Malaysia’s first Shake Shack at The Exchange TRX, is it worth it?
Shake Shack, the global sensation that started as a humble sausage cart, has officially landed in the heart of our city. On April 10, the iconic fast-casual restaurant chain opened its doors at The Exchange TRX, and the excitement is palpable.
With its mouth watering burgers, crispy fries and legendary shakes, Shake Shack is set to shake up the culinary scene in Kuala Lumpur (KL).
Ever since Shake Shack officially hit the KL food scene, it’s been the buzz everywhere! People are clamouring to check it out, and social media is bursting with rave reviews from foodies and influencers alike.
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to attend an exclusive tasting session on behalf of Sinar Daily. Now, I’m excited to share my experience and give you my honest review of the dishes that have everyone talking.
First off, let me spill the beans: Shake Shack's exclusive tasting session didn't cover their entire menu, but it sure gave us a delicious sneak peek! I got to sink my teeth into four mouthwatering burgers, munch on two scrumptious sides, sip on four refreshing drinks, and indulge in four delectable desserts.
Alright, folks, it's time for the main event—let's dive into the delicious details with our food review!
Burgers
First up, the Shack Burger (RM23) and it is an absolute delight! This cheeseburger comes loaded with fresh lettuce, juicy tomato and their signature ShackSauce. The patty is incredibly juicy, offering a distinctive flavour that sets it apart from the rest. I highly recommend giving this burger a try!
Next, I tried the Chicken Shack (RM22). This burger features your choice of chicken breast or thigh, topped with crisp lettuce, tangy pickles and a creamy buttermilk herb mayo. The chicken is wonderfully crispy and tastes fantastic. However, the flavour might feel a bit one-dimensional with just the mayo and pickles (especially if you’re not a pickle fan like me). If I’m not mistaken you can always ask to skip the pickles.
Next up is the SmokeShack (RM28), a cheeseburger loaded with cherry peppers, applewood-smoked streaky beef, and ShackSauce. Here’s the deal: I can’t give this burger a fair review, and here’s why. The tasting session spanned about three hours, with new dishes arriving every 15 to 20 minutes. By the time the SmokeShack came along, I was already full, so I set it aside to give my tummy a break.
When I finally got around to trying it, the applewood-smoked streaky beef—shaped like bacon—was super hard, making the burger tough to chew. I know some bacon is meant to be crispy, but I’ve also had softer versions. So, I’m not sure if the SmokeShack’s ‘bacon’ is usually this hard or if it got that way because I waited too long to eat it. Regardless, it had a decent flavor with a significant taste. If you don’t mind a bit of chewiness in your ‘bacon,’ definitely give the SmokeShack a shot!
Alright, let's dive into the last one: the ‘Shroom Burger (Veggie). I'll be honest, this one didn't really do it for me. It's basically a crisp-fried portobello mushroom stuffed with melted Monterey Jack, Tilsiter, and Colby cheeses, topped with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce. The patty being a mushroom just doesn't hit the spot for a meat lover like me. However, I must admit it’s a pretty intriguing burger and the taste was decent.
If you're heading to Shake Shack with friends and planning to share, definitely give it a few bites—it’s an interesting experience. But if you’re thinking of tackling it solo and finishing the whole thing, that might be a bit risky considering it is priced at RM27. Personally, I'd recommend going for one of their other burgers.
In the end, if I were to pick the top burger from the bunch, it would definitely be the Shack Burger, hands down. It's just got that perfect combo of flavours and juiciness that hits the spot every time. Next up would be the Chicken Shack, delivering that crispy goodness that's hard to resist.
Then, trailing behind a bit would be the SmokeShack, offering a unique taste but falling short on texture. And finally, bringing up the rear is the ‘Shroom Burger (Veggie), an interesting option for the adventurous but not quite hitting the mark for me.
