At one point in my life, I was a die-heart McDonald’s lover. Two (2) out of my three (3) daily meals would be devoted exclusively to McDonald’s. I literally could not get enough. Plus, I was a law school student on a limited budget and needed to stretch my dollars as far as possible. Not only was McDonald’s “tasty-ish”, it also fit within my economic constraints.
I must admit while in college and law school, I ate terribly due to necessity and economic constraints; however, with age and financial stability came wisdom and perspective. As a thirty-something, I now no longer indulge in fast food. I don’t even let my children partake in fast food. However, for every rule there is an exception – when traveling internationally I along with my children are allowed to indulge in the fast food experience due primarily to limited dining options and the quick turnaround.
To that end, when I started my significant international travel post law school, I would always have a tendency to locate a McDonald’s to check it out. I did not seek out McDonald’s because I was a lover of McDonald’s or because I was looking for familiar cuisine, rather I seek out McDonald’s for comparison purposes. From Japan to Turkey to Argentina to South Africa to Hong Kong, every McDonald’s has a unique menu and flavor profile. Each McDonald’s we’ve visited around the world has the familiar McDonald’s taste; however, none ever matches the U.S.-McDonald’s essence.
One explanation for different flavor profiles can be attributed in large part to food standards. For example, high fructose corn syrup is an additive unique to the U.S. Additionally, the U.S. relies significantly on the use of pesticides on fruits and vegetables and antibiotics are regularly injected into animals (poultry, cows and fish).
During a visit to Argentina, we visited a Kosher McDonald’s, which is one (1) of two (2) countries with a Kosher McDonald’s – the other country being Israel. The Kosher McDonald’s in Argentina is located in the food court in Abasto Shopping Mall. The food was delicious and had a robust flavor profile. Everything tasted and looked fresh. In Japan, McDonald’s offers the typical menu as well as location specific specialties. Our Japanese McDonald’s experience provided an interesting taste profile of traditional menu items along with a cup of hot tea.
When McDonald’s enters a new country or environment outside the U.S., from my experience it seems as though the Operators are allowed to infuse locale cuisine and tradition to a degree. Hence, vising McDonald’s around the world is an experience in and of itself.
While traveling, manage your expectations. Especially when traveling internationally adapt. Do you research before departing to understand the environment you are visiting. Understand and respect the environment you are entering. Food selections and flavor profiles may be different. Stay open minded and do not denigrate someone’s culture and cuisine because it is different from what you are familiar with.
Keep calm, eat well and safe travels.