Scratch Sessions Vol. 1: Chef Stephan Duhesme Flips the Burger Script

Scratch Burger is shaking things up with “Scratch Sessions,” a series of collaborations that turns the humble Smash Burger into a canvas for creativity. The idea is simple: invite chefs, designers, and artists into the kitchen, and let them put their own spin on the burger-and-fries combo Scratch has built its name on.

For Executive Chef Mikko Reyes, it’s the next step in the brand’s evolution. “After launching our Scratch Burger, it’s about time to push the boundaries and give our customers a twist to their all-time favorite Scratch Smash Burger,” he says. “We owe it to every customer of ours to give them the excitement that we provide for every burger that comes out of our kitchen.”

The first edition of Scratch Sessions brings Scratch Burger into the kitchen with Chef Stephan Duhesme, the mind behind acclaimed spots like Metiz and Automat. Known for his inventive use of local ingredients, Chef Stephan approaches the collaboration with the same curiosity and playfulness that made his restaurants stand out. His take on the Smash Burger isn’t just about flavor—it’s about reimagining what a burger can be, and giving diners something unexpected on a familiar plate.

The debut menu doesn’t hold back. First up is the Double MetCheeze—a double smash burger with cheese, finished with a punchy sauce of mostaza, bagoong chili mayo, and a fermented pineapple glaze. Alongside it comes the Twirly Spaghetti, a playful reimagining of fries topped with banana ketchup spaghetti sauce, Malabon longganisa, samjang mayo, fermented red onions, and Gouda.

A handful of lucky guests got the first taste on August 6, when Scratch Burger opened its doors for an intimate preview. Media, food bloggers, and industry friends gathered for the VVIP tasting, a night made possible with the support of GOMO.

For Chef Stephan, the collaboration was an easy yes.

“I love burgers, and I think it will be one of my meals that I would like to have before I die. So when Scratch Burger Team invited me to play with their burger and fries canvas, I didn’t give any second thoughts to it.”

The Double MetCheeze will go for ₱595, while the Twirly Spaghetti fries land at ₱465. Both will be served exclusively for dine-in at Scratch Burger’s Poblacion, Makati spot starting August 20—but only for a limited run.