Rachael Davis
Of the litany of fast food joints we’ve imported from the US, Shake Shack is among the favourites.
The chain, which started with humble beginnings as a food cart in New York back in 2001, has 17 Shake Shacks dotted around the UK and plans to have 35 on these shores by 2035.
If you’ve not yet had the pleasure, it’s very much worth a go the next time you’re craving a burger.
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The ShackBurger is the main event, with a thick and juicy beef patty, a slice of cheese, tomato and lettuce garnished with its proprietary ShackSauce, and there are plenty more options besides. The Double ShackBurger’s on-hand for the bigger appetites, and there’s the ChickenShack, SmokeShack, and towering ShackStack available at UK restaurants too.
Of course, a place called Shake Shack surely has a decent milkshake selection too, and so it proves with seven different varieties to choose from.
On the side, its crinkle-cut fries have become iconic, and US customers have just been treated to a deep-fried snack that’s something of a cultural delicacy across the pond.
Deep-fried pickles (gherkins to us) are a ridiculously delicious and moreish bar snack common to boozers in the States, and now they’re an option at Shake Shack’s menu. Whether they make the leap across the pond remains to be seen, but US customers already have plenty to say about the new addition.
Many an Instagram user has raved about the new menu item.
“YES! I got the BBQ burger the other day and literally said to my partner that I wish the pickles were a side of its own,” said one Instagrammer.
“Suddenly I know what’s for lunch,” said another, while a third leaned on a little hyperbole: “This is the best news I’ve ever heard.”
“Shake Shack fried pickles are a real game changer,” added an X user. “OMG so crispy and juicy.”
One confused X user posited: “Oh shake shack fried pickles are TEAAAAA.” What the hell are those guys doing to tea over there?
Unfortunately for Shake Shack, that isn’t where the story ends. Some customers have been in uproar over the portion sizes, especially when they’re charged at $4.99 (£3.69) a pop.
“Of course I had to go to @shakeshack after the gym to try their Fried Pickles (that got added to their menu today permanently),” said one X user, captioning an image of a box of six such pickles. “They were FANTASTIC! Except the portion size. I need more.”
“Just got these and they are great,” said another. “BUT legit 8 fried pickle slices for 5 bucks is a little ridiculous.”
Nevertheless, the general consensus is that this is a great change to the Shake Shack menu. If you’ve never had the pleasure of a deep-fried gherkin, we’d recommend keeping an eye out for some. They really are worth the hype.
FOODBible has reached out to Shake Shack for comment.