Shenzhen Restaurant Review: Royal Stacks

The Place 

Image courtesy of Royal Stacks

Australia’s favorite fast-casual burger chain has arrived in Shenzhen! Royal Stacks is no stranger to China, and after experimenting with openings in Beijing and Chongqing, they have chosen to call Coco Park home.

The Food

When we arrived, there was a long queue snaking from the order window (despite it being 8pm on a Tuesday). No doubt about it, this place is in demand. We decided to try the ‘Single Stack’ (RMB46), the meat-heavy ‘Bacon Bacon’ (RMB78) and, to top off the calorific meal, classic fries and freshly-whipped milkshakes. While you can’t go wrong with either, the Bacon Bacon burger was particularly delicious, scoring top marks with the perfect ratio of bun to meat to cheese. Royal Stacks make all their patties with fresh 100% Australian beef, and it’s a difference you can taste. 

Image courtesy of Royal Stacks

To show off the quality of their meat, the patties we tasted were not laden with salt (atypical of fast-food burgers), and could in fact have used an extra sprinkle of NaCl. The fries came in a large blue box and were reminiscent of McDonald’s fries – crispy and thin, but again, with less salt (and without nearly as many grease stains). 

As for the shakes, they were the perfect way to wash down our meal. We were expecting our Oreo shake (RMB39) to consist of crushed Oreo chunks swirled in with vanilla, but it more or less tasted and looked like a chocolate milkshake. The French vanilla milkshake (RMB33) was classically delightful, with perfect consistency and sweetness.  

The Vibe

Image courtesy of Royal Stacks

Royal Stacks is definitely one for the ‘gram (if you’re that way inclined). With lots of comfy seating, and burgers that more than hold their own, this shop is a no-brainer if you’re looking for a fast-casual burger in Futian’s CBD. 

Price: RMB100
Who’s going: Coco Park regulars, burger bums
Good for: classic roadside burgers, sweet shakes
Nearest metro: Shopping Park (Exit F), 10 minutes’ walk 

Open daily, 10am-10pm. See listing for Royal Stacks.

[Cover image courtesy of Royal Stacks]