Aloo tikki burger is where Indian street food meets global fast food. It’s a vegetarian favourite that captures the crunchy, spicy, and tangy flavours of an Indian aloo tikki, tucked inside a soft burger bun with salad and sauces. While inspired by the Western burger, this desi version is filled with homely comfort, spicy flair, and a perfect balance of textures.
It’s popular across cafes, food trucks, college canteens, and especially in Indian households for evening snacks or weekend meals. The aloo tikki, made from boiled potatoes, spices, and sometimes peas or bread crumbs, is shallow-fried or air-fried until golden and crispy. When paired with green chutney, mayo or cheese, crunchy onions, and tomatoes, the result is irresistible.
You don’t need fancy ingredients or grilling machines to make this burger at home. Just your basic Indian kitchen staples, a non-stick pan, and a little bit of layering love. Whether served with fries, salad, or on its own, aloo tikki burger is a satisfying, fuss-free treat. Let’s make it in five easy steps.
Step 1: Make the spiced aloo tikki mixture
Start by boiling 4–5 medium-sized potatoes until soft. Peel and mash them while still warm. To this, add salt, red chilli powder, chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, a pinch of garam masala, finely chopped green chillies, and coriander leaves. For texture, you can mix in a spoonful of breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. Mix everything until well combined. If you’d like to add peas or grated carrot, cook and mix them into the mash for extra flavour and nutrition.
Step 2: Shape and fry the tikkis until golden
Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into round patties, slightly larger than your burger buns. Heat oil in a pan and shallow-fry the tikkis until both sides are golden brown and crisp. Flip carefully so they don’t break. Once done, drain on paper towels. For a healthier version, you can air-fry or bake the tikkis until crisp. Let them cool slightly so they firm up.
Step 3: Prepare your chutneys and sauces
While the tikkis are cooling, prepare your spreads. Classic choices include green chutney (made with mint, coriander, green chillies, and lemon juice), tamarind chutney, and mayonnaise or cheese spread. You can mix green chutney with a spoon of hung curd or mayo for a creamy texture. Also slice onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, or lettuce for the layering. You can lightly toast the burger buns with butter or ghee on a tawa for added crispness.
Step 4: Assemble the aloo tikki burger
Take the toasted bottom half of a bun and spread some green chutney or sauce of your choice. Place a crisp aloo tikki on top, followed by sliced onion, tomato, cucumber, or lettuce. Drizzle more sauce or add a cheese slice if desired. Cover with the top bun. You can lightly press the burger and warm it on a pan with a lid for a more cohesive bite. Secure with a toothpick or skewer if serving at a party.
Step 5: Serve hot with fries or salad
Your aloo tikki burger is now ready to serve. Pair it with potato chips, masala fries, or a simple salad for a wholesome meal. You can also make mini versions for snacks or kids’ lunchboxes. If making for guests, keep everything prepped and assemble just before serving for maximum crunch. For extra spice, serve with a side of hot sauce or green chutney dip.
Aloo tikki burger is more than just a snack, it’s comfort, nostalgia, and flavour packed into every bite. With crispy tikkis, zesty sauces, and soft buns, this fusion favourite brings joy to both kids and adults. It’s also easily customisable, making it a perfect choice for family meals, casual get-togethers, or weekend indulgence. Once you make it at home, it’ll become your go-to burger recipe.