A soggy burger might sound a bit strange... But it’s actually a cult recipe from Istanbul! The Islak Burger has a wild story behind it. Born in Taksim Square, famous for its bars and nightclubs, its invention was actually a mistake. A vendor was trying to create a new tomato-based burger recipe but accidentally dropped the bread into the sauce. In the end, he loved the taste, and the Turkish people immediately embraced this moist recipe. In France, nobody knows about it, but you can now enjoy it in Pigalle for €4.50 with Slak. Come discover it!
A New Nighttime Icon
Behind this new gem is a sibling team of restaurateurs, already well-known for the highly sought-after L’Atelier Durum in the 18th. They’ve taken on the challenge this time of bringing 100% cult Turkish recipes, still little-known in Paris. This is how Slak was born, the first spot for Islak Hamburger and Tantuni in the capital. And the…The location of this new address was not chosen by chance. Since Islak Hamburger is a true nighttime ritual, deeply rooted in Turkish popular culture, what better place than Pigalle, the hangout for Parisian night owls, to host the new late-night snack spot? This neighborhood, alive late into the night with its bars, clubs, and concert halls, now has a brand-new street food counter where you can grab a bite on the go (open until 2 AM on weekends).
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Islak Hamburger or the "Wet Burger"
In a decor inspired by popular Turkish dives from the 70s, Slak puts a Turkish street-food icon front and center. Born at the end of the 20th century, the Islak Hamburger – which literally means "wet burger" – is prepared right before our eyes. The concept is simple: smashed meat, nestled in a burger bun, fully dipped in a garlic, herb, and spice-infused tomato sauce. The result? You get an ultra-soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth bun, with juicy meat fully soaked in the spices. It’s a bit squishy, our fingers are all messy, and it’s purely addictive.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
The best of Turkish street food
If Slak is the first place to bring the Islak Hamburger to France (still honoring the original recipe, of course), it's also one of the few to feature another specialty: Tantuni. Hailing from Mersin, a city in the south of Turkey, this sandwich represents a different side of local street food: spicier, zestier, and more Mediterranean. Inside this sandwich, you'll find thin slices of meat (beef or chicken) cooked fresh on a large metal griddle, carefully marinated in spices directly imported from Turkey. The meat is then tucked into a homemade wrap or soft bread, along with onions, parsley, tomatoes, sumac, lemon, and pickles. A veggie option is, of course, offered, swapping the meat for falafels. To top it all off, we have homemade fries (perfect for dipping in a signature sauce), a lemonade, or an Ayran to keep it authentic, and that's all there is to it!