In the United States special offers and seasonal items at McDonald’s are limited to bizarre items like Shamrock Shakes and the dreaded McRib. Sure there have been new burgers, notably the McDLT, which I happened to like. Around the world, though the special offers are quite special indeed. And the commercials, as you’ll see below, are hilarious.
1. In India, the McAloo Tiki is presented as a panacea.
It’s like a reversal of Morgan Spurlock’s Supersize Me. After a visit with the doctor our bespectacled hero is prescribed the fast-food cure. He enters McDonald’s sweating and swooning. After a few bites he gamely declares, “I’m loving it.”
2. I have no idea what’s in the McBangkok.
I do know that in Indonesia it’s penawaran terbatas,or a limited time offer. It looks way cooler than the McRib. Nobody ever rode an elephant to Mickey D’s to get a preformed ersatz pork rib sandwich.
3. Just for kicks here’s a recent Big Mac commercial from China.
It features various bright, shiny young businessmen going decisively about their day all set to dynamic music. The tagline: “100% man, 100% pure beef, Big Mac.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel especially manly after eating a Big Mac, I usually feel ripped off and kind of sick.
4. In Malaysia you can get a Samurai Burger.
As far as I can tell from this Malaysian commercial The Samurai Burger appears to be inspired by the Japanese hamburg steak. It looks like way too much teriyaki sauce, but hey if I got to dress like the guy in the commercial I’d try it.
5. And in Thailand there’s some awesome looking fried chicken.
In the States the Golden Arches is more famous for burgers than for fried chicken. Not so in Thailand. This advert shines the food porn spotlight on crunchy garlic and pepper fried chicken. These ain’t no McNuggets either. As the voiceover says they look “aroy,” or delicious.
6. Beef à la Russe is a classic dish.
It’s prepared with sour cream and horseradish, among other things. In Russia McDonald’s has transformed it into a bacon cheeseburger with a Russian accent. Apparently if you order one an imaginary Cossack warrior will join you for lunch. He will be very excited about his burger. Fear not, he means you no harm.
7. Germany’s Der M is one kinky sandwich.
This spot for Der M a specialty at German McDonald’s features a kinky couple who revel in ripping off each other’s presumably fake facial hair. Is it just me, or does the dude bear a vague resemblance to Spurlock?