Shake Shack’s New Shake Is Unlike Anything It’s Done Before

Shake Shack is kicking off 2026 with a new K-Shack menu, inspired by Korean cooking and flavors.

The beloved burger joint previously shared its spin on Korean fried chicken a few years ago, when it debuted a gochujang -glazed chicken sandwich and other related items in 2021 and again in 2024. Now, it's bringing it back for the third time, and with two completely new ways to enjoy the " sweet heat ."

Heading out as part of the revamped menu is the original K-Shack Fried Chicken Sandwich, K-Shack BBQ Burger and fries, along with the new K-Shack Fried Chicken Bites and K-Shack Spicy Caramel Shake—the brand's first-ever sweet-and-spicy milkshake .

Shake Shack's Korean-Style Menu Items Return With 2 Newcomers

Shake Shack's original K-Shack menu was inspired by the team's earliest culinary trips to Seoul, where they fell in love with the capital city and its "vibrant fried chicken scene" before opening the first Shake Shack in South Korea in 2016, according to an official statement.

The decision to bring it back again this year was influenced by the "strong guest response" the menu received when it launched in 2021 and 2024, but this time around, Shake Shack wanted to be "bolder" than ever before, leaving nothing off-limits (including dessert).

"The return of our Korean-style menu brings back some guest favorites while introducing two items that push our creativity further, like our first-ever saucy chicken bites and a shake that balances heat and sweetness in a whole new way," John Karangis, executive chef and vice president of culinary innovation at Shake Shack, shared in a statement. "This menu brings together sweet, spicy and savory flavors our guests love. It's a lineup that reflects the spirit of Shake Shack and the global flavor inspiration that continues to drive our menu forward."

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In other words, fans across the country appear to be getting exactly what they've been asking for—and more, as it's taking over the entire menu.

Starting with what's completely new are the K-Shack Fried Chicken Bites and the K-Shack Spicy Caramel Shake.

The K-Shack Fried Chicken Bites recipe starts with antibiotic-free, hand-breaded white-meat chicken breast , cut into bite-sized pieces. The dippable nuggets are then bathed in the spicy-sweet sesame gochujang glaze and topped with fresh scallions. It's heading nationwide as a six-piece entree for $6.49.

And because no meal is complete without a sweet treat, Shake Shack is doubling down on its use of globally-inspired flavors, offering a gochujang caramel-flavored frozen custard topped with whipped cream and more gochujang caramel. Admittedly, it's unlike anything the brand has done before, "leveling up" its creamy, cool, classic treat with a cinnamon-like spice and kick of chili. It's heading nationwide for $6.99.

As for the returning items, they're not free from upgrades and changes, either.

For instance, the K-Shack Fried Chicken Sandwich has been offered before, but never with red kimchi slaw. The 2026 version starts with a toasted potato bun and an antibiotic-free, hand-breaded whole white-meat chicken breast coated in a spicy-sweet sesame gochujang glaze. It's then topped with fresh scallions and Choi's Kimchi cult-favorite slaw before heading to the checkout counter ($10.49). Previous renditions saw the sandwich dressed with white slaw, but this year, Shake Shack chefs aimed to "be bolder," opting for a red kimchi with chili for a peppery kick.

Even Peter Choi, co-owner of Choi's Kimchi Co., called the collab—which customers will only find on the K-Shack Fried Chicken Sandwich—something beyond its "wildest dreams."

"It's been such an amazing collaboration and creative way to introduce kimchi to the masses. We're still carrying on our legacy and ecstatic to once again have our kimchi be a part of Shake Shack's Korean-Inspired Menu," Choi added. "We're beyond grateful for their support and can't wait for everyone to try it!"

The K-Shack BBQ Burger is also returning ($10.49). Featuring a made-to-order quarter-pound 100 percent Angus beef patty stacked on a potato bun with American cheese , crispy sweet onions, fresh scallions and savory Korean BBQ sauce that packs deep umami flavors.

And last, but certainly not least, Shake Shack's crinkle cuts ($5.49) are also getting a cheesy, spicy limited-time makeover. Available next to the original soft and crispy fries is a new K-Shack version, which dresses the side in gooey cheese and a dusting of spicy, dehydrated kimchi seasoning developed by Shake Shack chefs. To round out the flavor (and put out the heat), the fries are served with a side of Korean BBQ sauce.

The new K-Shack menu is heading out to participating Shacks nationwide in two phases. Starting today (Tuesday, Jan. 6), fans can order the new and improved menu items exclusively via the Shake Shack app.

Then, come this Friday , Jan. 9, customers will be able to order any one (or all) of the items in-store, online and in the app—but only for a limited time, while supplies last.

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This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Food & Drink section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.