[Review] McDonald’s NEW the Crispy “Hainanese Chicken” Burger, Crafted with Ben Yeo

For the first time ever, McDonald’s Singapore has collaborated with Mediacorp Artiste and Guest Chef Ben Yeo to craft a burger inspired by Singapore – the Crispy “Hainanese Chicken” Burger.

The limited-edition creation will launch across all McDonald’s restaurants in Singapore and via Delivery on 5 August 2021 (this Thursday), just in time for the countdown to National Day.

Earlier yesterday, the good folks from McDonald’s sent us two of the new burgers to sample in an online media preview to unveil the Crispy Hainanese Chicken Burger. Guest Chef Ben Yeo was in the video call as well, sharing with us, how he came up with the burger together with the R&D team from McDonald’s since last year in December.

Apparently, a lot of effort went into creating this burger. Ben and the team tried several other local flavours like laksa and satay before finally landing on Hainanese Chicken for that Uniquely Singapore flavour.

If you are wondering why there is rice featured in the Hainanese Chicken Burger (why not a rice burger?), this was deliberate as Ben and the team wanted a fusion burger, with the familiar flavour of the iconic Hainanese Chicken Rice, but yet something different in presentation.

The result:

A taste that’s familiar and delicious – with a touch of DIY drizzle

Inspired by one of Singapore’s favourite local dishes – the Hainanese Chicken Rice – the Crispy “Hainanese Chicken” Burger features a juicy, crispy chicken patty complemented by a trio of sauces that is unique to the Hainanese Chicken Rice – ginger sauce, garlic chili sauce and dark sweet sauce.

Drizzle it your way for that extra flavour

Akin to how we drizzle dark sauce on Hainanese Chicken Rice, the Crispy “Hainanese Chicken” Burger comes with a sachet of dark sweet sauce to drizzle on the burger in your own way.

“My inspiration behind the Crispy “Hainanese Chicken” Burger comes from my love and passion for local food. I grew up eating local food, so I wanted to incorporate a local flavour and taste – with a McDonald’s twist – into the burger!” shared Ben. 

“McDonald’s has a strong chicken menu, so naturally what came to mind was a dish that many of us know and love in Singapore – Hainanese Chicken Rice – but of course, with my own interpretation of it,” he added.

Ben also shared on how to best enjoy the burger, by drizzling the dark sweet sauce in between the bun or on top of the chicken patty with each bite.

“We’re thrilled to have this unique opportunity to partner Ben Yeo to craft the Crispy “Hainanese Chicken” Burger, as a spin on a local favourite. Ben Yeo’s passion for local food, experience in the local F&B scene and love for McDonald’s makes him a natural fit for this collaboration,” said Drina Chee, Senior Director, Marketing & Digital Customer Experience, McDonald’s Singapore. 

Verdict?

This is good!

In fact, so good I ate both burgers at one go.

I was initially a little sceptical with a burger touting the flavours of the iconic Hainanese Chicken Rice, yet without rice. After taking a bite, with the sweet sauce drizzled in between the bun as recommended by Ben, I was pleasantly surprised by the sweet and savoury balance, delivering that extra punch along with the crunchy texture of the crispy chicken patty.

I will get this again. Go try it!

Additionally, alongside the limited-edition Crispy “Hainanese Chicken” Burger is the return of two popular limited-time snacks – the crunchy Crisscut Fries and crispy Banana Pie.

In celebration of all things local, McDonald’s Singapore also added their take on the classic local beverage ‘Kopi’, with their very own Kopi Frappé.

Crisscut Fries, Banana Pie and Kopi Frappé

or upgrade your French Fries to Crisscut Fries for just $0.30.

  or simply upgrade your Extra Value Meal™ drink to Kopi Frappé (M) from just $1.85

The Crispy “Hainanese Chicken” Burger, Crisscut Fries and Banana Pie are available after breakfast hours starting 5 August 2021 for takeaway in all restaurants, Drive-Thru and via McDelivery, GrabFood and Foodpanda for a limited period only, while stocks last. The Kopi Frappé is available all day, while stocks last and is available at McDonald’s restaurants excluding McDonald’s Lido, McDonald’s Parklane Shopping Mall, McCafé^® and Dessert Kiosks.