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burger cold coffee Food

Burger King vs McDonald’s: The Ultimate Guide

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.

A McDonald’s outlet in India
For close to 3 decades, McDonald's is synonymous with fast food in India

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.

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!

An Indian girl enjoys a burger
McDonald's made Indians fall in love with burgers, but Burger King seems to be changing loyalties

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.

a hand holding a pack of Burger King fries
It's a common cause of argument for McDonald's & Burger Kinf - Whose fries are the best

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?

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cold coffee

Types of cold coffee

Ahmedabad can get really hot during the summer and it feels like you’re in an oven. On such days, many do not think twice before finishing off bottle after bottle of the sugary soda-based drinks available easily at stores.

They only give you momentary comfort and make you feel thirsty again in a short while. This is why we have whipped up a list of refreshing cold coffees to try and pair with your favourite pizza and burgers.

Table of Contents

Classic Cold Coffee

The classic cold coffee is an all-time favourite for a reason – it’s the perfect way to beat the sweltering heat! This super refreshing beverage combines chilled coffee, milk, sugar and ice into one creamy, frosty treat. The best part is that frothy, velvety texture on top that’s so satisfying to sip on.

While you can definitely make it at home, there’s something special about enjoying an authentic classic cold coffee from a popular spot like Ajay’s Cafe. This cold coffee strikes just the right balance of sweetness and bold coffee flavour in every cool, indulgent sip.

What makes this chilled coffee a timeless classic is how versatile it is too. The sweet, creamy notes pair amazingly with a plate of chhole bhature or burgers and pizza. Try it next time you’re at Ajay’s with one of their signature Peri Peri or BBQ burgers for the ultimate taste combo!

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

This traditional Vietnamese coffee is made by brewing dark roasted coffee and mixing it with sweet condensed milk. To serve, just pour the mixture over ice cubes in a glass. The result is a cool, creamy, and super refreshing coffee drink that’s perfect for beating the Ahmedabad heat. Give this authentic Vietnamese iced beverage a try for a flavour adventure!

Frappe

The frappe is a classic Greek iced coffee drink made by blending instant coffee with water, sugar and milk until nice and frothy. It was first created back in 1957 in the city of Thessaloniki. Sipping on this thick, chilled frappe is super refreshing on a hot day. Like classic cold coffee, it tastes delicious paired with savoury snacks like samosas or chana masala. If you’re looking for an energising iced coffee treat, give this traditional Greek frappe a try!

Iced Americano

For all the black coffee lovers out there, the Iced Americano is the perfect way to enjoy your favourite brew chilled. It’s made by simply combining shots of rich espresso with cold water over ice cubes. No frills, just pure and simple coffee flavours that pack a punch. This drink is ideal for those who want an invigorating iced coffee without any added milk or sweeteners. The Iced Americano is incredibly refreshing on a hot day and pairs nicely with breakfast items like poha or upma. Give this no-fuss icy coffee a try!

Cold Brew

This chilled coffee is made by steeping ground coffee in cold water for an extended period, usually overnight. The result is a smooth, rich, and less acidic brew with intense coffee flavours. Cold brew has quickly become a refreshing favourite thanks to its ultra-cool and revitalising nature. Unlike regular iced coffee, it’s never heated, giving it a distinctly different taste. This makes cold brew the perfect thirst-quencher on sweltering Ahmedabad days.

Nitro Cold Brew

This unique beverage takes cold brew coffee to another level! Nitro cold brew is made by infusing the chilled brew with nitrogen gas to give it a velvety, creamy texture. The nitrogen also adds a delightful frothy foam on top. The result is a super smooth, ice-cold coffee drink with subtle sweet flavours. Nitro cold brew looks and tastes just like a freshly poured pint of beer, minus the alcohol! For a fun, bubbly spin on your iced coffee, give this nitro cold brew a try.

Japanese Flash Brew

For a truly unique iced coffee experience, try the Japanese flash brew method. It’s made by quickly brewing hot coffee directly onto ice using a special filter. The result is a clean, robust, and intensely flavorful chilled coffee with no bitterness. This flash brew packs a serious caffeine punch that’ll wake you up in no time! The process creates a beverage that’s incredibly fresh-tasting too. If you need an ultra-refreshing icy beverage, grab a glass of Japanese flash brew coffee.

