It’s time for another McDonalds post, this one is from Türkiye! The usual rules apply: I must have fries for comparison; and I’ll try a burger that is not available in Australia. If there is something else quite different on the menu, like gazpacho at McDonalds in Spain, I’ll grab that too. Today I am trying the Kofta burger and onion rings alongside regular fries from McDonalds in Istanbul.

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In the chilly 4 degree Celsius weather, while strolling between the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, I spot a McDonald’s. Craving warmth, I decide I need piping hot fries. The kofta burger and onion rings catch my eye on the menu, sealing my order for the day, a choice, I believe, destined to provide both comfort and flavour against the cold backdrop of the day.

My ordering experience was lacklustre. With just myself and another couple in the store, the cold young staff member served the fries and burger immediately once ready. However, he realised they didn’t have onion rings ready and fetched them from the freezer, leaving my burger and fries to grow colder. When the onion rings were done, the tray was served, and touching the burger revealed it was stone cold. Mentioning this, there was a sudden lack of English comprehension. Mistakes happen, but couldn’t they at least serve me some hot fries? At least the price is good at around AU$12.04!

No one likes cold Macca’s fries… [Insert sad face]… These would have been better piping hot, especially since it’s quite cold outside.

The onion rings are (of course) quite hot. I dig into them, and they pair well with the ranch dressing. However, there seems to be something amiss. Normally, when you have a fried onion ring, the ring pulls out from the crumbing, creating a mess with hot onion burning your lips. These don’t. On further investigation, I note it’s processed onion, not a real onion ring. Still, the ranch dressing masks my disappointment.

The advertised picture of the single köfte burger, of course I am not expecting it to look like this beautiful picture…

So, how does the kofta burger fare? Despite being a bit small (and again cold), it’s not too bad. The advertising showcases it in a nice bun with what appears to be dried herbs, but there must be none available as it arrives in a regular sesame seeded roll. While the deviation from the expected bun is noticeable, the flavour still manages to hold its own.

Contrary to my assumption of lamb, the kofta burger is actually a beef burger infused with typical Turkish spices like cumin. The sauces, a blend of mayonnaise and tomato sauce, prove to be a delightful combination that works quite well. Despite the deviation from my initial expectations, the flavourful blend of spices and sauces creates a tasty experience with a Turkish twist.

Have you ever been disappointed at Macca’s on a cold day?

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