramelised onions and Chico’s secret smash sauce all served in a toasted potato roll. This will set you back £8.50 on its own or £11 as part of a meal. They make it to order, so we had to wait about 10-15 minutes for our burger. I like this as I feel it shows the quality and care that goes into the burger. How did it taste? The beauty of a good smash burger is its ability to include caramelisation, butteriness, crispiness and that good quality meat flavour into a compact biteable size. This burger achieves that with flying colours. For me personally, a bit heavy on the onions, but overall it didn’t take away from the good flavours of the key ingredient: the beef. A good solid burger. A bit pricey? I think it’s fair as in today’s market that is kind of what you’re looking to pay for a quality burger. Rememebr this ain’t fast food fast food.
Getting there
Nearest station: Liverpool Street
Nearest mosque: East London Mosque
Parking: Most if not all the roads behind the East London Mosque are free evenings and weekends, but there is literally a competition for parking spaces. So, be prepared to drive around in circles and wait till you find something to pounce on.