Dalgona Iced Coffee

This frothy, whipped coffee drink took the internet by storm and it’s easy to see why! Dalgona coffee starts with equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water that is vigorously whipped into an airy, caramel-coloured foam. This sweet, creamy foam is then dolloped over icy cold milk for the ultimate indulgent treat. Originally from South Korea, dalgona iced coffee offers a fun twist on regular cold coffee. Its thick, mousse-like texture makes it feel like a dessert in beverage form! Pair it with cake or biscuits for the perfect sweet companion.

Affogato

For all you coffee and ice cream lovers out there, say hello to the affogato! This Italian dessert beverage combines a shot of hot espresso poured over a scoop of cool, creamy vanilla ice cream or gelato. As the espresso meets the frozen treat, it creates a luscious café-flavoured pool surrounding the melting ice cream. Simple yet incredibly indulgent, the affogato marries the richness of coffee with the sweet creaminess of ice cream. It’s the ultimate way to satisfy your coffee and dessert cravings in one go! Enjoy this decadent icy delight after a hearty meal.

Different Flavours of Coffee

Ready to tantalise your taste buds? Here are some creative ideas to transform your cold brew into a flavour explosion:

  • The Timeless Treat: Cream & Sugar – Keep it simple with sugar and cream. The sweetness and richness perfectly complement the bold coffee flavour. For a Gujarati twist, try local honey instead!
  • Fruity Fusion – Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of fruit juice, puree, or syrup to your cold brew. Think strawberry, mango, or a touch of tart raspberry for a twist. Picture a chilled Aam Panna with a coffee kick!
  • Sweet Surprise – Craving a touch of warmth? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg for a cosy twist.
  • Chocolate Craving – Calling all chocoholics! Mix your cold brew with chocolate milk, cocoa powder, or even a scoop of ice cream for a treat. It’s like a chilled chocolate bar, but less messy!

The Best Cold Coffee in Ahmedabad

Cold coffee is more than just a drink; it’s an experience that helps you beat the heat, catch up with friends, or steal a quiet moment with a book. At Ajay’s Cafe, we share this belief, crafting delicious cold brews and creating a welcoming space for you to relax and indulge.

Escape the Ahmedabad heat with our refreshing cold brews, find your new favourite spot (hint: it might be us!), and enjoy the coolness of a good cold coffee. We also serve Ahmedabad’s best pizzas and burgers, perfect for a complete escape! Come, take a seat, and let us show you why cold coffee is more than just a drink.

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5 Exciting Foods That Make a Perfect Cold Coffee Partner

Cold coffee is undeniably an amazing beverage. Its pleasing taste brings complete satisfaction and creates a feeling of belongingness that touches our hearts from the first sip until the last. 

Coffee is surely good, but sometimes you need a food companion to satisfy your palate better. Pairing coffee with food can enhance and elevate both flavours, creating a more enjoyable and delicious dining experience. 

While a cookie or biscuit may be the go-to choice for many, it may not always satisfy the cravings for something more filling. 

Here are the 5 most exciting food combinations you must enjoy with cold coffee.

1. Burger:

burger and cold coffee shop in Surat
Image Source – Getty Images

Pairing a burger and cold coffee is an exciting and delicious combination that can elevate your taste experience. The juicy and flavorful burger can bring out the sweetness and smoothness of cold coffee, making every sip a delightful treat. The blend of spices and sauces used within the burger can also enhance the coffee’s taste, adding an extra layer of complexity to the flavour profile. 

In addition to the taste, combining a burger and cold coffee can also benefit your health. A burger is a rich source of protein and fiber, providing essential nutrients to energize and satiate. 

Cold coffee can help boost your energy levels and improve mental alertness, making it an ideal beverage to enjoy during a busy day. 

2. Pizza:

Pizza and Cold Coffee
Image Source – Freepik

Cold coffee and pizza are two beloved foods that can be enjoyed separately, but when combined, they create a unique and tasty pairing. Pizza’s strong, savoury flavours can complement coffee’s soothing, refreshing, and slightly sweet taste. 

Caffeine in coffee helps offset the sensation of heaviness that often comes while enjoying pizza. The chilled coffee can provide a refreshing break from the pizza’s heat, making it an ideal beverage to accompany a piping hot slice. 

3. Pasta:

Pasta and Cold Coffee
Image Source – Freepik

Adding coffee with pasta can enhance your overall taste experience. The combination of coffee adds a subtle yet distinct flavourful depth that complements the pasta sauce’s sweetness. The bitterness of the coffee can create a more balanced taste. When paired with hot pasta, the contrasting temperature between the hot and cold sensations of the coffee can create a revitalizing experience.

