How would a coconut-flavoured chicken patty taste like? Do we like it? We answer all your burning questions.
With National Day hype building up, of course everyone’s favourite fast-food establishment McDonald’s jumped on the bandwagon to launch their special menu inspired by local flavours – so welcome to the table the Nasi lemak burger, Chendol McFlurry, Bandung McFizz and coconut pie.
The burger: a coconut-flavoured chicken thigh patty, a classic fried egg, caramelized onions, cucumber slices, topped with sambal and served between semolina buns. The sides: the McFlurry with gula melaka and the signature green jelly bits swirled in, a refreshing concoction of Bandung and Sprite, and a coconut pie (but it’s actually nata de coco). We tried it all.
Here’s what we thought about the menu:
Kevin Ho, Editor
The coconut taste you’d expect from nasi lemak comes out surprisingly well without tasting too artificial, and the sambal chilli isn’t too spicy – which works out for spice weaklings like me. I think I’ve found my new, go-to hangover snack.
Delfina Utomo, Writer
All these fake flavours are worse than fake friends. KFC hot devil drumlets for me please.
Nafeesa Saini, Lifestyle Writer
I’m a diehard fan of Nasi Lemak, but putting that in a burger is just … strange. Having said that, the burger was alright, but I wouldn’t order it again. Cucumbers in burgers are just weird. But that cendol ice cream; so good especially with the green jelly.
Donn Dacalanio, Senior Art Director
Everything seemed to be a bit hit and miss. Nasi Lemak Burger was a great try… but that’s it. The Bandung McFizz was sweet, even too sweet for my taste and I eat a whole cake for lunch. The pie was also so-so. I mean, it has already been done. It’s not like those seasonal promo items that the masses wait for again and again like seaweed shaker fries or the prosperity burger.
The Chendol ice cream was the hit for me – the only thing that stands. Maybe they could add a gula melaka syrup on top and make it a sundae!
Dinesh Ajith, Lifestyle Writer
I waited with bated breath for Mcdonald’s next salted-egg yolk abomination for National Day but was pleasantly surprised to see a Nasi Lemak Burger instead. Despite the omission of rice, the burger packs a lot of the nasi lemak flavour. But please, MORE SAMBAL.
Darissa Lee, Junior Photographer
Got a little mind blown when I first bit into the burger. I like it for its novelty, but wouldn’t buy it again. I’d rather get a legit Nasi Lemak for half the price.
The chendol ice cream kinda reminded me of 7-11’s Mr Softee – who is gone but never forgotten. #neverforget
Hubab Hood, Video Producer
On normal days, I’d rather keep it traditional. This will be a good meal to have after a night of bender- full of regrets. Don’t think the ingredients used matches the original Nasi Lemak. I mean, why would you want to change something that is already awesome.
Get yourself better burgers! We know some good spots to have burgers, and also good ol’ proper local food.