Trying McDonald’s Middle East menu at YAS Mall Abu Dhabi
McDonald’s is not usually the first place you think to visit when you go to a foreign country. Although, you will find this fast food destination offers a modified menu in different parts of the world. During our visit to Abu Dhabi, we had to see what McDonald’s offered in the Middle East
A majority of the Middle East based McDonald’s menu was the same, except for bacon-related options. However, one promotional item stood out, and that was the rice bowls.
$6.70 for a filling meal
For a total price of 23 AED, which equates to $6.70 USD, I ordered the new Chicken Curry Rice Bowl with a water. For the same price I could have chosen a soda, but I stuck to water because this McDonald’s was located at the YAS Mall, and it was 106º Fahrenheit right outside.
Other than the chicken curry option, I could have also chosen chicken teriyaki or beef with mushroom as all three were the same price.
American Eateries in Abu Dhabi
YAS Mall, located in the city of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, had more than just McDonald’s. Other quickly recognizable Abu Dhabi franchise locations were Papa John’s, Texas Roadhouse, Chili’s, Burger King, and Shake Shack.
When visiting a foreign country, I always recommend avoiding chains, especially fast food locations. But as we’ve had so much interest in our McDonald’s articles in the past, I felt I had to see what was offered.
Taste Test and Review
McDonald’s is famous world-round for their fast service and iconic food items, but how does a non-American food offering taste? The quick answer, quite good.
Jasmine rice, with yellow curry sauce and cut up McNuggets make up a filling meal for under $7 (including a soft drink or water). Add all those ingredients together and you have a tasty food bowl that offered surprisingly strong flavor.
The chicken tasted just like American McNuggets, with the same iconic crunch of the breading. The rice was cooked really well, not hard and not overcooked either. The yellow curry sauce had an unappealing look, but when combined with the rice and chicken it tasted like standard yellow curry sauce. The sauce had a slight hint of heat, but nothing I would consider hot or spicy.
Overall, this is an item I would order again, and would rate it near the high-end of McDonald’s offerings I have tried. If this item was offered in the United States I would order it before many of their other menu items. The Chicken Curry Rice Bowl was made quickly, was filling, had a familiar curry chicken taste and was less than $7 (a winning combo in my opinion).
McDonald’s has appeared in nearly every country in the globe. While I personally suggest always trying local food offerings, when in a rush or trying to make a connecting flight in a foreign airport, maybe keep an eye out for those familiar golden arches.