4. Sandwich:

Sandwich and Cold Coffee
Image Source – Freepik

Sandwiches are a classic and versatile food that can be enjoyed at any time of day. They come in a wide variety of flavours and textures, making them an ideal pairing for different types of coffee. One great option for a coffee pairing is a classic grilled cheese sandwich. 

The creamy and gooey texture of the melted cheese and the crispy buttery bread creates a perfect balance of flavours that an iced coffee can complement. The strong and bold taste of the coffee can cut through the richness of the cheese and bread, enhancing the overall taste experience.

5. Maggie:

Maggi and Cold Coffee
Image Source – Adobe Stock

Maggie is a comforting food for almost everyone. It’s often said that Maggie and cold coffee make for a timeless combination, whether enjoyed during the day or at night. There’s just something about the savoury warmth of the noodles paired with the cool, refreshing taste of coffee that hits the spot every time.

It’s no wonder that this pairing has become a popular go-to for many people, especially when seeking comfort food or a quick and easy meal. Whether you’re a college student pulling an all-nighter or a busy professional looking for a quick lunch break, Maggie and cold coffee can provide the perfect pick-me-up to power through the day or night.

Pairing anything with cold coffee is a matter of preference. There are no hard and fast rules – you can pair them with anything you enjoy. Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer savoury or healthy options, there’s a food pairing that will perfectly complement your cold coffee.

Have you tried all of these combinations yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Try these combinations and discover the perfect cold coffee partner.

Meanwhile, you can grab Ajay’s cold coffee on the go and pair it up with Ajay’s mouthwatering burgers and cheesy pizzas only at Ajay’s fast food shop.

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Quick Service Restaurant Coffee Shop in Navsari Coffee Shop in Surat cold coffee

Why Can a Queue in A Coffee Shop Have a Bad Impression on People?

Why Can a Queue in A Coffee Shop Have a Bad Impression on People?

Cold Coffee Shop

How have you felt when you have to wait in a long queue for a coffee? You obviously would not have liked it. Queuing up of people can behold the popularity of any café, but it could create a bad impression on people.

People wait in line because they believe the service at the end of the line is worth the wait. You are less likely to quit the queue when others are waiting behind you when you join. If the queue is very long, it can be frustrating for customers to wait a long time to get served. These long waits can lead to a negative impression of the coffee shop.

Customers will move on to another café if they have to wait more than 20 minutes for a simple drink. Customers become unhappy as a result, which is not the ideal condition. Because of the lengthy and unbending lines, you will most likely lose customers despite having superb coffee and a pleasant atmosphere. It is the most noticeable result of waiting in lines.

The fact that most coffee shops take a long time to make a perfect coffee justifies their delayed delivery services. Too much time spent preparing a drink indicates weak organizational skills. Of course, you should ensure that your customers receive a nice, attractive drink, but you will need more time to keep them waiting.

Long waits have negative effects that linger long even after the customers have left the store. Customers could feel anxious waiting in line for a long time, especially if there aren’t enough seats in the coffee shop.

It forms poor service if the queue is moving very slowly. This can be a reason if the coffee shop is small or very crowded. A small and congested place can again create an obstacle and make it unpleasant for customers to stand in a queue, especially if the weather is hot or cold. It becomes annoying for anyone waiting in line.

Since customers are the lifeline of every business, it is crucial to do everything in your power to maintain their satisfaction. It is crucial what you present to your customers, because the offer is the main thing your customer is expecting to get. Customers may become confused and impatient if there is no mechanism in place to manage the queue or if it is unclear where the queue begins and ends. It results in uncertain queue management.

Most coffee shop owners pay close attention in the preparation and presentation of their drinks. However, these coffee shop operators need to pay more attention to managing the people and processes in the heat of the moment. It shouldn’t take more than 10 to 15 minutes to make a cold cup of coffee.

Without compromising the taste and quality, Ajay’s has acquired people’s trust for its signature cold coffee. Being the fastest-growing QSR chain in Gujarat, it has always focused on people and their satisfaction. Ajay’s coffee shop can provide a quick and efficient service to its customers, creating a positive experience for them.

Customers often appreciate fast service, especially when they are in a hurry or want to enjoy their drink quickly. Providing a refreshing cold coffee within just 5 minutes has become a strong point for Ajay’s coffee shop and helped to attract and retain customers.

