Bun & Sum

It’s worth making a journey to Hackney Central for Bun & Sum’s crispy-edged smashburgers, even if it’s a bunfight to get a seat. You'll probably wait an hour between ordering and your collection buzzer pinging, and have to wade through the hypebeast crowd getting their orders to go. But persevere for a stool—these excellent halal burgers are best enjoyed freshly smashed and sizzled, while nodding along to the bumping hip-hop/R&B playlist. 

You could go all out with extra toppings and sauces, and a consommé dip, but the soft buns and thin, crispy patties mean even the basic ‘Regular’, with two patties, tangy pickles, cheese, and mustard, is excellent. Add a portion of fall-off-the-bone sticky ribs and cheeseburger fries showered with small pieces of those crispy patty edges, and you’ll be glad you were patient.