Wednesday, October 27, 2010

McDonald's India…

During my first week here I saw a commercial for the “McAloo Tikki Burger”; one of the vegetarian items on the McDonald's menu.  I told myself that when the opportunity presented itself, I would try one.  That opportunity came up the other day when we were at the mall. 

I placed my order for the McAloo, along with an iced tea and potato wedges…all which were on the ‘Happy Price Menu’.  This menu is equivalent to the Dollar Menu in the United States, but cheaper.  My entire order came to 75 Rs, or $1.69 USD.  Not bad.  The McAloo Tikki Burger on the other hand was.  Well, it’s not that it was really bad, it was just bland. 

What, exactly, is a McAloo Tikki Burger?  It’s a burger made of potatoes (aloo), peas and spices served on a bun with tomato, onion and a vegetarian mayonnaise.  I have no idea what is in the mayonnaise, I can only assume that eggs are not.

Will I try it again?  Never say never, but probably not.  What else could one expect to find on the McDonald's menu?  Here’s a little taste:

Vegetarian

"McCurry Pan"
Rectangular shaped crust that is topped with a creamy sauce, mushrooms, and vegetables including broccoli, baby corn, and red bell pepper. It is baked until the crust is crisp and the toppings are hot and bubbly.

“Pizza McPuff”
Rectangular shaped crust, but instead of a creamy sauce, it’s flavored with a tomato-based sauce and topped with carrots, beans, bell peppers, onions, peas and mozzarella cheese.

“Paneer Salsa Wrap”
Small slab of paneer (cheese) dredged in a coating that is a cross between Mexican and Cajun in flavor. It is fried and then wrapped in flatbread and topped with a salad mixture that includes lettuce, red cabbage and celery, then finished with vegetarian mayonnaise, salsa and cheddar cheese.

“McVeggie”
Patty made from peas, carrots, green beans, red bell pepper, potatoes, onions, rice, and seasoning on a sesame seed bun; garnished with lettuce and mayonnaise.

“Crispy Chinese”
A vegetarian patty topped with a creamy Schezwan sauce and lettuce.


Non-Veg

“Chicken McCurry Pan”
Same as its vegetarian version, it starts off with a rectangle of dough and is topped with a tomato-curry sauce, spiced with thyme, basil, and oregano, then finished off with chicken, bell peppers, and cheese and is baked until crisp and bubbly.

“Maharaja Mac”
The Indian version of the Big Mac is made with 2 grilled chicken patties and is topped with onions, tomatoes, cheese and a spicy mayonnaise. It was originally made with lamb but is now made with chicken.

“Chicken McGrill”
A thin grilled chicken patty; embellished with cilantro mayonnaise, onions and tomatoes and served on a toasted bun.

“McSurprise Burger”
This is a new item.  It consists of a mutton patty, onion and Italian mayonnaise.


What’s that you ask, “Where’s the beef?”  There isn’t any; or any pork for that matter.  Cows are sacred to Hindus and Muslims are forbidden from eating pork; so nixay on the bacon cheeseburger.  Another thing about McDonald's over here; because a large percentage of Indians are vegetarian, the preparation of the vegetarian items are done in a separate area from the meat.  In fact, the cooks preparing vegetarian dishes wear a distinctive green apron.

Can you guess where I’ll be driving through when I visit the states next month?  You got it; right through those golden arches.

8 comments:

Blondefabulous said...

Holy Cow! (literally!!) I don't think I could survive without a big and tasty! And bacon... and sausage...... and steak..... and OMG! I'd just die!

Unknown said...

I'll tell you what - you let me know when you're going to be coming in, and I'll a) pick you up at the airport and b) stop at the nearest McDonald's and buy you a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, add Bacon. Meal. Go Large.

hello haha narf said...

i'm really enjoying reading about how you are acclimating to india. thanks for being so descriptive. and i love the posts with photos. you help make me appreciate everything i have here in pittsburgh.
all the best,
becky

hello haha narf said...

also, if your stats are all jacked up it is because i accidentally left your site up on my work computer when i went home last night. not intentionally stalking your site!

Avitable said...

I could go get a Big Mac and put it in a box and send it to you right now if you want!

I was under the impression that you could still get beef in India at specific restaurants that cater to us whiteys.

Badass Geek said...

McSurprise? Seriously?

I would be McScared.

Expat No. 3699 said...

@ Blondefabulous
How ‘bout it? Do you think if I brought beef jerky back with me after my trip home next month I could rehydrate it?

@ LceeL
Paul informed me that there is a McDonald’s at O’Hare just outside of customs!

@ hello haha narf
Being here brings my appreciation for the things I have to a whole new level.

@ Avitable
Ah, if only shipping things here weren’t so expensive. And you’re correct that you can get beef at some restaurants. I just wonder about the quality and more so, where it came from.

@ Badass Geek
Yes, it makes me McScared too. That is why I probably won’t McTry it.

Bama Cheryl said...

Not having beef wouldn't bug me all that much but just the complete absence of it would probably make me want to have some I think. What have you tried at McIndia and what's decent from among what you describe?