Ban Ban Burger

"Ban Ban Burger is a sister restaurant to Chao Krung and Tuk Tuk Thai from sisters Amanda Kuntee and Katy Noochlaor. The new burger spot is located just two doors down from Tuk Tuk Thai on Sawtelle and injects a bit of casual-cool to the restaurant group. The idea for Ban Ban Burger is simple: blend Thai flavors like basil-tinted grapow, lime-flavored laab, and red curry into classic American comforts like cheeseburgers and fried chicken sandwiches. The results are quite spicy and truly maximalist. The grapow smash comes loaded with a crispy fried egg, holy basil, garlic, and smashed beef patty, and every bite offers the piquant bite of Thai chile. The burn increases slowly, held back by a feeble toasted potato roll that can barely hold all the fillings together. The experience ends up having the same adrenaline thrill of a Thai street food dish, but told through the lens of second-generation Thai Americans. Sawtelle Japantown is already spoiled with amazing casual food, and adding this feather in its cap just feels unfair. 1644 Sawtelle Boulevard #3149, Los Angeles, CA, 90025. — Matthew Kang, lead editor"