The burger spot that may seem ordinary but is actually incredibly unique

Afuego Burgers may look like a typical burger stall at Ilford's Mercato Metropolitano, but it's far from ordinary. Specialising in Latin flavours, Afuego serves up classic burgers with a vibrant twist.

The menu offers both beef and chicken options, but every burger is spiced with Latin flair. Each one comes topped with their signature Latin burger sauce, and some even feature a kick of chipotle or honey BBQ.

Founder Yassir Chair runs Afuego with a passion for unique flavours. As a graduate of the Mercato Metropolitano’s DreaMM program, he's used his experience to create a standout burger brand.

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Mercato Metropolitano introduced the dreaMM campaign in April, aiming to support locals in launching their dream businesses during the cost-of-living crisis. This initiative embodies MM’s mission of uniting people through community engagement and providing accessible food for everyone.

Afuego served its first burger 14 months ago. Yassir said: “Making burgers has always been my passion. With 15 years in hospitality, I dreamed of launching my own burger brand, and last spring, I finally left my job to pursue it."

Yassir only hires local residents, not only in their permanent Ilford branch, but also in other pop-ups they have around London, like Clapham. His goal is to support each community his business enters.

He added: “If you're part of the community, you need to hire locally and understand local tastes. It’s about connecting with our customers and building something meaningful.”

I tried Yassir's favourite creation, the cheeseburger, and it was exceptional. The bun was freshly baked from a local supplier, with a cheesy Emmental crisp adding an extra layer of flavour to a classic cheeseburger. The mix of sauces, including smoky chipotle ketchup, gave the burger an unforgettable Latin taste. At £10.50, it’s totally worth it.

Even though they were a bit on the pricey side, at £4.50, Afuego's Cajun fries are also a must-try. They are perfectly seasoned with a spicy Cajun blend, bringing a satisfying crunch and a bit of heat that complements the rich burgers.

Yassir’s inspiration comes from travels and experimenting with Latin ingredients. He said: "I wanted to create a burger that’s different, a Latin-inspired take you won’t find elsewhere in the UK.”

You can find Afuego Burgers at Ilford Mercato Metropolitano, 3 Chadwick Rd, IG1 1EQ. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday.