Eating Stuff

I was going to open this by saying that I’m not really a big fast food person in the US, but that is actually not true at all. I just don’t eat burgers because I am a vegetarian, but I have documented my enthusiasm for Egg McMuffins (without sausage) and I also go to Taco Time all the time, which if you ask me is not even really fast food because it is so expensive, but I don’t think most people would agree.

I’ve been getting the same thing at Taco Time for as long as I’ve been able to eat and I think that’s part of the appeal of fast food—it seems like a really static thing. You can get a Big Mac pretty much anywhere in the world at any time in recent history and it would taste the same, or so I hear, I’ve never actually eaten a Big Mac. This article portrays the advent and success of something as basic as Doritos Locos tacos as a being a total coup in the industry because stuff just rarely changes that much. McDonald’s’ failed attempts at innovation have found a final resting place on this Wikipedia page of discontinued menu items, which I find endlessly fascinating. Did you know that in the 60s they were trying to figure something to offer for Catholics on meatless Fridays, so they ran two competing sandwiches: a Hulaburger in which the beef patty was replaced with a slice of grilled pineapple vs. Filet-o-Fish? Guess which one won.

Innovation in fast food is more successful abroad when adjustment to different palates almost requires certain adaptations, like the McFalafel in Egypt or the McSatay in Indonesia or the McRice in Taiwan (those are all real). I’ve always thought that walking into a McDonald’s in a foreign country is a great way to experience the local culture. This guy’s idea for an Epcot-style McWorld where you can get all the menu items available at all McDonald’s international franchises is totally genius.

Because of the predominance of different religious restrictions on meat eating in India, none of the country’s McDonald’ses serve beef or pork, which I think makes it probably the most innovative McDonald’s in the world. As a vegetarian I find this dreamily next level. I’ve “liked” Indian McDonald’s on Facebook and have been poring over their website for the past few days and I’m really only writing this post to show you all the things I’m going to eat when I’m there next month:

Veg Supreme McMuffin™

Grilled veggie patty, with soft mushy spinach at the core along with tender corn, uniquely baked to have a crisp exterior and a soft & tender interior. Additionally spiced up with tangy mint mayonnaise, tomatoes and onions to give you not just a good morning, but a SUPREME morning!

Masala Grill Veg

It’s the taste your tongue knows well. A bit of bay leaves, peppercorns, and garam masala sprinkled on a tastefully grilled patty create one lip smacking flavour. Packed between caramelised buns with a bed of fresh onion, this burger is as Indian as it gets.

McAloo Tikki™

Crafted specially for India, McAloo Tikki™ continues to woo Indian hearts. A combination of a potato and peas patty with special Indian spices coated with breadcrumbs, served with sweet tomato mayo, fresh onions, tomatoes in a regular bun.

McSpicy™ Paneer

Spice up your life with unique McSpicy™ Paneer. A balanced blend of freshly caramelized bread, tender and soft crispy coated paneer which has spicy and dairy notes, fresh crisp lettuce and creamy tandoori mayonnaise taste. McSpicy™ Paneer won’t only satisfy your need for spice but also satiate your hunger!

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