From a grill outside a 7-Eleven, one man’s smash burgers are taking Phra Khanong by storm

Nattanon “Pump” Sukkamnerd at work, at left, and his smash burger, at left. Photos: Phoebe Storm

By Coconuts Bangkok

Feb 2, 2023 | 11:48am Bangkok time

Beef Cheese Bun is nothing more than a humble grill outside a convenience store making great, no-frills burgers.

Something of a social media sensation in recent weeks, Beef Cheese Bun is a simple — very simple — burger made by a man who sets up most afternoons outside the 7-Eleven on Soi Sukhumvit 48.

The smash burgers come single (THB95), double (THB135), and triple (THB175) — and nothing else. The double comes on a delicate brioche bun with crumbly beef patties, two slices of American cheese, and an optional special sauce of creamy mayo with a chunky pickle relish.

“I saw all the other burgers around that have lots of premium stuff like bacon and vegetables, which is tasty, but the price is always high, and I just want people who come by who want a burger to get a burger,” said Nattanon “Pump” Sukkamnerd.

Though his grill has only been fired up for a month, it has already gained Nattanon a bit of notoriety as an easy, no-nonsense bite with the Phra Khanong crowd.

Nattanon sources the Thai beef from a local farm and found a bakery in Samut Prakan province to produce the perfect smashable brioche bun. When asked why burgers, Nattanon says he wanted to create something on his own that was perfect.

Nattanon said he got his start as a server at Michelin star restaurant 80/20 and then moved to the kitchen at Nusara working under Chef Ton before going to Saawaan’s kitchen.

Inspired by the celebrity chefs he watched creating elevated food, he says he’s on a quest to become a student at the Chef Academy London, saving every penny for the next two years to make it to the United Kingdom in the hope of earning his own Michelin star one day.

“High expectations. I am a little nervous to be honest,” Nattanon said when asked about the spot’s fast notoriety. “I always doubt myself. Even when people come, I ask them ‘How was it?’ They always say ‘It’s good, it’s good.’ But I always doubt they are for real.”

These burgers need to be eaten right away, so go in person to the 7-Eleven outside the Life Sukhumvit 48 condominium. Natttanon said he will make burgers 3pm to 7pm, Monday to Saturday.

Beef Cheese Bun is located in front of a 7-Eleven store inside Soi Sukhumvit 48. Keep track of the spot via Nattanon’s instagram @Pumpnattanon or @Beefcheesebun.