I always wondered if a Big Mac really tastes the same all over the world. Or what types of unique menu items can be found in a certain country? For health reasons, I’m not a big fan of fast food. But as a self-proclaimed foodie, I was too curious to see what fast food tastes like in Japan!

The adventure started with a sudden craving for a burger. Of course, I had the option to try McDonald’s or another better variety, but instead I headed to the MOS Burger in Ikebukuro. Part of the reason was that I saw a nice menu selection, but more so because I never tried MOS Burger before. Apparently, it’s like the McDonald’s of East Asia.

Mos Burger Menu

Restaurants in Japan are very tourist-friendly because many have pictures on their menus. The only limitation is when you have to figure out what the ingredients are as the pictures don’t always tell the full story and people don’t always speak your language. An open mind – unless you have allergies – is recommended.

I ordered the burger priced at 420 yen. I have no idea what it’s called, but it was a recommended item. So I thought I really can’t go wrong. The total came up to 700 yen with fries and a Pepsi.

Mos Burger Receipt

The first thing they gave me was the drink. I was told to sit down and they bring the order over when it’s ready. Pretty good service for a fast food restaurant – you don’t get that at McDonald’s! The drink even comes with a nice coaster.

Mos Burger Coaster

Just as I expected, the regular Pepsi had a diet after taste. And after having purchased drinks at the vending machines, I quickly learned this was the norm. The green tea iced latte (300 yen) tastes much better so I recommend ordering that instead!

The burger and fries came out shortly after.  I noticed that in Japan, people really exert diligence when preparing your food.  I have never seen anyone slap a dish together casually.  They take care of their food and it comes out fresh.

The patty itself was very juicy.  Other than mayonnaise, I’m not quite sure what sauce they used but it definitely tasted like an Asian mixture with soy sauce.  It was a little tangy and a little sweet, which melded nicely with the patty.  The tomato and lettuce was also very juicy and crisp.  The size of the burger might be lacking for big eaters though.  It’s practically the size of a Filet-o-Fish.  But I have to say, this was definitely a tasty burger.

Mos Burger

The fries taste a lot like a Wendy’s variation.  But I think I like them slightly better because they were freshly made according to my observed Japanese standards.  On the other hand, the napkins they provide have a wax-like texture so they hurt when you wipe your mouth and much of the mess still stays on your face.  Why you ask?  Beats me.

Overall, minus the aspartame-tasting-Pepsi, I was pretty happy with the meal.  Oh and if you’re wondering what else I recommend off the menu, try out the shrimp burger (350 yen) and rice pork burger (350 yen). These also became my favorites!

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