My Japanese McDonald's Adventure: More Than Just a Burger
Out Of Town Travelers
In Japan, McDonald's "combos" are called "sets," and I thoroughly enjoyed sampling several unique menu items during my trip. Here's a rundown of my favorites:
N.Y. Lemon Tartar Shrimp Sandwich (¥470 / $3.09): was a pleasant surprise. The creamy, mayonnaise-based sauce was a delightful mix of flavors, with hints of lemon, onion, olive, and a blend of herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme. This tangy and herbaceous sauce perfectly complemented the star of the show: a plump, substantial shrimp cutlet. Inside the cutlet, I was pleased to find large, discernible chunks of shrimp, bound together with shrimp puree. Importantly, I didn't detect any fillers; it seemed to be pure, unadulterated shrimp. The outer coating of the cutlet was remarkably crunchy, providing a satisfying textural contrast to the tender, succulent shrimp within. Even though it was deep-fried, the sandwich wasn't greasy at all, which spoke to the skill of the preparation. The combination of the flavorful sauce, the high-quality shrimp, and the satisfying crunch made this sandwich a standout.
Big Mac Set (¥750 / $4.92, or ¥670 / $4.40 with the app coupon): —that's about the equivalent of 2015 US prices! Was a revelation. If Big Mac creator Jim Delligatti himself had made it, I imagine it would have been just as perfect as the one I enjoyed in Japan. The aroma of the special sauce wafted up as I brought the burger to my mouth. The special sauce tasted incredibly fresh, almost as if it were made in-house, with no hint of a processed aftertaste. The sweet, sour, and savory notes of the sauce truly shone through. The bun was pillowy and tender, with a tight yet soft crumb. The shredded lettuce provided a refreshing crunch, and the pickle delivered a satisfying snap, balancing tangy, salty, and herbal flavors with a refreshing dill aftertaste. The hamburger patty was tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. The partially melted cheese slice was a testament to the patty's heat and freshness when the sandwich was assembled. Even the onions had the ideal texture. I honestly couldn't believe I had such a delicious Big Mac combo meal for under $5.
Soft Twist Ice Cream (¥140 / $0.92): This ice cream was incredibly creamy and satisfying.
Ganache Cream Pie (¥210 / $1.38): Made with Belgian chocolate. These pies are fried from frozen, which gives them a distinctive bubbly, crispy exterior. Upon biting into that crispy shell, the rich, indulgent aroma of the filling was immediately apparent. The inside was creamy, fudgy, dense, and packed with a deep, dark chocolate flavor. It was truly surprising to find such a high-quality dessert at a fast-food restaurant.
Teriyaki Double Cheeseburger Set (¥830 / $5.45): offered a pleasant surprise. Instead of the expected beef patties, this burger featured pork, a delightful variation I hadn't anticipated. The pork patties had a noticeably denser texture than beef, and their savory seasoning added an unexpected depth of flavor. As I brought the burger to my mouth, the sweet and fragrant teriyaki sauce, generously slathered over the patties, became the dominant aroma. This sweetness provided a wonderful counterpoint to the subtle tang of the seasoned pork. The burger's construction was straightforward yet satisfying: a toasted bun cradling crisp lettuce, a slice of melty cheese, the two savory pork patties, and that luscious teriyaki sauce. The combination of textures and flavors made this Teriyaki Double Cheeseburger a unique and memorable fast-food experience.
Egg McMuffin Set (¥470 / $3.09): deserves a close look (please refer to the accompanying photo before reading on). While you've likely seen an Egg McMuffin before, this one was different. Notice the creamy, melted cheese? The egg was clearly hot when prepared. The first bite revealed a delightful contrast between the toasted English muffin and the rich creaminess of the yolk. And what's not there? Grease. Remarkably, there was no greasy residue whatsoever. This has to be one of the healthiest breakfast sandwiches I've ever eaten. The overall taste was incredibly fresh, with each ingredient harmonizing perfectly. The hash brown was perfectly crisp and hot. I opted for a Coke Zero instead of coffee (a reminder: no free refills in Japan!). I enjoyed several of these Egg McMuffin sets during my travels through Tokyo, Osaka, and Misawa. A quick walk from my hotel always yielded a hot, fresh breakfast within minutes. Even the presentation was noteworthy. Note how carefully the items are placed on the tray in the photo. Each time I received my tray, everything was perfectly positioned. I truly appreciated the thoughtful service.
In the restaurant lobby, you'll find a black container holding collapsible boxes. These are provided for your convenience, especially if you have shopping bags or book bags that are too large to comfortably fit at your table. This way, you can keep your belongings off the floor and within easy reach. For the best deals and exclusive coupons, be sure to download the McDonald's app. However, please note that to access all the available offers and weekly specials, you'll need to download the McDonald's Japan version of the app. Using the app is as easy as sitting down at a table and input your table number into the app to finish your order. When using this process I usually receive my order in under 4 minutes every time.
For those who don't travel internationally, there's a McDonald's Global Menu Restaurant located at McDonald's Global Headquarters in Chicago's West Loop. This restaurant features a rotating selection of menu items from around the world, changing every 12 weeks. With McDonald's restaurants in over 120 countries and territories, there's plenty of global flavor to explore. (Remember, prices in this review reflect the exchange rate at the time of my visit.)
