[Shake Shack] Are You Team Beef or Team Chicken!? We Tried the Limited-Edition “BBQ Cheddar Burger” and “BBQ Cheddar Chicken” at Shake Shack Shibuya!

Hello! I’m Ozu from Social Relations Division 2. As we enter early summer and more days allow for short sleeves, I hope you’re doing well.

Today, as the weather gradually warms up, I’d like to introduce some wild gourmet options perfect for those who want to get a taste of summer ahead of the season.

As someone rumored to be “the hamburger expert at SUNNY SIDE UP,” I’ll be bringing you a hands-on review of Shake Shack’s new products🍔✨

Sweet and Spicy Sauce with Vibrant Ingredients Perfect for Early Summer! “BBQ Cheddar Burger”

Shake Shack is offering a limited-time release nationwide of the irresistible “BBQ Cheddar Burger” and “BBQ Cheddar Chicken,” along with “BBQ Bacon Cheese Fries,” featuring a combination of sweet and spicy signature BBQ sauce and rich cheddar cheese🍖✨

Beef or chicken—can’t decide which to try? For those facing this dilemma, this article will provide a comparison review of these two limited-edition menu items.

If you’re looking to enjoy a BBQ burger, please use this as a reference!

Now, let’s head straight to Shake Shack Shibuya, which just opened in April

Upon arriving at the newly opened Shibuya location in April, you’ll be captivated by the pop-inspired space featuring Shake Shack’s signature green with touches of pink!

The highlight inside the store is an 18-meter mural created by Tokyo-based pixel artist “m7kenji.” The mural depicts Shibuya icons such as Hachiko and the Scramble Crossing in pixel art, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into a video game world!

SUNNY SIDE UP hosted a “House Warming Party” on April 11, 2024, to unveil the Shibuya location, conducting a tasting and preview event for media and influencers. The event successfully generated buzz, gaining extensive coverage not only in gourmet and lifestyle media but also across social media!

As the 14th domestic location, it became so popular that approximately 120 people lined up before opening on the first day.

At this Shake Shack Shibuya location, I visited together with Hasumi, who joined SUNNY SIDE UP in April! Now that our BBQ burgers have arrived, let’s dive into the review.

What Does the “BBQ Cheddar Burger” Taste Like?

The “BBQ Cheddar Burger” features a 100% hormone-free Angus beef patty, vibrant cheddar cheese, and pickles creating an exquisite contrast.

Drawn in by its appetizing appearance, I took a big bite and was surprised by the presence of the sweet, aromatic BBQ sauce! The juicy meat juices from the Angus beef blend with the melted cheese, spreading a rich flavor throughout your mouth.

The crispy texture of the onion fries and pickles adds to the experience, keeping it enjoyable from start to finish without getting boring.

The BBQ sauce has a sweet and spicy flavor that should appeal to a wide range of people, including children and those who aren’t fond of spicy food.

What Does the “BBQ Cheddar Chicken” Taste Like?

Next up is the “BBQ Cheddar Chicken,” a chicken burger that’s gradually gaining popularity in Japan. Shake Shack’s chicken is carefully fried one piece at a time after each order is placed, so you can experience the textural difference—crispy on the outside and tender without any dryness on the inside.

The appetizing sight of the sizzling cheese peeking out between the bun and chicken is irresistible… Crunch! As I eagerly took a big bite of this one too, I noticed a crisp, crunchy texture. Looking closely at the ingredients, I found that unlike the “BBQ Cheddar Burger” I had earlier, this one sandwiches fresh onions instead of fried ones, allowing you to enjoy it refreshingly alongside the freshly fried chicken. Additionally, the sweet and spicy BBQ sauce is more pronounced, and when combined with the mild flavor of the cheese, you can enjoy even more variation in taste.

Next Up: “BBQ Bacon Cheese Fries”

Next is the essential hamburger companion, “BBQ Bacon Cheese Fries,” where you can enjoy the contrast between fluffy and crispy textures. The wavy crinkle-cut fries are topped with original cheese sauce and BBQ sauce, and further enhanced with bacon, taking the happiness level beyond regular cheese fries!

The sweet and spicy flavor of the BBQ sauce matches perfectly with the crispy fries, creating a taste that accelerates your appetite.

Enjoy with Your Hamburger! Refreshing “Lychee Lemonade”

The “Lychee Lemonade,” refreshing from its very appearance, combines sweet and tangy homemade lemonade with juicy lychee puree, making it the perfect drink to accompany your hamburger. The fresh lychee puree and lemon’s refreshing quality match exquisitely, allowing you to enjoy subtle acidity and sweet aroma—a must-try for lychee lovers!

When I returned to the office with these BBQ burgers, I ran into some hungry team members!

I shared the appeal of each hamburger, but they ultimately couldn’t decide which was better, so they happily split the “BBQ Cheddar Burger” and “BBQ Cheddar Chicken” in half and enjoyed them together🐄🐓♥️

Impressions and Summary

How was it?

The “BBQ Cheddar Burger” and “BBQ Cheddar Chicken” each have their own merits and characteristics, so I recommend trying both to find your favorite!

Please visit the new Shibuya location and give them a try🍔✨