The Fries Substitution That Will Take Your Five Guys Experience Up A Notch

In terms of sheer customizability, Subway may beat out the world's sandwich shops, but Five Guys Burger & Fries owns the burger game. According to Five Guys, steadfast customers can unlock more than 250,000 burger combos — which explains why the burger joint has such a stand-out secret menu. But while Five Guys' impressive amount of burger options may make it easy to focus on its famous main course, avid fast food fans wouldn't dare overlook the restaurant's just-as-beloved side.

We're of course talking about the fries Five Guys commits to making from Idaho potatoes cultivated at least a 43 parallel, per Newsweek. But while you might assume there is no way to make a lunch at Five Guys better than to pair your cheeseburger with some of its original crispy, boardwalk-style fries, Taste of Home reports you can substitute this classic with something that will bring your everyday order to the next level. 

If you're a spice fan, you're probably already familiar with Cajun seasoning. Although this delightful mix may be known for its delicious effect on a pot of Louisiana gumbo, it's also a perfect way to top off a bed of crispy fries. In fact, Louisiana fast-food chain Popeyes features a variety of Cajun-seasoned fries on its menu. And while Five Guys was born in Virginia, it also offers hungry burger fans Cajun-style fries, per Five Guys.

As the outlet reports there's no difference between the fry quality of the original, Five Guys classic fries and its cajun-seasoned counterpart. So you'll be getting that same perfectly crunchy mouthfeel that the restaurant's fries are known for. Five Guys classic fries are only cooked up with salt, per Five Guys, but its Cajun fries' spices are much more involved. By ordering the Cajun fries, you'll be savoring a side that's dosed in garlic, salt, onion, paprika, oregano, white pepper, and red pepper. 

Taste of Home reports that Cajun fries are "highly recommended" — and plenty of reviewers back up the site's claim. According to Brand Eating, the Cajun fries do have a lot more salt flavor than the Five Guys style variety. Brand Eating stated the Cajun fries, overall, resemble a more spice-infused batch of the seasoned fries you'd find at fast food chains like Checkers.

While Brand Eating had high praises, a food reviewer from Insider went as far as to report that out of the milkshakes, burgers, and sides they tested at Five Guys, the Cajun-style side was the fast-food chain's number one item. The writer also reported that Cajun fries have a serious flavor profile. And they even noted that they'd go for Cajun fries over Five Guy's classic-style side any day of the week.

And if you're now set on ordering this spice-heavy side for yourself, you'll be pleased to know that while the chain isn't nearly as cheap as McDonald's, according to its website, the Cajun and classic-style fries are the same price. So you'll be able to see what all of the hype is about and experience a delicious fry upgrade without any extra cost.