Shake Shack Singapore's second outlet at Neil Rd is all about heritage and a crispy fried chicken burger

Getting in line for anything and everything is considered a national pastime for most Singaporeans and last year's snaking queues at Shake Shack's first outlet at Jewel is a spot-on testament to that. And now there's a second outpost to disperse the hungry crowd from Jewel — in the prime spot of Neil Road. Where you'll already find an eclectic mix of F&B establishments — of the old and new – planted alongside the neighbourhood. One thing's that for sure? It's hard to miss it, as it takes over a huge heritage building with an illustrious history dating back to 1924. It used to be Eun Aun Tong factory where the production of Singapore's famed Tiger Balm happened for close to 50 years.

Paying tribute to its location, Shake Shack Neil Road steers towards an artistic movement of Singapore's heritage and culture — starting with its interiors. You'll find the iconic Shake Shack logo propped up against vibrant patterns of the Peranakan culture. Where cultural inclusivity meets the reputable chain's New York origins. Ahead of the its opening, Shake Shack also partnered with local designer Sam Lo, to achieve a masterpiece (featuring beautiful floor tiles to mythical animals) dedicated as a love letter to the enclave. And we're all for local talent representation. While the temporary mural is now taken down and in its place, sparkly luminescent fairy lights are used to jushe up the outer décor. One glance inside and you will be in awe at the Madison Square Park inspired foliage complemented by opulent lighting. And as you lounge in the cushy leather booths, it's hard not to notice the hallmark traits of the stunning tiger mural — paying tribute to the Tiger Balm factory once operating in Shake Shack's fresh abode.

The interiors aren't the only thing that set this outlet apart from the one at Jewel. For all those that have become all too familiar with the classic beef burgers, hot dogs, and crinkle cut fries, there are new additions to love. Starting with the exclusive Chick'n Shack. Making its Southeast Asia debut, this moreish burger is an instant win — featuring a crispy slow-cooked chicken breast with a creamy buttermilk marinade that we swiftly devoured it. Did we mention that this crisp dream is a 100% all natural, antibiotic-free chicken breast? For something sweet, eat your way to the concretes. Starring a fusion of sought-after local ingredients and flavours in a vanilla custard broth, your taste buds are in for a treat with the Eye of the Tiger's chillingly dense frozen custard. Fancy all things sesame? The Open Sesame concrete with black sesame paste decked in plain vanilla brownies and gold-dusted chocolate is guaranteed to be your next go-to source of savoury indulgence. And while you savour in these desserts, 5% of its sales will go to a non-profit organisation called Very Special Art Singapore, enabling opportunities for the disabled through arts — giving a whole new meaning to comfort food.

Doors open to the public on 7 February, from 7.30pm-12am. Be the first to try the Chick'n Shack exclusively available at 89 Neil Road from 7-9 February before heading to Shake Shack's Jewel thereafter.

Opening hours: (Mon-Thurs) 11am to 10pm, (Fri & Sat) 11am to 12midnight, (Sunday) 11am to 10pm