Businesses need to focus on providing good service and meeting the needs of their customers to build a positive reputation and maintain customer loyalty. Interaction with customers while taking orders is essential. This interaction cultivates and nurtures the relationship between your business and customers. Ajay’s has catered to this challenge very efficiently.

Overall, a queue in a coffee shop can leave a negative impression on people if it is not managed efficiently. It could cause frustration or discomfort for customers.

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Quick Service Restaurant Coffee Shop in Navsari Coffee Shop in Surat cold coffee

How is Cold Coffee a New & Strong Caffeine Punch for Millennials?

Cold Coffee has re-emerged as a trending beverage that has captured the millennial market. Millennials are the people born between the 1980s and early 1996s. They are the leading faces in economic growth and the service industry and are considered the most educated and knowledgeable. Coffee is something that has unleashed their lifestyle to a different level.

Cold coffee, the most sustainable and easy to grab, is a highly preferred and appealing beverage for any millennial. In search of a caffeinated and easy-to-drink alternative to soda, alcohol, or other artificially sweetened beverages, they prefer iced coffee. The rise in the consumption of cold coffee has significantly increased its sales.

The sales growth of cold coffee is to grow to USD 42.36 billion by 2027 at a CAGR of 8.31%, to 2019, which was USD 22.44 billion. A significant impact on out-of-home coffee consumption was during covid 19 pandemic. In 2020, the sales of cold coffee increased by over 50% from the last four years. In 2021, 74% of the drinks sold were cold coffee.

Cold coffee is the beverage of choice for millennials and the forthcoming generation (Gen Z) while sitting with their friends, colleagues, or peers. It gives them a sense of pride, personalization, security, and consideration. Coffee has its unique benefits, whether served hot or cold. Then why is just cold coffee the most favoured beverage amongst millennials?

Now coffee is not just a drink but has become an emotion for every person. It has created countless memories over a cup of coffee, from just the brewing process to the creation of delectable flavors. People choose an economical and convenient option rather than waiting for their drink to be served or purchasing an expensive drink. It’s caffeine on steroids. Cold coffee is the most affordable and, on the go, RTD beverage. Coffee has become a lifestyle for millennials, without which they don’t get off. 

Coffee contains caffeine that stimulates our central nervous system, heart, and muscles. A cup of coffee can help us be more focused at work by boosting mental clarity. In a workplace, everyone needs a cup of coffee to get going. It keeps them motivated.

Coffee is good for the body’s health. It enhances mood and metabolism. Caffeine consumption has been proven to improve mental well-being in sleep-deprived individuals. Cold brew coffee may even reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Drinking at least 4–6 cups of coffee is associated with a lower risk of diabetic issues.

Millennials have developed their style of coffee consumption. Coffee has evolved in several different flavors. Today you have iced coffee, cold brew, green coffee, iced latte, and several different types of cold coffee. Coffee is heating up and cooling down, with new products, means of delivery, and fresh flavours hitting the market. People enjoy the aroma generated by the coffee.

Millennials favor cold brew. Making cold brew coffee at home is a simple and pleasurable alternative to hot coffee. You need an instant coffee mix, chilled water or frozen milk, and sugar. Combine and blend them. Pour the mixture into the glass or mug of your choice and enjoy your delicious cold coffee at home. You can also add ice cream for more delicious flavors to it. 

Caffeine consumption increases metabolism and bumps fat burning to enhance weight loss; green coffee is best known for weight loss. Busy schedules of people don’t let them make time for workouts, and they find it difficult to maintain themselves. Coffee is said to be a person’s mid-day blues and all-night companion. Whenever you feel like sitting alone or bored, coffee is something that goes up with every mood and time. During late nights or the middle of the day, coffee fills every beat and boosts your productivity.

Variations in the coffee blends, from cold coffees to high-end instants and healthy blends, are coming from all corners of the industry. Alongside there are new delivery options to refresh consumer enthusiasm. Several coffee shops support this on-the-go trend and have takeaways and drive-throughs instilled. This support fastens them cope with their usual chores. 

The same RTD cold coffee is available at Ajay’s coffee shop in Surat for a very reasonable price. Ajay’s packs a powerful, creamy punch in its cold coffee that gives you a lift and leaves you with a mouth-watering aftertaste.

What are you still holding out for? Come and indulge in Ajay’s exquisite coffee anytime.