Flavors of Japan | Ebi Burger with Sakura Meal

To keep things relevant fast food restaurants offer seasonal burgers and other things that they experiment and also limited time only offerings that may not be a repeat if not for customers wanting it to be back such as McDonald’s Twister Fries as an example that have repeatedly became available in some point due to public demand. Then there’s this new theme from McDonald’s Philippines which is dubbed “Flavors of Japan” that they have launched toward the last week of February probably in time for spring? But this country only has two seasons being tropical although Filipinos adore the Japanese culture to why not. They rolled out not only one or two oriental themed burgers, but a set of meal.

Billed as “Flavors of Japan” inspiring Filipinos who has not made it to the land of rising sun have an introduction to McDonald’s offering, which has been in discussion with those who have tried the Ebi Burger (with actual shrimp!), Teriyaki Samurai Burger, Nori Shake Shake Fries, and Strawberry Sakura McFloat that round up this limited time offer meal.

If you only want a taste of the Ebi or Teriyaki Burger they go for ₱ 149.00 Pesos ($ 2.88 USD |$ 4.06 AUD| ¥ 321.37 Yen) each. For the Sakura Meal that includes the Nori Shake Shake Fries and Strawberry Sakura McFloat either of the Burgers it’s at ₱ 194.00 Pesos ($ 3.75 USD |$ 5.29 AUD| ¥ 418.45 Yen).









This is not the first time McDonald’s had a Japanese themed sandwich offering. For those may recall back in 2006 they tried the McRice Burger offering two variations with Beef Supreme or Chicken Supreme that also a black and white sesame seed on top of the rice bun.

Although not entirely referred to be ‘Japanese Theme’ but McDonald’s Philippines had tried this one-time offering and never repeated again. But with the “Flavors of Japan” they rolled out and streamlined the theme with these offerings that Filipinos would try out.

I had the Ebi Burger that has a tempura coated shrimp patty topped with sweet sauce and lettuce, all sandwiched between a black and white sesame seed bun. Its serving is just right for local size serving-wise but most who have ordered one says that it needs more sauce as publicized during the launch.

A close inspection of the Ebi Burger, the lettuce was not enough or did they run out to put a small leaf? It appears the shrimp’s sauce is almost non-existent on this one, maybe they’re running out to hand over this that looks dry. In comparison to the ones served during the Media Press Launch a few days ago prior to the public roll out of the product it was more impressive to look at.







If you order the Sakura Meal you’ll have the Nori Shake Shake Fries and Strawberry Sakura McFloat. You basically get a plain medium McFries with a Nori Seaweed packet, and a special paper bag to mix it all up, but the one handed to me is an ordinary brown bag at the Landmark branch. Clearly this McDonald’s outlet must have run out of special Shake Fry bags so they chose an alternative for a brown one that usually use to pack in take away orders.

But the one that’s had a small serving was the Strawberry Sakura McFloat. I requested for lesser ice content but like most of the McDonald’s staff anywhere within the Philippines they may have hearing problems or they’re programmed by the management that whatever the customer request related to drinks that has to do with ice in them regardless of request 80% percent of the drink must contain ice if its McFloat.

The Flavored Strawberry Sakura McFloat 20% Percent Drink and 80% Percent ICE.

Even though I repeatedly requested it TWICE, stingy much? Yes to that obviously.You don’t need a fistful of ice to make your ice cream float and there are four ways to do this. Now that I have experience having the Strawberry Sakura McFloat I might not order the Sakura Meal anymore to try the Teriyaki Samurai Burger, but probably will pair up with the Nori Shake Shake Fries if it’s available for that.



Overall the concept and theme is right for Filipinos to try it, but the obvious lack of sauce on the Eib Burger and the full of ice than drink on the Strawberry Sakura McFloat clearly doesn’t get your money’s worth.

Most have said that the Ebi Burger was not as what everyone expected, but the Nori Shake Shake Fries was the one to have that’s a winner there alright.