Burger Bodega Pop-Up Celebrates AAPI Month and Life of Alex Au-Yeung

Phat Eatery’s beef rendang burger is back

Burger Bodega is teaming up with Phat Eatery’s Kevin Lee and Marvion He to bring back the wildly popular beef rendang smash burger. Burger Bodega founder Abbas Dhanani and Phat Eatery’s Alex Au-Yeung created the burger last year before he died following a battle with cancer in March. The chef’s legacy and impact in Houston has continued in his Katy restaurant, and around the city.

“Last year, it was an honor to collaborate with Alex, and it was a great success,” Dhanani said in a press statement. “Alex was one of the kindest people I have met, and he supported me throughout my journey of starting Burger Bodega. We did many pop-ups together, but this one will hold a special place in my heart, celebrating Alex’s life.”

The beef rendang smash burger features a patty spiced with flavors from the Southeast Asian slow-cooked dish, and is topped with curry fries, curry aioli, and mango papaya slaw. Served on a sweet sourdough bun with a side of curry dip, smash burgers are available at Burger Bodega on Wednesday, May 29 from 5 p.m. until burgers are sold out. Proceeds will benefit the Southern Smoke Foundation, known as Au-Yeung’s favorite non-profit organization. This event follows other AAPI pop-ups, including events with chefs Mayank Istwal of Musaafer, Benchawan Jabthong Painter of Street to Kitchen, and Don Nguyen of Khói Barbecue.