Top 10 Unique KFC Food Items from Around the World
Script written by Michael Wynands
#10: Curry Pork Chop Rice
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China
When you think KFC and protein, one thing and one thing only comes to mind… chicken! However, in international markets, KFC has diversified their meat offerings. Apparently looking to appeal to more local tastes, the franchise has introduced a variety of rice-based dishes over the years, including this distinct plate of food. Served with a heaping serving of rice, plus two sides, these crispy breaded pork chops look like an appealing alternative for anyone who’s all chickened out. Though curry seasoning is a clear departure from the Colonel’s secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, it sounds tasty in its own right.
#9: Pancakes
Singapore
One tends to think of America as the region of the world most synonymous with fast food. It seems as if U.S. franchises have tried everything to maximize business. And yet, for whatever reason, KFC in the United States has yet to make a bid for the breakfast market. Not so in Singapore! In this pioneering region, KFC offers up a wide variety of items to help you start the day, including breakfast wraps, a breakfast chicken burger, and more. The dish that makes us most envious of KFC customers in Singapore however, is the pancake breakfast, which has been offered in different varieties over the years, including blueberry!
#8: Paneer Zinger & Potato Krisper
India
When attempting to break into foreign markets, many Western businesses wrongly assume that their products will automatically appeal to international tastes. KFC on the other hand has learned that in order to succeed, they must adapt to the wants, needs and trends of the local culture and economy. Take India for example, where, in the early 2010s, they unveiled a number of affordable vegetarian menu items. The potato krisper, a fried potato patty sandwich, was sold for as low as 25 Indian rupees (roughly 38 American cents). They also offered a paneer burger made with the renowned Indian style of cottage cheese, though they’ve since shifted their focus more towards traditional chicken in keeping with market trends.
#7: Cheese Top Burger
Philippines
Sometimes… it’s the simplest of innovations that catch the eye. Take for example, this perplexing burger offered by KFC in the Philippines. At first glance, it seems like someone made a mistake during assembly. But no… the cheese top burger is exactly what it sounds like, and it’s intentionally made and marketed like that - with the cheese inexplicably put on top of theburger bun rather than in the middle of it where it has traditionally resided. It’s tough to wrap your mind around the rationale, but admit it… if you could snap your fingers right now and find yourself in a Filipino KFC, you’d totally want to try it.
#6: Corn & Philly Chicken Sandwich
Brazil
At a traditional family-style southern dinner, among all the mouth-watering dishes, fixings and sides, you’re likely to find both creamed corn and fried chicken. Reinterpreting these two dishes and bringing them together into a strangely appealing menu item, KFC offered their “Corn and Philly” sandwich at participating locations across, well, Brazil. The “Philly” in thetitle comes from the fact they partnered with Philadelphia cream cheese to bring this creation to life - the creamy corn is part of a cream cheese mixture that sits on top of the fried chicken. Given that they used boneless chicken thighs for the crispy patty, you know you’re in for a tender and succulent bite.
#5: Crispy Burrito
New Zealand
A burrito might not sound like anything that unique, but wait until you get a load of this menu item. Then try to tell us that you aren’t just a little jealous of KFC customers in New Zealand! Marketed as a snack and selling for less than three US dollars, the Crispy Burrito will indeed have you feeling snacky. It starts with a simple tortilla, which is then loaded up with crispy fried chicken, bacon and cheese. To finish it off (and guarantee maximum salivation), they throw in a bourbon barbecue sauce. Then… they take this little torpedo of goodness and throw it in the deep fryer. Hungry yet?
#4: Deep-Fried Corn Soup
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Japan
Corn makes another appearance, but this time in one heck of a unique package. If you’re into Asian food, chances are that you’ve tried soup dumplings. But what about fried corn soup fritters? Yep, you heard that right. Introduced to Japanese markets, this remarkable menu item looks like a giant chicken nugget. Take a bite through that crispy exterior and you’re greeted by a mouthful of thick creamy corn potage and crunchy kernels. If you’re confused as to why KFC decided to offer this of all things, the answer again lies in local tastes - corn chowder is actually a very popular dish in Japan.
#3: Shrimp Donut
Thailand
To Westerners, the very concept might be somewhat unusual, but in Asia, seafood is often used in combination with textures and flavors that North American taste buds might find challenging. Take, for example. shrimp chips or seafood pancakes. Sold in the snacks and sweets section of the KFC menu, this “shrimp donut” is less of a traditional doughnut, and more of a savory fried treat. Pieces of shrimp are shaped into a doughnut or thick onion ring-type shape, then coated in batter and fried to a golden, flaky, tempura-like finish. Admit it, now that you’ve gotten past the name… you’re totally interested.
#2: Shrimp Burger
China
Like we said, seafood gets a lot of love in Asian countries. As we move from Thailand to China, shrimp makes the leap to become the main attraction as the heart of this burger. If you’re not a fan of these little crustaceans, best to steer clear of this Chinese offering; but if you do like shrimp, you are in for a serious treat. A thin layer of fried batter is all that stands between your mouth and a treasure trove of seafood goodness. Dressed simply, and served on a sesame seed bun, it’s a burger that keeps the emphasis where it belongs - on the shrimp.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a couple of honorable mentions
Porridge
Singapore
Chili-Lime Zeed Wings
Thailand
#1: Double Down Dog
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Philippines
When the Double Down came to North America, it felt like we’d hit peak fast food absurdity. Thankfully, there are even more ambitious KFC markets out there leading the charge in innovation. In South Korea, the Double Down got a serious upgrade with the addition of a full hamburger patty wedged between those two pieces of fried chicken. But in the Philippines, KFC has perfected the art of strange and unique menu items with the Double Down Dog - which sees a curved piece of fried chicken serve as the bun for your hot dog. It has, unsurprisingly, inspired jealous eaters around the world to try making their own.
