6.042

16 (Mon) Feb 2015

Double Deluxe Shrimp Burger

0.5

at McDonald’s (E-Mart)

-Seongsu, Seoul-

with Dj, IZ

The Prodigal Son Returns to Shepherd His Sons, Day 3 (see previously 6.041 The Original Storm).

In town for a few days, first of two trips within the coming week, reasons to be revealed as the week unfolds.

The Deluxe Shrimp Burger is a sandwich by McDonald’s Korea.  Available only in Korea (luckily for every other country on earth), for a limited time only (if we’re lucky).  Consists of a deep-fried shrimp patty–as depicted in the promotional posters, the patty contains whole shrimp, rather than minced shrimp, as with (reasonably edible) shrimp burgers at other chains–cheese, lettuce, tartarish sauce, dusted bun.  No bacon, which is what “deluxe” denotes in McDonald’s Korea parlance (see for example 3.253 McSpicy Deluxe Snack Wrap), so the “deluxe” here is a mystery (among so many).  The launch was announced in the local newspapers (see for example “McDonald’s pushes shrimp burger in Korea”) (confirming the worst about Korean journalism).

Having been over a year since I tried one of these gimmick burgers* (see most recently 4.361 Prosperity Burger), I was excited to see the in-store display.  Not expecting anything good, quite the opposite, but giddy with anticipation of how spectacularly awful it would be.  Probably why I got the double, to maximize the experience.  And if it turned out okay, even better, because I would appreciate having a decent shrimp option over beef and chicken.

*While living in Seoul, before relocating to Manila last year, I used to encounter such promotional items on my regular grocery shopping trips to E-Mart, which has a McDonald’s in the food court, but I rarely go to McDonald’s or other fast food chains anymore, although I still get slammed on occasion, even in Manila (see for example 5.297 Hamdesal).

The Deluxe Shrimp Burger didn’t disappoint.  In trying to convey a sense of freshness, the poorly executed construction resulted in shrimp that looked/felt/tasted raw/slippery/fishy–totally gross. Three bites–one exploratory, another for confirmation, a final just in case–and I was done.  Made me feel right back at home.