The first Scratch Burger chef collaboration launches August 20, marking the start of Scratch Sessions—a new series where the Makati-based burger joint hands over its signature menu to guest creatives. The concept is straightforward: keep the Smash Burger and Fries at the core, but let chefs, artists, and even designers interpret them in their own way.
Scratch Burger’s Roots in Poblacion
Scratch Burger, located in Poblacion, opened under the direction of Executive Chef Mikko Reyes, whose resume includes stints at La Chinesca and Your Local. Since day one, the restaurant has focused on the stripped-down appeal of a smash burger done right—beefy, crispy-edged patties on soft buns, with no unnecessary gimmicks. In a neighborhood crowded with bars and casual eats, Scratch quickly earned a loyal following from both late-night diners and burger purists.
“We wanted to create something that keeps people curious,” says Reyes. “The Smash Burger is our foundation. Everything else in Scratch Sessions is a chance to push it in directions people don’t expect.”
The Metiz and Automat Connection
For the debut run, Reyes teamed up with Stephan Duhesme, the chef behind Metiz and Automat—two restaurants that have helped define Manila’s modern dining scene. Metiz, which opened in 2019, is known for contemporary Filipino tasting menus built on fermentation, indigenous ingredients, and minimal plating. Automat takes a more casual route, serving comfort food with the same ingredient-driven ethos.
Duhesme’s style draws heavily on local produce and layered flavors, making him a natural fit for this collaboration.
What’s on the Menu
His two limited-time dishes lean into nostalgia while twisting the familiar. The Double MetCheeze stacks two smash patties with molten cheese and a sauce built from mostaza, bagoong chili mayo, and fermented pineapple glaze—a salty, tangy, and faintly sweet counterpoint to the beef. Twirly Spaghetti fries take the childhood banana-ketchup spaghetti memory and reimagine it with Malabon longganisa, samjang mayo, fermented red onions, and Gouda over crisp fries.
A Preview Before Launch
Earlier this month, a small preview brought together media, food bloggers, and members of the culinary industry. Guests sampled the two dishes side-by-side, comparing textures and flavors. Duhesme described the project as “playful” but grounded in the basics of what makes a burger and fries satisfying.
Limited Time, Lasting Impression
In Manila’s competitive burger scene—where new names appear and disappear quickly—Scratch Sessions stands out for its collaborative model. By inviting outside voices while keeping its identity intact, Scratch Burger is betting that creative partnerships will keep customers coming back.
The Double MetCheeze (₱595) and Twirly Spaghetti fries (₱465) will be served for dine-in only at Scratch Burger in Poblacion, Makati, starting August 20. The collaboration will run for a limited time.
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