First, we’ve got the Nasi Lemak burger, a confounding but surprisingly yummy take on a favourite local dish. Now, there’s a new McDonald’s burger, inspired by yet another quintessential Singaporean delight: Hainanese Chicken Rice.
McDonald’s latest take on a locally-inspired burger is the limited edition Crispy “Hainanese Chicken” Burger, consisting of a juicy, crispy chicken patty complemented by ginger sauce, garlic chili sauce and a dark sweet sauce. This will be available islandwide at all McDonald’s outlets, from this Thursday, 5 August, via takeaway or delivery.
Created by Mediacorp artiste and guest chef Ben Yeo, the avid cook says that he was inspired by humble hawker fare, since “I believe that many Singaporeans can eat chicken rice every day, for every meal”. We totally agree. The burger consists of ginger sauce, garlic chilli sauce, and a crispy chicken patty that’s been deep-fried for five and a half minutes, as well as white cabbage, purple cabbage, carrot and lettuce, between two fluffy burger buns.
On top of the crispy chicken patty, his take on a chicken rice-inspired burger even comes with a sachet of dark sweet sauce, similar to the ones we’re used to drizzling over our chicken rice, which he recommends to squeeze over the crispy chicken patty. Then again, you’re free to put it over the entire burger as well, Yeo shares at a virtual press conference on Monday.
Alongside the limited edition Crispy “Hainanese Chicken” Burger, is the return of familiar menu favourites — the Crisscut® Fries and crispy Banana Pie. Thw fast food chain has also come up with a kopi-inspired drink, the Kopi Frappé, which infuses a whiff of local kopi into their classic frappé recipe.
OUR REVIEW
Ahead of the launch, we also got to try the Crispy Hainanese Chicken Burger for ourselves — and here’s our verdict. First off, while there’s no rice here, and instead, soft burger buns, the combination of the juicy chicken patty and its lightly crisp exterior, along with the aromatic ginger sauce and garlic chilli, gives you enough of a hit that you’d immediately recognise this as “chicken rice”, burger-style. The chilli was not overpowering or too spicy, and instead, it’s those garlicky notes that stay on your tongue and have you coming back for more.
I was at first perplexed by the fresh vegetables included, but realise halfway in that the cabbage adds a nice crunch and fresh element that helps to offset the other heavier flavours in the burger. As for the dark sweet sauce — this one’s a winner! It was sweet, sticky, and went well with the entire meal, plus its distinct aroma helps give an added dimension to the burger as well, reminding you well and truly of chicken rice.
The McDonald’s Crispy “Hainanese Chicken” Burger, Crisscut® Fries and Banana Pie are available after breakfast hours starting 5 August 2021 for takeaway in all restaurants, Drive-Thru and via McDelivery®, GrabFood and Foodpanda for a limited period only, while stocks last.
The Kopi Frappé is available all day, while stocks last and is available at McDonald’s® restaurants excluding McDonald’s® Lido, McDonald’s® Parklane Shopping Mall, McCafé® and Dessert Kiosks.
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