Remember the wild exultations and salivations when an international fast food chain last opened in India and we (almost) felt like the chosen ones? International fast food brands are flocking the food scene in India, and for some of us, it’s a regular and convenient option.
But have you ever wondered if there’s a difference in the quality and selection of food these brands offer in India and in their outlets abroad?
Turns out, there’s a world of difference in the menu and, at times, even in the taste and quality.
1. McDonald’s
From quick ‘Snack wraps’ to ‘Apple dippers’ to ‘Fruits & Walnuts’ to ‘Chipotle barbecue burgers’ and ‘Third pounders’, McDonald’s needs to up their game in India.
For someone who has only been acquainted with what McDonald’s offers in India, a look at the USA menu will make you crosscheck if it is McD’s menu at all. From quick ‘Snack wraps’ to ‘Apple dippers’ to ‘Fruits & Walnuts’, which is served with wedges of crisp apples, juicy red grapes, candied walnuts and low-fat vanilla yogurt, to the burger section flaunting chipotle barbecue choices in bacon, beefy cheesy delights and ‘Third pounders’, as much as we appreciate ‘Mc Aloo tikki’ in India, we would like to try other things as well.
2. Johnny Rockets
The American outlets serve ‘Philly Cheese Steak’ which is not available in the Indian outlets.
While we are glad Johnny Rockets finally launched its outlet in India, and we are happy with them. But did you know the American outlets serve ‘Philly Cheese Steak’, which is, thinly sliced sirloin steak, grilled to perfection & topped with grilled onions & choice of cheese and is served on an authentic hearth-baked Amoroso roll?
3. Domino’s
We are missing out on Chicken and Bacon Carbonara and Meatzzas in India.
Don’t you wish you could walk into a Domino’s outlet or place an order for a ‘Chicken and Bacon Carbonara’ inspired by a blend of sophisticated marinara and alfredo sauce or a ‘Meatzza Feast’, which is topped with pepperoni, ham, Italian sausage and beef topped with extra cheese made with 100% real mozzarella, or a ‘Cheese steak/bacon ranch pizza’? We sure do. Make it happen soon?
4. Burger King
Burger King needs to revamp its foodlets in India and add the ‘Tendercrisp Chicken Sandwich On Artisan Bun’ ASAP.
When Burger King announced its outlet in India, it was quite a celebration. But as it turned out, it disappointed people. Not only do the stackers, ‘Bacon & Cheddar’, ‘Double-Cheeseburgers’, ‘Tendercrisp Chicken Sandwich On Artisan Bun’ not feature anywhere on the menu, the dessert section also looks like a promise half kept. No, seriously, where is the ‘Dutch Apple Pie’?
5. KFC
‘Chicken and biscuit bowl’, ‘ Roasted Caesar salad’, ‘Little bucket parfaits’, ‘Pot pie’, and ‘Apple pie minis’, KFC are you listening?
Even if KFC is slowly (and yes, steadily) introducing newer items on the list, there are some we are desperately waiting for to feature. ‘Rice Bowl’ is good but wouldn’t the option of choosing from and ordering for a ‘Chicken and biscuit bowl’, ‘ Roasted Caesar salad’, ‘Little bucket parfaits’, ‘Pot pie’, and ‘Apple pie minis’ be even better?
6. Starbucks
Turns out we are missing out on ‘Fresh Blueberries and Honey Greek Yogurt Parfait’.
The opening of Starbucks in India was nothing short of a festival. People queued up to either have their first sip/bite of the branded drink/food the outlet had to offer or to put their their craving for Starbucks to a temporary rest. Did you know Starbucks in the States offers really neat and comprehensive bistro box meals and a million other desserts? Wondering how long before we walk into Starbucks and order for a ‘Fresh Blueberries and Honey Greek Yogurt Parfait’. *Sigh*
7. Subway
How long before we walk into Subway and order for a ‘Black Forest hams’, ‘Meatball Marinaras’, and ‘Monterey Chicken Melts’?
A favourite with all the health freaks (or not), Subway looks perfect with its spread. But turns out, we are missing out on a whole lot of delights like ‘Cold cut combos’, ‘Black Forest hams’, ‘Meatball Marinaras’, ‘Monterey Chicken Melts’ and *droolingalready* ‘Cheese & Steak’. Dear Subway, please revise the menu – this prayer is serious.
8. Nando’s
Nando’s needs to introduce ‘Rib-eye Steak Sandwich’, ‘Chocolate Chilli Cookies’, ‘Raspberry Brulee Cheesecake’ in India.
Nando’s launched itself in India with a lot of promises. But if you compare India’s menu with that of the USA’s, it does not offer half the number of items in the dessert section as it does in the States. Apart from the famous Rib-eye Steak Sandwich, why did they choose to bid goodbye to ‘Chocolate Chilli Cookies’ or ‘Raspberry Brulee Cheesecake’ for the ones who live in India? Oh, sweet sweet pain!
9. Krispy Kreme
You will not find apple fritters, fun-shaped doughnuts, powdered doughnut with lemon kreme, or cinnanom buns in Indian outlets.
It is difficult to tolerate any excuses for desserts that miss from a menu. Krispy Kreme launched in India and anyone who brings donuts are most welcome, but you will not find apple fritters, basketball/tennisball/baseball/emoticon/some-other-fun-shaped doughnuts, powdered doughnut with lemon kreme, or cinnanom buns in Indian outlets. Why? Do-nut know!
10. Dunkin Donuts
Looks like we are missing out on bagels, hash browns, and, danishes with flavours like apple and cheese.
Life looked better till we stumbled upon the menu of Dunkin Donuts in other countries. Looks like we are missing out on bagels, hash browns, danishes with flavours like apple and cheese and strawberry and cheese, and also some warm goodness like hot chocolate smores. Feeling cheated on, right?
