Shake Shack Teams Up with Kuwaiti Chef Ahmed Al Zamel for the Boldest Drop Yet

Shake Shack is shaking things up in Kuwait with its boldest menu drop yet. For the very first time in the Middle East, and exclusively in Kuwait, Shake Shack has collaborated with Kuwait’s very own Chef Ahmed Al Zamel to create a limited-time menu made with high-quality ingredients that blend global culinary inspiration with distinctly local flavors.

For 10 days only, guests across Kuwait can savor three new delicious, made-to-order menu items:  The AZ Chicken Burata (2.750 KD) features Shake Shack’s signature crispy chicken breast, topped with farm-fresh local burrata, and Chef Ahmed’s lemon garlic mayo and spice blend.   

No Shake Shack experience is complete without the signature Crinkle Cut fries, and the limited-time AZ Loaded Fries (2.000 KD) are a zesty twist on Shake Shack’s classic, topped with a lemon garlic sauce and spice blend.   

To sweeten the collaboration don’t miss the new AZ Cardamon Tiramisu Shake (2.500 KD) featuring a decadent blend of mascarpone cream, coffee, and hand-spun vanilla shack ice cream infused with cardamon to offer a uniquely sweet, floral, and spicy twist on the Italian classic. The shake comes topped with whipped cream, cocoa powder, and a ladyfinger biscuit. 

Each item reflects Chef Ahmed’s passion for experimenting with flavors which are locally inspired, while staying rooted in his Kuwaiti identity. At the heart of the drop is one special ingredient that makes the AZ Chicken Burrata standout: our fresh, burrata sourced locally from Yasmin Farms in Kuwait, celebrating the best of Kuwait’s own produce.

Known for his love of food and experimentation, Chef Ahmed Al Zamel expressed his excitement about the partnership by saying: “To be the very first chef in the Middle East to collaborate with Shake Shack, and to do it here in Kuwait, is an honor. I’ve always been inspired by cuisines from around the world, but whenever I create something new, I like to add a local touch, making it feel both bold and familiar, and this drop menu is a perfect example of that.”

Speaking about the key ingredient in the sandwich, Chef Ahmed Al Zamel emphasized the importance of sourcing locally: “Using local burrata from Yasmin Farms was especially important to me because it ensures freshness, it’s local taste, and represents the best of what our farms can offer. As you can see, this collaboration is truly Kuwaiti at heart, and I can’t wait for people to try this new limited-edition menu at Shake Shack.

Spotlighting Kuwait as the launchpad for culinary innovation, Chef Jim Frisch, Senior Director of Global Culinary and Product Development at Shake Shack, shared his enthusiasm about bringing the chef collaboration experience to the region: “With our strong culinary heritage rooted in some of the best restaurants in NYC, Shake Shack has the distinct privilege to be able to collaborate with some of the best chefs around the world. We are incredibly excited to offer our first such collaboration throughout the Middle East by partnering with Chef Ahmed to showcase some of his signature flavors on our menu. Starting with the classics our fans have grown to love, Chef Ahmed has put his signature spin on the menu with tangy lemon garlic mayo, locally sourced burrata and his signature spice mix. Indulgent, decadent yet familiar this menu is available for 10 days and is sure to delight our guests throughout Kuwait!”

As for the catalyst of this collaboration, Chef William Zito, Head of Culinary at Alshaya Group, emphasized its significance by saying: “This is a historic moment for Shake Shack in the Middle East. Working with Chef Ahmed was inspiring, his energy, creativity, and passion for local flavor made this menu truly special. From the juicy chicken burger paired with a burst of creamy and fresh burrata to the decadent cardamom tiramisu shake, this drop is bold, indulgent, and deeply rooted in Kuwait’s culinary pride.”

This unique collaboration not only highlights Shake Shack’s commitment to culinary innovation but also celebrates Kuwait’s vibrant food culture on a global stage. By teaming up with Chef Ahmed Al Zamel and Yasmin Farms’ Shake Shack reinforces its belief in food that is both meaningful and memorable. Available for just 10 days across Kuwait in selected shacks, this exclusive and limited-time menu is more than a drop, it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and Kuwaiti pride.