- Shake Shack is testing a new veggie burger in three cities.
- This is Shake Shack's first vegan-friendly burger.
- We tried the burger and while it tastes nothing like the chain's classic Shack Burger, we were impressed nonetheless.
Shake Shack is known for one thing: burgers. Shack Burger, Shack Stack, Smoke Shack — beef is the chain's primary concern.
But as vegetarians and vegans make up an increasing proportion of customers, the demand for meat-free burgers also grows. Starting this Thursday, April 19, Shake Shack is debuting a new $7.29 veggie burger test item at select locations in New York City, Los Angeles, and Austin.
We got a sneak peek and a chance to eat this veggie treat — and we were shocked by the results.
The "Veggie Shack" is made with black beans, brown rice, and roasted beets and is topped with provolone cheese, lettuce, onions, pickles, and a vegan mustard mayo.
If you want a vegan-friendly version, just order it without cheese and ask for the gluten-free bun.
The patty itself avoids two of the biggest issues of veggie burgers: mushiness and dryness. Shake Shack manages to replicate the crisp char of a grilled burger by adding a textural grain coating.
Each bite is crisp and fresh — the raw white onions and pickles add a bright and crunchy note to the savory, bean-based patty. This burger doesn't try to be a hamburger, and that's its greatest strength. It embraces the texture and flavors of the patty's ingredients.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider