10 Hidden Koukh Al Shay Menu Combos You Need to Try in 2025

You've ordered your usual Karak Tea a hundred times. Maybe throw in some Chicken Popcorn when you're feeling adventurous. But here's the thing—you're playing it safe when there's a whole world of customization hiding right under your nose.

Most people treat café menus like they're carved in stone. Order what's listed, pay, done. But the real players? They know that the menu is just a starting point. Whether you're hitting up Koukh Al Shay's Izghawa location or the Kharaitiyat branch, there are modifications, add-ons, and combinations that'll make your order hit differently every single time.

Let's break down the customization game that's been hiding in plain sight.

Why Everyone's Waking Up to Menu Customization

Customizable tasting menus and personalized dining experiences have become standard in 2025—people aren't just looking for food anymore. They want their exact vibe, their specific craving, their perfect combo.

Digital menus now let customers tailor dishes based on dietary needs, allergies, or flavor profiles, which means cafés are built to handle your requests. The staff at places like Koukh Al Shay? They've heard it all. Your customization isn't annoying—it's expected.

Plus, research shows customers are more satisfied when they feel they've crafted something unique. That Zinger Wrap you modified three ways? It's yours now. You're invested.

1. Karak Tea: Your Personal Liquid Gold

Let's start with the crown jewel—Karak Tea. This isn't just tea with milk and sugar. It's a whole experience, and most people don't realize how much control they have over it.

Dial Your Spice Level

The standard Karak hits with cardamom, but here's where it gets interesting. You can request more or less cardamom, or add whole peppercorns and cinnamon sticks for variation. Want that spice to slap harder? Ask for extra cardamom. Prefer it mellow? They'll go lighter.

Some regulars even request ginger slices thrown in. Others ask for a pinch of saffron to elevate the whole thing. The point is—your spice tolerance is your business, not theirs.

Milk Moves

Evaporated milk makes the chai creamy and rich, but you can use sweetened condensed milk and skip added sugar. This is huge if you're watching your sugar intake but still want that thick, luxurious texture.

Going dairy-free? Karak tea is easy to tweak—whether you like it more or less sweet, spicy, or creamy. Ask about oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Most locations stock alternatives now.

Sweetness Control

Sugar content in karak tea traditionally exceeds standard tea preparations, but you can adjust sweetness levels according to personal preference. Request your sugar on the side, go half-sweet, or ask them to skip it entirely. Your call.

2. Indomie Varieties: The Ultimate Customization Playground

Indomie at a café sounds basic until you realize it's basically a build-your-own flavor bomb. Let's look at what's actually on the menu and what you can do with it.

The standard lineup includes:

• Hotdog Indomie (Rial 14)
• Chicken Nashif Indomie (Rial 14)
• Pubg Indomie (Rial 16)
• Vegetable Indomie (Rial 13)
• Tikka Indomie (Rial 15)
• Zinger Indomie (Rial 16)

The Swap Game

Here's the move: take the protein from one dish and drop it into another base. Love the Zinger chicken but want it on the Vegetable Indomie? Done. Want double protein? Ask for both Tikka and Hotdog on one plate. They charge you accordingly, but it's your custom creation.

Spice Adjustments

The Zinger Indomie and Pubg Indomie come with heat, but you control the dial. Ask them to go lighter on the seasoning packet if you're spice-sensitive. Or request extra chili if you're built different.

Texture Preferences

Want your noodles softer? Crispier toppings? Less sauce or more liquid? These aren't printed options, but they're totally doable. Kitchen staff can adjust cooking time and sauce ratios—just speak up.

3. Paratha Sandwiches: Hidden Flavor Combinations

The Paratha section is where things get wild. These aren't your standard sandwich wraps—they're flaky, buttery canvases waiting for your creativity.

Available varieties include:

• Chicken Kabab Paratha (Rial 9)
• Chips Oman Paratha (Rial 5)
• Chicken Chili Paratha (Rial 6)
• Tikka Paratha (Rial 7)
• Zinger Paratha (Rial 14)
• Pubg Paratha (Rial 11)

Sauce Swaps

Secret menu items generate interest because they allow customers to modify or craft custom recipes to their tastes. The sauces listed on each paratha? Completely flexible.

That Zinger Paratha comes with mayo, lettuce, tomato. But ask for dynamite sauce instead of mayo. Or request both. Want garlic tahina? Specify it. Most locations have multiple sauce options behind the counter—they're just waiting for you to ask.

Add-On Game

The Pubg Paratha already comes with Chicken Tikka, Cheese, Dynamite Sauce, and Cheetos. But you can level it up. Ask them to add French fries inside (they do this for other parathas). Request extra cheese. Double the Cheetos. The menu shows combinations, but you're the one building the final product.

Spice Control

The Chicken Chili Paratha brings heat. If that's too much, ask for the chili on the side. Or request they go light on the spice mix. Conversely, if you're chasing fire, ask for extra jalapeños or additional chili sauce.

4. Fresh Burgers: Build Beyond the Menu

Restaurants now allow guests to fully customize their meals beyond standard menus, with burgers where diners want to swap, build, and create their way. The Fresh Burger section at Koukh Al Shay is perfect for this.

The lineup includes:

• Grilled Mushroom Beef Burger (Rial 31)
• Grilled Mushroom Chicken Burger (Rial 27)
• Grilled Fresh Beef Burger (Rial 26)
• New York Talk Double Beef Burger (Rial 30)
• Grilled Chicken Burger (Rial 24)

Protein Swaps

The Grilled Mushroom Beef Burger comes with beef, mushrooms, yellow cheese, lettuce, and fries. Want chicken instead? Ask them to use the grilled chicken from the Grilled Chicken Burger. Most places will accommodate protein swaps for a reasonable adjustment.

Cheese Upgrades

Notice how some burgers list "New York Yellow Cheese" while others just say "Yellow Cheese"? Ask if you can upgrade. Or request cheddar white cheese if they have it from the Dynamite section. Cheese makes or breaks a burger—don't settle.

Vegetable Adjustments

Hate lettuce? Swap it for extra tomato. Want grilled onions instead of raw? Specify it. Pickles, jalapeños, cucumbers—these are all sitting in prep containers. You're just asking them to rearrange the components.

Bun Options

The menu doesn't list this, but ask if they can toast your bun extra crispy. Or request it lightly warmed. Some people even ask for their burger wrapped in lettuce instead of the bun (not printed, but doable if you're cutting carbs).

5. Milkshakes: Mix Your Own Signature Blend

Standard milkshake flavors are solid:

• Snickers Premium Shake (Rial 19)
• Lotus Shake (Rial 19)
• Oreo Shake (Rial 19)
• Ferrero Rocher Milkshake (Rial 19)
• Kinder Shake (Rial 19)

But here's the hack: combine two flavors. Ask for half Lotus, half Oreo. Or Kinder mixed with Ferrero. They're all the same price, so creating a custom blend doesn't cost extra—you're just getting creative with ratios.

Thickness Control

Want it thicker? Ask for extra ice cream or less milk. Prefer it drinkable instead of spoon-worthy? Request more milk. They control the blender—you control the consistency.

Topping Additions

The shakes come with their signature ingredients, but you can request extras. Want crushed Lotus biscuit on top of your Oreo shake? Ask. Chocolate drizzle? Sure. Most toppings are already stocked for other items.

6. Wrap Sandwiches: The Sauce Situation

Available wraps include:

• Chicken Nashif Wrap (Rial 14)
• Doha Arabic (Rial 18)
• Zinger Wrap (Rial 17)
• Twister Wrap (Rial 21)

The sauce choice changes everything. That Zinger Wrap comes with mayo by default, but dynamite sauce is available (they use it in other items). The Doha Arabic has tikka nuggets with mayo—but you can request garlic sauce, ranch, or any other option they stock.

Double Sauce Strategy

Ask for sauce on the side and inside the wrap. This way, you control how much goes in, and you've got backup for dipping. Some people request two different sauces—mayo inside, dynamite on the side.

Vegetable Modifications

Extra lettuce for crunch? No tomatoes? Add pickles from the burger section? These adjustments are free and take seconds to implement. Don't be shy.

7. Club Sandwiches: Triple-Decker Freedom

The Club section offers:

• Zinger Club (Rial 19)
• Tikka Club (Rial 18)
• Chicken Club (Rial 17)
• Pubg Club (Rial 20)

These are triple-decker sandwiches, which means you've got multiple layers to customize. Want the Zinger Club but prefer grilled chicken? They can swap it. Want to add turkey slices from another sandwich? Ask about it.

Bread Preferences

Ask for your bread toasted darker or lighter. Some people request the middle slice removed entirely (making it a double-decker). Others want extra bread to make it more filling.

8. Dynamite Items: Heat Level Control

The Dynamite section includes:

• Chicken Dynamite (Rial 31)
• Shrimps Dynamite (Rial 32)

Dynamite sauce is the star here, but you control the burn. Request light dynamite for flavor without the fire. Or ask for extra if you're chasing heat. Some regulars request the sauce on the side so they can pace themselves.

Cheese and Cheetos Add-Ons

The Mix Potato Chicken with Cheetos version exists in this section—but you can request Cheetos added to the standard Chicken Dynamite. Or ask for extra cheese. These modifications might cost a bit more, but you're building your perfect plate.

9. Fresh Juices: Create Your Signature Mix

The Signature Mix Juices section already shows creative combos:

• Amoor (Banana, Guava, Ice, Milk, Sugar - Rial 18)
• Kebrit (Grape, Strawberry, Vanilla Ice Cream, Fruit Mix - Rial 20)
• Prestige (Pistachio Sauce, Avocado, Vanilla Ice Cream - Rial 20)

But here's the move: ask to combine elements from different juices. Love the Amoor but want mango added? Request it. Want the Prestige but without pistachio? They'll adjust.

Sweetness Adjustments

Request less sugar or ask for it on the side. Some people ask for honey instead of sugar for a different sweetness profile. The juice is made fresh, so adjustments are easy.

10. Breakfast Combos: All-Day Modifications

The Break Fast section includes:

• Grilled Halloumi Slice (Rial 9)
• Smoked Turkey Slice (Rial 9)
• Scrambled Egg Slice (Rial 9)

These are listed as breakfast items, but ask if they're available all day. Many locations will make breakfast items during non-breakfast hours if you request them.

Egg Customization

Restaurants pay close attention to how meal descriptions are written, but smart diners know they can apply custom requests. That Scrambled Egg Slice? Ask for your eggs cooked softer or firmer. Request extra cheese. Add vegetables from other menu items.

How to Hack Your Order Like a Pro

Now you know what's possible. Here's how to actually do it without looking clueless.

Be Clear and Direct: "Can I get the Zinger Paratha with dynamite sauce instead of mayo, extra cheese, and light on the spice?" beats "Um, can you change some stuff?"

Time It Right: Complex modifications work better when they're not slammed. Hit them during off-peak hours if you're building something elaborate.

Know the Pricing: Add-ons might cost extra. Ask upfront: "If I add Cheetos to this, what's the charge?" No surprises on the bill.

Build Relationships: Regular customers who are cool with staff get better treatment. Learn names, tip well, be patient. Your customization requests become easier over time.

The Real Game: What's Actually Behind the Counter

The "paradox of choice" suggests too many options create anxiety, but the right amount of customization feels empowering. That's the sweet spot you're aiming for.

When customers know a restaurant will make dishes to their specific tastes, they return for that experience. Your custom Tikka Indomie with double spice and extra cheese? That's your signature now. Nobody else is ordering it, but it's perfect for you.

The menu at Koukh Al Shay is extensive, but it's also flexible. The printed items are suggestions—starting points for you to build from. The kitchen has dozens of ingredients, multiple sauces, various toppings, and proteins that can be mixed and matched.

Quick Reference: Common Customizations by Category

Menu Section | Easy Customizations | Advanced Moves

Karak Tea | Spice level, sweetness, milk type | Extra cardamom, ginger slices, saffron

Indomie | Protein swaps, spice adjustments | Double protein, texture changes, extra toppings

Parathas | Sauce changes, cheese additions | Multiple fillings combined, custom spice mix

Fresh Burgers | Vegetable swaps, cheese upgrades | Protein substitutions, bun alternatives

Wraps | Sauce modifications, extra veggies | Double sauce strategy, custom filling ratios

What to Expect When Customizing

Different locations have different capabilities. The Izghawa location might have slightly different ingredient availability than Kharaitiyat. Ask what's possible at your spot.

Most modifications are free if you're swapping or removing ingredients. Additions usually cost extra. The staff will tell you upfront if there's a charge.

Technology plays a crucial role in customization trends, with digital ordering systems making modifications more transparent. Some locations let you customize through ordering apps, while others require you to specify in person.

Data analytics are helping restaurants understand customer preferences and create tailored experiences. Your custom orders might eventually become official menu items if enough people request the same modifications.

Taking Your Order Game to the Next Level

Flexibility is key to meeting customer expectations, and cafés like Koukh Al Shay are built for it. The menu is a framework, not a prison sentence.

Next time you're ordering, don't default to the standard. Think about what you actually want. That Pubg Paratha with extra Cheetos and light spice? The Grilled Chicken Burger with dynamite sauce and no tomatoes? The Karak Tea with oat milk, extra cardamom, and honey instead of sugar?

It's all sitting right there. You just have to ask.

The printed menu is version 1.0. Your customized version? That's the upgrade nobody told you about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do customizations cost extra?

Swapping or removing ingredients is usually free. Adding extra toppings, premium ingredients, or additional proteins typically costs more. Ask before ordering if price matters. Staff will tell you the exact charge upfront.

What if my customization is too complicated?

Start simple. One or two modifications are easy for any kitchen to handle. If you're building something elaborate with five changes, expect it to take longer. During rush hours, stick to simpler adjustments.

Can I customize during busy times?

You can, but complex orders might take longer when they're slammed. If you're doing major customization, off-peak hours work better. Otherwise, keep it to two or three simple changes.

Will the staff think I'm being difficult?

Not if you're polite about it. Frame requests as questions: "Would it be possible to swap the mayo for dynamite sauce?" instead of "Change this to that." Most staff appreciate customers who know what they want.

What if a location doesn't have the ingredient I want?

Different branches stock slightly different items. If your customization requires something they don't have, ask what alternatives they can offer. The Kharaitiyat branch might have options the Izghawa location doesn't, and vice versa.

Can I combine items from different menu sections?

Sometimes. The kitchen has all the ingredients prepped, so theoretically, anything can be combined. The question is whether it makes sense and whether they can charge for it properly. Ask specifically: "Can I get the chicken from the Club section in a Paratha instead?"

How do I know what sauces and add-ons are available?

Look at other menu items. If dynamite sauce is listed on one dish, they have it in the kitchen. Same with Cheetos, different cheeses, pickles, jalapeños. The ingredient list across the entire menu tells you what's possible. Don't be afraid to ask: "What sauces do you have?"

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