Three Months on, Royal Stacks Continues to Stack up Fans
Breaking into Beijing’s crowded burger market is no mean feat (at the Beijinger’s last rough count there are literally hundreds of restaurants in the city that serve burgers) but that wasn’t going to stop Aussie chain Royal Stacks, which opened its first northern China location in the Vanke Times Center near Shilipu in September. After grabbing attention with their star-studded launch party where they gave away 1,000 free burgers, three months on they are still gaining (and keeping) fans with their extravagant burgers and creative specials.
Royal Stacks' signature burgers and sides
For Royal Stacks’ owner Dani Zeini, the secret behind their success all comes down to their Australian beef. “I don’t think anyone has made the commitment that we have to quality,” he says, proudly. “There may be a better tasting burger in China but I don’t think anyone can say they use better beef.” Said beef is pasture-fed, GMO-free, antibiotic-free, and hormone-free and goes into patties that are freshly minced and hand-shaped every day, and then served in buns made just next door by bakery Bake Culture.
Beyond these simple elements, however, the sky is the limit when it comes to toppings and sides, so everyone can find a combination they enjoy. Fancy a mac and cheese croquette in your burger? You’ll find that in The King. Like it spicy? The Master Dani comes topped with Chongqing-style special sauce. “Seeing people try something new and having a positive response has been amazing,” Dani says.
The colorful interior at Royal Stacks
Without a doubt, another factor that has set Royal Stacks apart is the oh-so-Instagrammable interior (often crucial in attracting social media savvy urbanites), inspired by the cultural melting pot that is their native Melbourne. The decor incorporates elements of retro 50s diner style alongside colorful Spanish influences. “We were also lucky to have [Melbourne-based artist] Jasmin Mansbridge paint out walls. Her story is as Australian as it comes and the colors, shapes, and patterns remind me of the optimism I feel at home,” Zeini explains.
This openness to multicultural fusion and experimentation comes through across the menu, not just in the burgers but also in fun, limited-edition specials such as cheeseburger dumplings, available on Monday nights only until the end of December. The dumplings are filled with 100 percent Aussie beef and cheese, topped with ketchup, American mustard, and a slice of pickle, making for a combination that is as delicious as it is unexpected.
Cheeseburger dumplings, an unusual yet delicious fusion
Looking forward, expect to see plenty more creative specials like the cheeseburger dumplings make their way onto the menu, including loaded fries and special sauces that incorporate local recipes and ingredients. “This is the most exciting part for me. I’m looking to introduce so many menu items with a local Chinese flavor, so even though the humble hamburger might be foreign, the flavor still feels nostalgic,” Zeini finishes.
For more information about their regular specials, follow Royal Stacks on WeChat at WeChat ID: RoyalStacks.
Royal Stacks
Mon-Wed 11am-10pm, Thu-Sun 11am-midnight. 1/F, Vanke Times Center, Shilipu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区十里堡甲3号院1号楼万科时代中心L1001-01
This post is paid for by Royal Stacks
Photos courtesy of Royal Stacks
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