As a frequent enthusiast for fast food chains in Malaysia, I have pretty much tried every new introduction from McDonalds and KFC in Malaysia. The McDonalds introduction would always be good, and the KFC product would be disappointing. (Usually, KFC’s new servings would be tiny!)
However, this time, I heard that KFC’s new Toasted Pocketful was actually alright… and that McDonalds’ new Gourmet Great-tasting Grilled Chicken Burger was small. I was surprised, given that I usually am far more enthusiastic about McDonalds’ offerings, but seeing that the McDonalds Prosperity Burger of 2010 was tiny compared to say 2008’s version (with a clever chance to upsell by making you buy the Mega Prosperity Burger, which was probably 2008 sized!
And so, Fazri and I set out to debunk the question – did McDonalds shrink their Grilled Chicken Burger as small as KFC would usually do? And so, we met at KL Sentral, where both McDonalds and KFC co-exist.
To do this, Fazri went to McDonalds and got the set (burger, fries, drink) for RM11.90. I went to KFC and got the X Meal (Toasted Pocketful, fries, one piece of chicken, Mountain Dew drink) for RM11.90. Interestingly, KFC sells a standard Toasted Pocketful meal for RM9.90 without the extra piece of chicken.
We then met at KFC, where there were seats outside.
Upper part of picture: KFC Toasted Pocketful.
Lower part of picture: McDonalds Grilled Chicken Burger.
I took these comparison pictures from directly above to avoid any misrepresentations in scale caused by perspective. When wrapped, they appear to be the same size!
Opened. Note that the Grilled Chicken Burger had its top bun moved to the side so it looks wider.
The piece of chicken that came in the KFC X Meal. It was tiny, even by KFC standards!
And here is the chicken next to Fazri’s small Nokia 5130. KFC, will you at least feed your chickens healthily? I mean, if I was a chicken and I knew my purpose of life was to provide carnivorous satisfaction, at least let me satisfy!
The inside of the Toasted Pocketful. There were nachos and corn.
I took a bite into my Toasted Pocketful, and Fazri took a bite into his Grilled Chicken Burger. We then swapped meals and had a bite. This continued until the meals were finished.
The result?
The Toasted Pocketful was a lot more fulfilling and filling. Despite being the same size, the Toasted Pocketful was thicker – the chicken inside was what you would get in a Spicy Chicken McDeluxe! Add the nachos, corn and pita bread wrap, and there was a lot more flavor.
That is not to say that the Grilled Chicken Burger is bad – it has good sauce, but it only has salad and buns to accompany it. The salad did not do much to add to the volume of the burger. To me, it was just an oblongated McDonalds McChicken burger with different sauce!
Don’t forget that KFC throws in a piece of chicken for the same price (though, the size depends on outlet) For once, KFC wins the value-for-money battle!
That is not to say I would never have a Grilled Chicken Burger – if I was with friends at McDonalds, I might give it a second chance. Or maybe I’d just go back to the fulfilling Big Mac or Spicy Chicken McDeluxe!
Of course, if I was having Cravings, this would be the burger to consume… (This was the 12″ Cravings Monster Burger, at RM25.90.)
where do I get that stack of burger?
I’d take GCB any day because McDs trumps KFC overall as a restaurant. And you’re probably not the target consumer as they’re selling the illusion of healthy eating with the lean chicken fillet, never mind the sauce is laden with fat and sugar.
Amir: Fazri agrees even though he took a bite out of the GCB first. And you have to compare it stock or else I could remove corn from the Toasted Pocketful and make it more to my taste!
ShaolinTiger: LOL my fellow friend in science!
tekong: It’s at Cravings, Sunway Giza, past Pelangi Damansara after Ikano (but then, your Galaxy S should be able to bring you there!)
Will: I buy food not illusion. 😀 However I do agree that McDs is a lot more held together than KFC and the staff are much better trained.
Dude, the mistake was FIRST:
You took a bite from the pocket first.
SECOND, u had lettuce with ur GCB.
Your experience was never the euphoric one it was meant to be with the GCB.
xD
Yah, pocketful is actually nice, filling and a decent size.
The GCB doesn’t really taste good, is small and you’ll be hungry 4 hours later.
Tried both as well 😀
Big mac… rip off… the meat has become thinner than how it used to be. The only thing that worth buying right now would be the double burger and get it during lunch. LOL
Aizat: Hmmm yeah the Big Mac isn’t as big. Fortunately it’s still within the big category, or at least it’s fulfilling enough because of the stuff they put inside.