Queue-inducing American burger joint Shake Shack returns with a new botanically-themed outlet at Gardens by the Bay, and some outlet exclusive treats!
My go-to comfort food has always been burgers.
Nothing says “take away my troubles” better than a thick, juicy beef patty, grilled to perfection, and sandwiched between standard burger buns (ain’t nobody got time for brioche). Throw on a bit of ketchup, mustard, some cheddar if you’re feeling fancy, and gulp down with an icy cold beer. Mmm.
If it’s anything other than a greasy, slobbering mess of protein and carbs, I am usually left sorely disappointed. (Note: Rules don’t apply if it’s a McSpicy — which is da’ bomb in more ways than one.)
So when we received news that American burger joint Shake Shack would be opening its 7th outlet at Gardens by the Bay, call me psychic but I already knew that the food would be… pretty. Because well, gardens… flowers… I mean, surely they’d somehow incorporate nature-inspired, aesthetic things on the menu.
Not that I have anything against pretty food, of course. I am just a firm believer that beauty should come from within… the folds of two perfectly toasted buns.
That aside, I have to say I was quite excited to visit a Shake Shack outlet for the first time, having only sampled some of their food via delivery once. Mainly because I detest queues.
a nature-inspired nook.
So anyway, accompanied by a hungry colleague, we arrived at the new Gardens by the Bay outlet. Though slightly hidden at a little nook close to the ticketing counters, we managed to spot it thanks to the colourful mural outside by local artist soph O!
On the outside, it’s hard not to be impressed by the vibrant flora lining the façade and hanging foliage at the outdoor dining area. We later learn that they’ve been specially curated by horticulturists behind Gardens by the Bay. Inside, the outlet is decked in home-grown calla lilies, coral bells, and ferns that give it a chill, tropical vibe.
What’s cool is how they’ve seamlessly incorporated nature indoors, so patrons never lose the feel of visiting the iconic Gardens. I imagine it’d make for a nice spot to catch up with friends over milkshakes. And then perhaps take some shots for the ‘gram against their botanical backdrop, if that’s your kinda thing.
outlet-exclusive sweet treats.
2 new dessert items (or ‘Concretes’) are exclusive to the Gardens by the Bay outlet. There’s Berries by the Bay, which features a vanilla custard base blended with forest berries jam and shortbread. And Tropic Like It’s Hot with mango and passionfruit mixed into a vanilla custard.
While available at most Shake Shack outlets, their Shack Attack dessert is a worthy mention too. Afterall, 5% of its sales are donated to Singapore Environment Council, a non-profit organisation dedicated to sustainability issues and coordinating environmental efforts in Singapore. All part of their Stand for Something Good® mission.
Desserts aside, there’s also the Roasted Garlic Mushroom Burger inspired by the bold flavours of a classic New York steakhouse, and the accompanying Crinkle Cut Roasted Garlic Fries. Both are available for a limited time and only at the Gardens by the Bay outlet, though there are plans to roll them out to other branches later on.
the taste test.
So in an unprecedented blow to my diet, we ordered everything new on the menu. Plus, a couple of milkshakes including their Singapore exclusive Pandan Shake which debuted when their first branch at Jewel opened. Because why not.
Roasted Garlic Mushroom Burger and Fries.
They weren’t lying when they said “bold flavours”. At first bite, we loved the smokiness of the Angus beef patty and sharp burst of salty richness from the provolone cheese. The combination of the caramelised portobello mushroom and crispy fried shallots added plenty of texture and layers of flavour, just enough to keep things interesting and you munching.
I guess it’s kind of like what you’d get if you tried to completely zhng-up every ingredient in a BK Mushroom Swiss burger.
The fries with roasted garlic mayo, parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh scallions were a welcome addition to the meal. My colleague who is a little anti-crinkle cut, couldn’t stop gushing at how “fluffy” they were. (Okay, calm down, Sam.)
Mid-way through, I found myself constantly sipping on my Pandan milkshake, hoping the sweetness would offset the saltiness. Big mistake. Thanks to my signature bad judgement and quick over-consumption of the milkshake, I got a bit jelak. But of course, it’s bound to happen when you pile on loads of rich tasting food. *facepalms*
So my advice – if you’re opting for the Roasted Garlic Mushroom Burger, get a regular fries instead, or vice-versa. That way, the richness doesn’t get too overwhelming. My colleague on the other hand, had no issues with finishing up both the burger and fries. So it might just be my unrefined palate protesting.
Berries by the Bay and Tropic Like It’s Hot ‘Concretes’.
With cheeky names like these, I knew I wanted one immediately. Also, I just happen to have a soft spot for Shake Shack’s frozen custard.
While messy burgers are the way to go, I’ve always had the notion that desserts should be pretty. Afterall, isn’t that what Christina Tosi’s always harping about on Masterchef while contestants cower in fear of becoming the next ‘idiot sandwich’? Also, I guess the aesthetics work in the same way moths are lured to flames. Knowing full well you’ll need to secretly undo the button on your jeans after several scoops but also – oooh ice cream!
Of course, neither dessert disappointed with their vibrant colours and swirls of fruity goodness. Plus, Berries by the Bay even had a sprinkle of edible Osmanthus flowers on it. Fancy!
Though I enjoyed both, I found the berry option to be more satisfying. Plus, it wasn’t cloyingly sweet as I had feared. The creaminess of the lush vanilla custard was nicely balanced out by the freshness from the berries, while the sticky shortbread pieces were little pocketsful of joy.
Tropic Like It’s Hot, their mango and passionfruit blend, was also a refreshing surprise. My colleague, who regularly orders the most citrus-y cocktails at bars (y tho), also noted that you can’t really go wrong with the classic combination of these tropical fruits. While I’m not a fan of citrus, I appreciated that the tanginess of the passionfruit wasn’t too jarring. My colleague was also right in that the the sweetness of the mango complemented it perfectly. Needless to say, no surprise who finished which dessert.
is it cheat day yet?
Why, yes it is! From today (28th August)*, Shake Shack’s seventh outlet will be open Monday-Thursday from 11am to 8pm, and Fridays-Sundays from 10am to 9pm. It’s located at Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, #03-02/03, Singapore 018953.
So grab a friend and head on down to Shake Shack for some nature-inspired treats and solid burgers! I sense a queue forming.
*Grand Opening Day hours are from 11am to 9pm.
If reading this got you a little hungry, why not treat yourself to some guilt-free ice cream or cook up a storm at home like these home chefs?
