Humble ‘Aloo Tikki’ To Challenge Beef Hegemony In Burger Patties? McDonalds Introduces Option To Woo Vegans In US

McDonald’s Chicago will start serving McAloo Tikki burger, the Indian vegetarian burger, in a bid to attract the vegan population of the US, Indian Express has reported.

The burger has been introduced in the McDonald’s global headquarters restaurant in Chicago’s West Loop neighbourhood. “Customers have expressed interest in items from McDonald’s restaurants located in India and we’re excited to offer them the opportunity to try the longtime vegetarian favourite, McAloo Tikki,” said an official statement.

McDonald’s India launched the McAloo Tikki burger in 1998, two years after the company’s entry into the Indian market. This was an attempt to localise its menu and attract Indian customers.

“The burger was a unique proposition that brought the familiarity of Indian cuisine and the novelty of the very humble potato patty being used to create a burger together,” says the company’s blog.

“The combination of a potato and peas patty with special Indian spices coated with breadcrumbs, served with sweet tomato mayo, fresh onions, and tomatoes in a regular bun is still a hit, not just among Indians, but even foreigners who have tried it during their visit to India,” adds the blog.

According to a recent Gallup poll, the number of Americans who self-identify as vegetarians or vegan has remained steady over the past twenty years with five per cent saying that they are vegetarian and 3 per cent describing themselves as a vegan.

While vegans avoid all forms of animal products, even dairy, vegetarians are comfortable consuming dairy.

Also Read: Generating Meat In Labs: The Technology, Opportunities And The Consequences