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I go on my very first trip to Asia, and where do I have my first meal? McDonald’s in Indonesia! LOL. Yup, good ol’ American fast food.
Why? In a nutshell, I was exhausted and overwhelmed.
To describe what it’s like to travel solo on your first trip to Asia is something I’ll have to save for another post. Let’s just say, it’s like having children. Nothing can truly prepare you for what you are about to experience.
With all of the sensory overload, I needed something familiar. And those familiar golden arches were right next to my hotel.
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What is McDonald’s in Indonesia like?
McDonald’s is in over 118 different countries. It’s one of those brands that’s familiar all over the world. So, what is McDonald’s in Indonesia like? It’s the same as in the US…but different.
There are the familiar things you would expect to find at McDonald’s in the US. There are burgers and fries, milkshakes, and chicken nuggets. There are ordering kiosks, but you can also order at the counter with a real person. There are TVs on the wall, kid’s meals with toys, and a drive-thru.
Then there are the things that are different – very different!
Chicken and Rice
Being a Muslim country, chicken is more popular here than burgers. And being in Asia, rice is more popular than french fries. So, Indonesia’s version of a Big Mac and fries is fried chicken and rice!
Fried chicken, rice, and a Sprite and mango ice cream float! Total $2.87.
–Tip–
The rice is a sticky rice, so you don’t use a fork or spoon to eat it. You eat it with your fingers! Or hold it partially wrapped and take bites of it.
For breakfast there are a couple of rice bowls. One is the McD Uduk rice bowl that has rice, shredded chicken, scrambled egg, chili paste, and fried onion. Interesting combination but actually pretty good!
Another is the McD Bubur Ayam chicken and rice porridge. This is actually a popular traditional Indonesian dish. It’s topped with crispy celery, green onion, sliced ginger, and fried onions. and served with “kerupuk” crackers on the side. OMG – so aromatic and flavorful!
Uduk rice with shredded chicken. $1.80 including a regular coffee.
Chicken and rice porridge. $2.23 including a hash brown and hot tea.
McCafe with Real Cups and Dishes
Yes, the US has McCafes, but McCafes at McDonald’s in Indonesia are on a whole different level. There’s a full-blown coffee shop inside complete with an espresso machine and a barista to make your hand-crafted drinks!
The McCafe menu choices are definitely unique…tuna puff pastry, anyone? And just look at that display case! It’s almost as nice as Starbucks.
Not only is there a bakery case and a barista, but your order is served on real dishes with real silverware! They will even bring it to your table so you don’t have to stand and wait for your coffee to be done.
That missing piece of Klepon cake is on my plate. Yummy! Rp 30,909 = $2.00.
The fancy espresso machine!
There is Table Service
Yes, that’s correct. McDonald’s in Indonesia has table service. While you still have to order at the counter, or use the kiosk, you do have the option of getting your food delivered to your table. At checkout, you take a table card, find a seat, and an employee then brings the items to you.
Items From Around Southeast Asia
McDonalds frequently showcases different items from other locations around the world and Indonesia is no different.
This past summer, I was back in Indonesia and popped into a McDonalds in Jakarta. It was located right across the street from a couple of those 3D billboards that you’ve seen on social media. And this particular McDonald’s had a balcony with a fantastic view of those billboards.
Today, they also had a Korean inspired burger on the menu!
It was a beef burger topped with sauteed onions and a macaroni and cheese patty – and a black hamburger bun! The black bun is actually dyed with squid ink. The slight saltiness of the squid ink bun, the sweetness of the sauteed onions, and the creaminess of the mac and cheese all combined for one surprisingly delicious burger!
They Even Cater Weddings
Apparently, it’s a thing in Indonesia. Who knew?!?!
You can’t get married inside McDonald’s, but you can let the golden arches cater your wedding. The $235 McDonalds Wedding Package includes 100 McChicken sandwiches and 100 boxes of four-piece McNuggets to feed your party guests.
Familiar but Different
The familiar golden arches of McDonald’s were exactly what I needed the night I arrived in Indonesia. And although I ate at several other restaurants in Jakarta, I kept going back to McDonald’s every day that I was there. It was a comforting way to experience all that was different.
And their ice cream machine works!
Vanilla soft serve with yuzu fruit flavor topping, served in a pink waffle cone with a chocolate wafer. $0.80.
What McDonald’s have you been to that’s different? Let me know in the comments below.
