McDonalds in India

A lot of people have asked me, 'What do you get at McDonalds in India?'. Maybe that's because majority of the burgers at McDonalds are beef based, which is 'haram' for Hindus. Also Pork, whose consumption is not only sacrilegious amongst Muslims, but not allowed within Hindus as well, albeit for different reasons.

When someone in India says 'I feel like having a burger' it automatically means McDonalds. The word 'burger' has become synonymous with McDonalds, so much so that no other big name, international burger joint ever set up shop in India. (That's right; no Burger King, no Hardees, no Arby's). They entered the country, researched it, and marketed the brand in the most effective way possible and eventually, made people believe that burger equals McDonalds. This made other brands hesitant to enter the market. In fact, this same theory applies to Barista as well. It's because of Barista and the other, home grown brand, Cafe Coffee Day, that Starbucks has yet to set foot in India. (Although I've heard that they are considering it. And frankly speaking, Barista is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than Starbucks).

So what can you eat at a McDonalds in India? Well, it's been nearly 5 years that I left the place and there might have been some changes in the menu over these years. So I did some research and found out the latest culinary delights on offer in the 120 odd branches throughout India:

• McVeggie Burger: The McVeggie sandwich starts with the oh-so-familiar sesame seed bun. In between the bread, you'll find a vegetarian patty that is made from peas, carrots, green beans, red bell pepper, potatoes, onions, rice, and seasoning. This vegetarian burger is garnished with lettuce, and has mayonnaise made without eggs spread thickly on the bread.

• McAloo Tikki: Potatoes (aloo in Hindi) are a popular filling food item in India. McDonald's in India's McAloo Tikki sandwich includes a patty made out of potatoes, peas, and spices. It also includes tomato slices, onions, and vegetarian mayonnaise.

• Paneer Salsa Wrap: Paneer referred to as cottage cheese in India. McDonald's Paneer Salsa Wrap starts with a small slab of paneer that has been dredged in a coating that is a cross between Mexican and Cajun in flavor. It is fried and the paneer patty is wrapped in flatbread and topped with a salad mixture that includes lettuce, red cabbage and celery and then is finished off with vegetarian mayonnaise, salsa and cheddar cheese.

• Crispy Chinese: McDonald's in India's Crispy Chinese sandwich is crispy, but very China. It's more an Indianized Chinese. Nevertheless, this vegetarian patty is topped with a creamy Schezwan sauce and lettuce which makes it a nice addition to the Indian vegetarian menu.

• Veg McCurry Pan: If you are in the mood for something similar to pizza, but don't want a tomato-based sauce, McDonald's Veg McCurry Pan is a good choice. It starts with a rectangular shaped crust that is topped with a creamy sauce (made without eggs), and vegetables including broccoli, baby corn, mushrooms and red bell pepper. It is then baked until the crust is crisp and the toppings are hot and bubbly.

• Pizza McPuff: The vegetarian Pizza McPuff also starts with a rectangular shaped crust, but instead of a creamy sauce is flavored with a tomato-based sauce and then is topped with carrots, beans, bell peppers, onions, peas and mozzarella cheese.

• Chicken Maharaja Mac: The Indian version of the Big Mac at McDonalds in India, is the Chicken Maharaja Mac sandwich which is made with 2 grilled chicken patties and is topped with onions, tomatoes, cheese and a spicy mayonnaise.

• McChicken: The McChicken in India is almost the same as its cousin by the same name in other McDonalds around the world. It contains one breaded and fried chicken patty and is topped with lettuce and vegetarian mayonnaise. It is similar in size (but not taste) to the spicy chicken sandwich on the dollar menu at McDonalds restaurants in the U.S.

• Filet-o-Fish: The Filet-O-Fish sandwich at McDonalds in India is the only sandwich item on the menu that is exactly the same as the Filet-O-Fish sandwich you might eat at a McDonalds in the U.S.

• Chicken McGrill: The Chicken McGrill sandwich starts off with a thin grilled chicken patty that is embellished with cilantro mayonnaise, onions and tomatoes and is served on a toasted bun.

• Chicken McCurry Pan: Chicken McCurry Pan is the 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. It is finished off with chicken, bell peppers, and cheese and is baked till crisp and bubbly.

Apart from these you of course have the fries, shakes, ice creams, etc. So there you have it, the gastronomical journey through the Indianized hamburger. Enjoy!