Shake Shack takes a trip to Korea with its new menu

New Shake Shack menu is inspired by a trip to Korea.

Kick off the new year with a new Shake Shack menu. While those iconic Shake Shack burgers and luscious shakes are still on the menu, four new menu items have been added for a limited time. Inspired by a trip to South Korea, the new Shake Shack menu will have guests embracing bold flavors that will leave them wanting more.

While many people seek out Korean-style chicken wings with their super crunchy texture, the addition to the Shake Shack menu makes the opportunity to taste this flavorful food more available. When bolder food comes from a popular, well-respected brand, more people are willing to take a taste test.

On the new Shake Shack menu, there are four items. They are Korean-style Fried Chick’n, Korean-style Gochujang Chick’n Bites, Korean-style Gochujang Fries and a Black Sugar Vanilla Shake.

Although the chicken sandwich news seems to have an new offering every day, the Shake Shack option is definitely the boldest flavor yet. Using the gochujang, the flavor will be spicy, yet with a lingering heat. The fermented chili paste doesn’t overpower; instead is a slow burn that leaves you wanting more.

The chicken sandwich is topped with a white kimchi slaw. The kimchi slaw is a wonderful contrast to the gochujang. While the kimchi slaw will be slightly pungent, it is the flavor that cuts through the crispy chicken and leaves the palate refreshed.

Overall, the Korean-style fried chick’n is probably the most exciting new menu item for the new year. While many fast casual restaurants are looking to embrace more global flavors, Shake Shack is pushing the envelope. Although it is a limited time offer, many people will wish for it to become permanent.

If chicken isn’t your favorite, the Korean-style Gochujang Fries are a must try. Even if you order the fries for the sauce, it is worth it. It will be interesting to see if you can order the spicy-sweet Gochujang mayo sauce as a condiment on a burger.

Lastly, a stop at Shake Shack must come with a shake. The new Black Sugar Vanilla Shake sounds delicious. If you are unfamiliar with black sugar, it has a caramel, somewhat smokey flavor. While the sugar isn’t burnt, it is sugar that still has the molasses in it. The flavor will pair well with the other Korean inspired menu items.

Since this special menu was inspired by the Shake Shack culinary team’s travel to South Korea, it begs the question. Where else did the culinary team travel and could that information provide insight to the next menu launch?

The new Shake Shack menu is available now through April 5 at participating locations.

What do you think of the new Shake Shack menu? Which menu item will you try first?