9 Fast Food Chains Shanghai Needs
Chick-fil-A
Photo source: www.chick-fil-a.com
Country: USA
History: This American chicken chain has its roots in Georgia, but has spread throughout the United States. They are the type of family restaurant that gives employees Sundays off to rest or worship as they choose. While they have conservative values not everyone can get behind, they have really ridiculously good chicken.
What to Order: While recent years have the chain adding salads and promoting a Mediterrean diet, it’s really all about the traditional orders such as the Chick-fil-A sandwich with nothing but a pickle joining the pickle juice marinated chicken on a buttered bun or the chicken biscuit.
Chipotle
Photo source: Chipotle Facebook
Country: USA
History: Launched in Denver, fast casual chain, Chipotle has made a big mark on the US fast food industry. People can customize their own Mexican-inspired bowls for a meal that fits their budget and meal plans. They currently have locations in the UK, Canada, Germany and France.
What to Order: They have options such as burritos, tacos and salads, but it's really all about the burrito bowl. Don’t forget the guacamole!
Dominó
Country: Chile
History: This family owned joint has been around since 1952 when the first store opened in downtown Santiago. They are named after the traditional game because the family played dominoes on the weekends. They have great crispy yet squishy bread, huge sizes and a big selection.
What to Order: The are known for completos, Chilean hot dogs, and have countless variations. Go for the classic Italian named for its toppings’ (tomato, avocado, mayonnaise) resemblance to the Italian flag.
El Pollo Loco
Photo source: El Pollo Loco Facebook
Country: Mexico, USA
History: Originally founded in 1975 by Juan Francisco Ochoa in Sinaloa, the chain then expanded in the United States and it is a long convoluted story as to why chains in each country are now independent of each other. It’s “citrus-marinated and fire-grilled” chicken yumminess on both sides of the border.
What to Order: While the American company has gotten loco with new menu additions, you can’t beat the classic grilled chicken family meals served with piping hot tortillas, beans and salsa.
Jack in the Box
Photo source: Jack in the Box Facebook
Country: USA
History: This American burger chain started in 1951 in San Diego, California and is unique for offering varied menu items such as tacos, egg rolls and jalapeno poppers. They are famous for their iconic mascot, Jack, and commercials featuring the character in a business suit with a giant ball head were all over 1990s television.
What to Order: Tacos and jalapeno poppers are a late night diner’s dream. When it comes to burgers, Sourdough Jack is tops. In the morning, the Supreme Breakfast Croissant is where it’s at.
Jollibee
Country: Philippines
History: There are over 700 locations of Jollibee in the Philippines and they are famous for their mascot who has his own television show. They are now a multinational company with branches throughout North America, Hong Kong and the Middle East. There were stores in Mainland China and Taiwan, but they sadly closed. We say, "bring back Filipino comfort food!"
What to Order: Fried spicy chicken which is branded as Chickenjoy and spaghetti. They also have a more extensive menu of local favorites in the Philippines.
Nando’s
Photo source: Nando’s Instagram
Country: South Africa
History: This South African chicken chain started slinging Portuguese style chicken in the late 1980s and has expanded to include locations throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and Oceana. Nando’s also blew up big around 2015 when American’s were trying to figure out what the hell a Cheeky Nandos is. (I still don’t get it.)
What to Order: Get chicken on the bone with peri chips (fries), macho peas or corn, and spicy rice. Garlic bread is also good as is the “perinaise” a combo of spicy sauce and mayo that you should be dipping things into.
Pie Face
Photo source: Pie Face Facebook
Country: Australia
History: Aussies love themselves some pie and you can find a huge variety of them at Pie Face. The first store was at Bondi Junction in Sydney and now they have stores throughout Australia as well as New Zealand, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Singapore. They had stores in the USA, but that’s a long, sad story.
What to Order: All the pies are good, but we are partial to the Butter Chicken, Tandoori Vegetable and Brekkie Pie. They also have sausage rolls and coffee.
Tim Horton’s
Photo source: Tim Horton’s Facebook
Country: Canada
History: Canadian hockey player, Tim Horton, founded the restaurant in 1964 and it was purchased by Burger King in 2014. They currently have stores almost 4,000 stores in Canada and close to 700 in the USA. What makes them so likeable is the extremely well priced coffee and donuts.
What to Order: Get black coffee, seriously good breakfast bagels and sandwiches and Timbits (something like a donut hole).
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