I’m a hardcore vegetarian cum eggetarian, so whenever anyone in my peer circle would raise the topic of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), I would always prefer to walk away and chat with a vegetarian bloke instead. However, I had recently seen an ad of KFC Veg Zinger Burger, which is mainly targeted at us vegans - those who have always chosen to stay away even from KFC’s main entrance! I was tempted, believe me, to try the new offering (I trust that a reputed brand like theirs do have separate kitchens).
I chose Christmas Eve as the day for my burger tasting - I was anyway heading for R-City, Ghatkopar that day. I walked up to the main counter and asked for two "Zinger Burgers". Here, pay attention - always specify whether you want a veg one or a chicken-based one. The guys working there mostly assume that anyone who orders from KFC is talking about chicken.
The counter guy, in my case, was just about to prepare the bill for a Zinger Chicken variant, when I promptly corrected him. No sooner did I receive my bill than the chap took out two packets from a shelf, placed them on a tray with three KFC ketchup sachets (which I had insisted upon) and handed the tray to me. I liked the service - polite and quick. But I still don’t understand why charge Rs 3 extra per burger when the price mentioned on the signage is Rs 25 for one. I guess it was either for the ketchup or it was plain gratuity.
Anyway, it was then the time for tasting - after all that’s what the main part of the review is about. I had seen the burger in the ad - a scrumptious patty stuffed with paneer and green peas and coated with crumbs; garnished with a lettuce leaf on top and sandwiched by the two halves of a burger bun. But, when I opened my packet, I was taken a little aback. Mustard sauce was oozing out of my burger (I think it was mustard; I can’t think of any other sauce that’s yellow in colour). Luckily, I didn’t get my clothes stained. Though, I have to admit, it tasted good. Ketchup quantity per sachet is good enough to last one burger. Bun size is standard.
When I took the first bite, I was horrified for a moment because I thought that I had wrongly bought a chicken burger - the smell was similar to that noticed in typical non-veg joints. But the green mark reassured me. I opened the sandwich and found that there was no lettuce leaf; there was instead a cabbage and mayonnaise coleslaw. I searched for the paneer and the peas I had visualized in the patty, but I couldn’t find any of them. On my second bite, I immediately recognized the taste - it was Punjabi Chana Masala! Yes, the patty was stuffed with that - there were only Bengal Gram chunks in my tikki (I had a strong feeling that the Masala was a leftover meal item). Though Dad liked the flavour, I couldn’t; I’m so hooked to McDonald’s Burgers that it’s my base for comparing all burgers. This one from KFC just didn’t match up to McD’s level.
My verdict: I suggest the following points. I hope someone from the KFC Management reads this for some real improvement:
The eatery must provide exactly the same product which it advertises. If there are any variations, then they must specify that in the ad itself. I’m sure that if it was Chana Masala for me, then it might have been Palak Kofta for someone else! I have observed McDonald’s sticking to this rule and hence it rules!
Another observation was that the burger wasn’t warm enough. Re-heating facility should be provided.
Though the burger size is standard, it isn’t filling enough, even for a person like me whose appetite is limited. I had to order other foods to help my remaining hunger. I guess it’s the stuffing which needs to increase (and please, no leftover Chana Masala should be added to that!).
I liked the idea of a chart printed on the paper placed upon the serving tray, stating that the kitchens are separate, different utensils are used and everything is carefully handled. It helps instill faith in the vegan patron.
This was my review on the KFC Veg Zinger Burger. I’m sceptical about trying it for a second time, so I will be waiting for a narration from someone else before I head to the place again. Till then, I’m standing away from its main entrance!