Side Dishes
Now, let's dive into the side dishes! I tried the Cheese Fries (RM16.50) and the Cheese Beef Sausage (RM19), and let me tell you, the Cheese Fries were absolutely mind-blowing.
These crispy, crinkle-cut fries are smothered in a cheese sauce that’s nothing short of amazing. The sauce is creamy, rich, and thick, but not overwhelmingly so—it hits all the right spots! You can really taste the authentic cheese flavour, and I can't recommend it enough.
As for the Cheese Beef Sausage, it’s another winner, thanks to that incredible cheese sauce. The beef sausage itself was delicious, adding a savoury punch to every bite. If you’re a cheese lover, both of these sides are must-tries!
Drinks
Now, we've arrived at the trickiest part of this food review: the drinks! Personally, I have a particular preference for drinks that complement my meal by soothing my throat—sweet but not too sweet, sour but not too sour. I tried four different drinks, and I must admit, they were all a bit too sour and gassy for my taste. However, setting my personal preferences aside, I found them to be quite flavorful.
Ranking them purely based on their attributes, I'd place the Raspberry Sparkling Lemonade (RM10.40) at the top as it wasn't as sour or gassy as the others. Next would be the Strawberry Lemonade (RM7.50), followed by the Passion Fruit Sparkling Lemonade (RM10.40), and finally, the Fresh Lemonade (RM7).
Of course, Shake Shack offers other drink options like Iced Tea, Apple Juice, and Soda, so there are plenty of alternatives to suit different tastes.
Desserts
I had the pleasure of trying three different frozen custard concoctions: TRXopical Park, Shack Attack, and Hey Macadamia!, all priced at RM15. Let's dive into the flavours.
First up, TRXopical Park: a vanilla frozen custard blended with Rompine pineapple, dragon fruit, and shortbread cookie, topped with plum powder. This one was an absolute standout! The dragon fruit added an unexpected and delightful twist, making it my top pick.
Next, the Shack Attack: chocolate frozen custard blended with Chocolate Concierge chocolate chunks, brownie pieces, Shack fudge sauce, and cocoa nibs. This was a chocolate lover's dream, rich and indulgent, though a bit heavy on the palate. It secured the second spot on my list.
Lastly, Hey Macadamia!: vanilla frozen custard blended with cheesecake, macadamia nuts, and caramel sauce. As a caramel enthusiast, I was a bit let down. The caramel flavor didn't shine through, making it taste more like plain vanilla. Hence, it landed in the last place.
In summary, TRXopical Park stole the show, Shack Attack was a decadent runner-up, and Hey Macadamia! fell short of its caramel promise.
Last but certainly not least, the Bunga Raya Shake. This is a must-try!
Imagine hibiscus jelly topped with vanilla frozen custard, blended with dragonfruit and ‘gula melaka’, finished with a dollop of whipped cream, coconut crumble, and a drizzle of ‘gula melaka’. The Bunga Raya Shake is a unique, exclusive creation available only at Shake Shack’s Malaysia outlets, making it a true signature item.
Words can hardly do this to shake justice, it's simply sublime. Sure, it might be a tad on the sweet side, but every other element hits the mark perfectly. You absolutely need to experience this for yourself!
A little tip: when you order, ask them to serve it after your meal. This way, you can enjoy it in its prime before it starts to melt. This shake is the perfect way to cap off your Shake Shack adventure!
Overall, I would recommend visiting Malaysia’s first Shake Shack at The Exchange TRX, try the foods for first-time experience. Getting there is a breeze with the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) MRT Station directly linked to the mall, sparing you from Kuala Lumpur's notorious traffic and the mall’s parking fee.
For the best experience, I would suggest you head over in the evening. After indulging in the delicious food, you can relax outside Shake Shack, snap some photos and soak in the atmosphere. Located on a rooftop with a garden concept, the setting offers stunning skyscraper backdrops and a serene vibe, perfect for chilling out and capturing those Instagram-worthy OOTDs!
