When one thinks of fast food in India, the first visuals that come into mind are of either a large golden yellow M or a burger that’s wearing a crown. Yes, no points in guessing that we are going to talk about McDonald’s and Burger King today. It’s been close to two decades now that both brands have hundreds of burger franchises in India. But, which one’s the best? Or are they even worth considering, given how one brand is accused of using ‘fake cheese’ in their burgers while the other is known to send legal notices to anyone who uses the words burger and king together?
Let’s find out by comparing their best burgers, fries and drinks. But wait, there’s more! We’ll also be exploring a third challenger to these two, that might surprise you, offering the taste that we Indians love, alongside these international fast-food chains. (Yes, our writer was in the mood for some kalesh while writing this)
Table of contents
History of Burger King & McDonald's in India
When it comes to fast food, Indians love their chaats, vada pav and pakoras. The idea of pizza and burgers wasn’t even a part of the local conversations until McDonald’s came into the picture. McDonald’s arrived in India first, opening its first outlet in New Delhi and Mumbai in 1996. Back then, the idea of a hamburger was new for many Indians. To win the Indians over, McDonald’s introduced the McAloo Tikki, a delicious veggie burger with a potato patty and yummy spices.
Burger King came a bit later in 2014, but they brought their flame-grilled taste and famous Whopper burgers. Both brands quickly learned that the Indian customer seeks the best food for the best prices. They had to adapt their menus and further introduce more vegetarian options in most burgers and add some flavoursome twists. Let’s see what both brands have to offer for one of its largest markets outside the United States.
The Menu Showdown
Both Burger King and McDonald’s have the 3 most common contenders in the competition for best food in the fast food categories, i.e. Burgers, Fries and Chilled Beverages. Let’s take a look at how they stand out with their menus.
Most Popular Products
When it comes to burgers, both franchises have their champions. McDonald’s is famous for the Big Mac, a double-decker burger with special sauce, while Burger King boasts the Whopper, a flame-grilled powerhouse with a generous helping of veggies. Both are delicious contenders for the “best burger” title, but the choice depends on your taste!
Indian Options
Both burger franchises understand the importance of catering to Indian preferences. McDonald’s offers the McSpicy Paneer burger, a spicy delight with a crispy paneer patty and the McAloo Tikki, a veggie classic. Burger King counters with the Veg Whopper, a veggie twist on their signature Whopper and the Spicy Veg Whopper, packing a flavourful punch.
Sides & Drinks
No burger is complete without yummy sides and refreshing drinks! Both McDonald’s and Burger King offer crispy French Fries, perfect for dipping in ketchup or their special sauces. Craving something different? McDonald’s offers their signature McCafe beverages, including hot and cold coffee. Burger King has a range of soft drinks and their signature frozen drinks.
Price and Value Comparison
Both franchises offer similar value for money. A typical burger and fries combo will cost around ₹150-₹200. However, special offers and deals can sometimes tip the scales in favour of one brand or the other. It’s always a good idea to check their apps or websites before you visit!
Brand USPs
When it comes to grabbing a quick and tasty bite, both McDonald’s and Burger King have their own ways of charming customers. McDonald’s is known for its familiar taste and convenience. Their bright restaurants, friendly service and iconic Happy Meals with fun toys for the little ones make them a popular choice for families. They also excel at offering special deals like McSaver menus and using their app to give you the best offers on your favourite burgers and fries.
Burger King, on the other hand, takes a more playful and youthful approach. Their flame-grilled burgers boast a distinct smoky taste compared to McDonald’s griddle/pan-cooked options. Burger King is known for offering more customisable options, letting you “Have It Your Way” by adding extra cheese, crispy onion rings or spicy jalapenos to your burger. They also tend to have more exciting and limited-time offers, like introducing unique flavours like the Indie Tikka Whopper for a short period, keeping their menu fresh and interesting for repeat customers.
But wait, have you been to Ajay's Cafe?
So far, we’ve been comparing the burger giants, but what about delicious options closer to home? That’s where Ajay’s Cafe comes in! Forget the struggle of choosing between Big Macs and Whoppers. Ajay’s Cafe offers a taste of India, bursting with flavour and catering perfectly to our desi preferences.
Craving a juicy burger? Look no further than their signature Barbeque Cheesy Burger, packed with a flavourful patty and their house mayonnaise. Feeling extra cheesy? The Barbecue Cheesy Delight is a must-try, oozing with cheese and a delicious barbecue sauce.
In the mood for something different? Ajay’s Cafe takes the humble wrap and gives it a desi twist. Their Paneer Bhurji Tortilla Wrap is a delightful explosion of scrambled paneer with veggies, while the Cheesy Aloo Masala Tortilla Wrap is a comforting classic.
And if you’re looking for a pizza, Ajay’s Cafe doesn’t disappoint! Their Makhani Pizza is a unique creation, combining the creamy goodness of butter masala with cheesy pizza perfection. Prefer a bit of spice? The Paneer Chilli Pizza is a flavourful option with capsicum and delicious paneer.
And all of this, when paired with their signature Cold Coffee, it’s the perfect combo that comforts your soul.
The final verdict?
NONE of the above! Yes, that’s right. Despite all the claims about their burgers, fries and drinks and desserts, believe us when we say it that even their most loyal customers will stop visiting them – if they ever got to know how the burger patties are prepared and stored, if the shakes served at these places contain any actual ingredients from its name or when was the last time the fryer was deep cleaned.
Further, these global fast food chains have turned many people into wannabes who want to make a noise and stand out but eventually end up eating a flappy burger, half cooked fries and sugary soda, but with different names for it – maybe even pretend to be the so-called royalty with cardboard crown.
But the OGs will be the ones who stay true to their local roots. They are the ones who are vocal for local brands and support them in going against the global biggies, who serve substandard food in the name of classic fast food. They are the ones who go to Ajay’s Cafe and order a burger that’s truly Apna, choose a pizza that brings together the flavours of Paneer Chilli with the cheesiness of Italians and pair it with the best cold coffee served within minutes. Because that’s the whole point of fast food, right?