Saturday, April 14, 2012

McDonald's around the world

I used to feel annoyed to see a McDonald's when travelling but now it means a place where there will be a clean bathroom and free wireless and perhaps even a place to have a beer on a nice terrace.  We had some time to kill in Rome before catching a train and we saw this great looking terrace in the sun....turned out to be a McDonald's.  The beer and the people watching were great.

It seems that McDonald's has created a number of interesting local items in various countries....wish we could get them in North America.  I found it rather interesting to see what was created for the locals.

Here are some examples:

India:  McSpicy Paneer
A fried curd cheese patty spiced with cajun flavour, topped with red cabbage, celery, vegetarian mayo, salsa, and cheddar cheese.




Malaysia:
Bubur Ayam McD is Chicken Porridge topped with chicken strips, scallions, ginger, fried shallots and diced chiles.




Spain: Gazpacho Soup
A classic summer soup, served chilled. Chopped tomatoes, onions, cucumber, peppers, celery, flavored with lemon juice and Tabasco. Specific ingredients vary by chef.



Japan: Ebi Filet-O
Small shrimp battered in egg and wheat flour, breaded with a panko crust and deep fried. Served on a sesame seed bun, a slice of lettuce and a pickle relish.




Hawaii: Hawaiin Spam Deluxe Breakfast: Spam is so popular in Hawaii it has been dubbed "The Hawaiian Steak," so it is no surprise that McDonald's put the meat in their Deluxe Breakfast. Eggs, rice, hashbrowns, spam and toast.




Now, from the ridiculous (Spam of all things...what about mahi mahi?) to the sublime and I'm glad it's Canadian (I'll keep the fact they also make a poutine for Quebec a secret....)

The McLobster
The Canadian Maritimes and Maine (Seasonally) A corporate twist to the New England lobster roll. Lobster, McLobster sauce and lettuce in a lightly toasted bun.