THE curtains were raised for the first Beijing Shake Shack! After debuting in Shanghai in 2019, the fine casual New York burger stand opened its Beijing Shack in Taikoo Li Sanlitun last week. Shake Shack also plans to open at least 15 outlets in South China by 2030, with the first South China stop opening next year in Shenzhen. To celebrate the grand opening, Shake Shack brought the local Beijing community together for a series of high-energy events inspired by Peking Opera with a thrilling modern twist. Games, prizes and performances were provided and guests were given a happy and exciting experience. Three signature items exclusively offered at Shake Shack Sanlitun reflect the tastes of Beijing. The signature Beijing city shake, Hutong Hawthorn, was inspired by tanghulu (a string of candied haws) and is made from freshly spun frozen vanilla custard infused with the tartness of local hawthorn berries, and topped with whipped cream and crushed caramel. The photo-ready Beijing Blush Concrete features vanilla custard blended with Daoxiangcun rose pastry, raspberry jam and fresh raspberries, topped with rose petals. Taking a note from roasted chestnut street snacks in northern China, the Taikoo Lizi Concrete blends roasted chestnuts, buttery shortbread and a drizzle of miso-chestnut caramel sauce with frozen vanilla custard. To round out the Beijing offerings, Shake Shack Sanlitun pours beer from Jing-A, Beijing’s own award-winning craft brewery. In addition, Shake Shack’s signature item Shake Attack uses locally sourced brownies from Sanlitun bakery’s “there will be BREAD” along with fudge sauce, chocolate chunks, and cocoa powder. By localizing products Shake Shack expresses its commitment to the local community. Started as a humble hot dog cart in Manhattan’s bustling Madison Square Park, Shake Shack remains proud of its New York City heritage and commitment to serving quality food made from thoughtfully sourced ingredients. The menu in Beijing features all the crowd-pleasing favorites including the signature ShackBurger, Flat-Top Dogs, as well as the meat-free Shroom Burger made from crisp-fried Portobello mushrooms.(Maggie Tang) | 