Mc Donald's Japan: alike but different!

An explorative excursion into Japan's exclusive fast food menu items, which are fun to integrate into you travels!

McDonald's is very well-known for providing intercultural marketing around the globe, adjusting its core main menu with culture-specific tastes via unique and partially exclusive items. Japan is no exception in this matter but an intersting exploration journey for those seeking a quick snack on the run. I had a blast scrolling through the menu, detecting items I have never seen before, such as the Qoo white grape, Fanta melon, scallop chowder style seasoning or tartar burgers.

Obviously, I did not want to spend too much time eating my way through a fast fopod chain I am very well familiar with, especially since I have been working for Mc Donalds, "Makudonarudo" in Japanese, when I was a student. Though, seeing, smelling and trying some of the only-in-Japan exclusive items can be a fun thing to integrate into your travels!

What makes Mc Donalds in Japan special?

Mc Donalds is a popular spot where a lot of locals head to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner (yes, it's true!). You'll see everything from suit and ties, tourists, teenagers doing homework or just hanging out up to elderly people. A colourful mix of customers in a usually very neat and clean place with fast service and kind staff. Even though it is Mc Donalds, eating there just simply feels different than anywhere else I have been to! I also had the impression that menu items ordered were prepared fresh, on-point and piping hot.

Exclusive Menu Items & Seasonal Goodies

Just like in other countries, Mc Donalds Japan offers a variety of exclusive menu items you won't be able to find in other countries. Speaking of burgers, these are the Ebi Filet-O (shrimp burger patty), the Teriyaki (chicken) Mc Burger (pork patty drowned in a thick and tangy teriyaki sauce), the Gracoro Burger (usually a winter-exclusive special patty consisting of a gratin croquette with shrimp and macaroni) or the Roasted Soy Sauce Bacon Tomato Thick Beef Burger (speaks for itself, I assume- more meat in a tenderly covered soy sauce with extra toppings). Some stalls even offer rice burger buns instead of the typical wheat bread.

Further exclusive sides and drinks to be found are definitely Fanta Melon, more interstingly though the Shaka Shaka Chicken and/or Shaka Shaka Fries, where you'll be handed out a paper bag with seasoning to shake-and-season either your chicken or fries yourself. Quite a fun thing to do, especially since you can determine how much of seasoning you'd like to have on your food. I absolutely loved the taste!

National holidays and/or seasons also determine exclusive offerings, such as the Sakura Cherry Blossom Drinks during spring time, the heavenly chocolately-filled Sankaku chocolate pies (only available during fall/winter) as well as the moon-viewing burgers, inspired by the during fall moon-viewing tradition.

There's a lot to discover and taste- make a pick and see whether you like it compared to the menu items you are familiar with back home. I guarantee there will be a difference in taste. If you fancy, I'd be happy to read more about your favorite menu items (also the worst decisions/order undertaken) in the comment section! Happy eating!