2 weeks ago
McDonald's India launches Shravan special menu, netizens call it glocalization
McDonald's in India made a special menu for a holy month called Shravan.
During Shravan, many people who follow the Hindu religion eat special food.
They do not eat meat, onions, or garlic during this month.
So McDonald's made burgers without onions and garlic.
They also made fries without salt.
Some people thought this was a very smart idea and called it 'glocalization.'
Other people joked about it on the internet.
Some people were not happy because they said the food is made in the same kitchen as meat food.
A person on the internet explained that this is not fasting food, but food for the Shravan month.
McDonald's says they made this menu to help customers who observe Shravan.
McDonald's India has launched a Shravan Special menu with vegetarian items such as unsalted fries and no onion-no garlic burgers.
The menu is designed for the Hindu holy month of Shravan (July-August), dedicated to Lord Shiva, when many devotees avoid non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic.
Special combos and no onion-no garlic versions of the 7 Veggies Burger, McAloo Tikki NONG Burger, and Mexican McAloo Tikki NONG Burger were featured.
A photo of the menu went viral on X, drawing jokes like 'glocalization' and 'Marketing 101' alongside criticism calling it a 'poor and distasteful attempt.'
According to McDonald's blog, the Shravan menu is not a new launch this year, as the special items date back to 2024.
- Who
- McDonald's India and its customers in the country
- What
- Launched a Shravan Special menu featuring vegetarian items like unsalted fries and no onion-no garlic burger variations
- Where
- India, at McDonald's outlets
- When
- During the month of Shravan (July-August); the special items date back to 2024
- Why
- To cater to customers who avoid non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic during the Hindu holy month of Shravan dedicated to Lord Shiva
Critics
Supporters
Regional customisation vs brand identity
Critics
There is a fine line between catering to customer needs and losing one's identity; called it a 'poor and distasteful attempt.'
Supporters
It's 'glocalization' and 'Marketing 101'; regional customisation is nothing new for McDonald's.
What kind of food is it?
Critics
Joked that McDonald's is now 'selling upvaas ka khaana.'
Supporters
It is Shravan food that avoids onion and garlic, not upvaas (fasting) food; similar menus appear during Navratri too.
Kitchen and cooking practices
Critics
The same kitchen that makes non-veg food makes these items too, using the same cookware, cutlery, and utensils.
Supporters
The menu supports customers' sentiments and caters to many distinct Indian communities.
Key facts
- Company
- McDonald's India
- Menu Name
- Shravan Special
- Period
- Month of Shravan (July-August)
- Featured Items
- Unsalted fries; no onion-no garlic 7 Veggies Burger, McAloo Tikki NONG Burger, Mexican McAloo Tikki NONG Burger
- First Introduced
- 2024, per McDonald's blog
- Religious Context
- Hindu holy month dedicated to Lord Shiva
- Purpose
- Cater to customers avoiding non-veg food, onion, and garlic during Shravan
- Public Reception
- Went viral on X; mixed reactions including 'glocalization' and criticism
Quotes
Anonymous social media user
User reacting to the new menu
“Not upvaas khana it's shravan food which doesn't have onion and garlic.”
livemint.com
“Wake me up when we get a McSabudana Tikki Burger.”
livemint.com
Sources
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