I embarked on a quest to sample seven festive fast food offerings, armed with nothing but my taste buds and a healthy dose of skepticism. The mission was simple: would any of these meals transport me to the merrymaking world of Christmas?
First up was the Chicken Cranberry Katsu from Wagamama. At £15.30, it's an investment, but one that pays off in spades. A katsu curry is a familiar tale, but the addition of cranberries – and a sprinkle of festive flair – elevates this dish to something special. My son devoured his plain katsu, while I savored each bite of our limited-edition delight. The only knock is the extra calories; still, it's a minor transgression for a Christmas treat that's nothing short of delightful.
The Festive Bake from Greggs was next on my list, with its promise of warm, comforting goodness. This is no turkey-themed abomination; rather, a loving tribute to the classic chicken bake. The herb dusting and sage add depth, while the bacon – yes, bacon – injects a welcome salty kick. My only quibble? The white sauce overpowers the other flavours slightly.
Now we arrive at the Double Big Tasty meal from McDonald's. This is a Big Mac with a smoky twist – a bold move, even if it doesn't quite hit its mark. Two bubble and squeak croquettes, however, are a curious choice, casting doubt on Nando's festive credentials.
Krispy Kreme, on the other hand, gets it spot-on with their Festive Dozen donuts. These aren't just sweet treats; they're an immersive experience. Snowmen, Santas, and Christmas trees adorn each donut – and that's the spirit of Christmas in a box.
Last but not least, there's the Stuffing Tower Burger from KFC. This is a tasty burger with a cranberry twist, elevated by the absence of stuffing. While sage and onion may evoke memories of school dinners, it's a minor detour for a truly excellent meal.
As I concluded my festive fast food tasting, I couldn't help but wonder: do any of these meals transport me to the world of Christmas? Some – like Krispy Kreme's Festive Dozen – are unapologetic, embracing their seasonal identity. Others, while delicious in their own right, struggle to tap into that same magic.
Ultimately, it's about what you're looking for: a meal that resonates with the spirit of the season or simply something tasty to warm your belly on a chilly winter's day. For this reviewer, at least, Krispy Kreme's Festive Dozen is the one to beat – but there are plenty of other festive fast food offerings worth exploring along the way.
First up was the Chicken Cranberry Katsu from Wagamama. At £15.30, it's an investment, but one that pays off in spades. A katsu curry is a familiar tale, but the addition of cranberries – and a sprinkle of festive flair – elevates this dish to something special. My son devoured his plain katsu, while I savored each bite of our limited-edition delight. The only knock is the extra calories; still, it's a minor transgression for a Christmas treat that's nothing short of delightful.
The Festive Bake from Greggs was next on my list, with its promise of warm, comforting goodness. This is no turkey-themed abomination; rather, a loving tribute to the classic chicken bake. The herb dusting and sage add depth, while the bacon – yes, bacon – injects a welcome salty kick. My only quibble? The white sauce overpowers the other flavours slightly.
Now we arrive at the Double Big Tasty meal from McDonald's. This is a Big Mac with a smoky twist – a bold move, even if it doesn't quite hit its mark. Two bubble and squeak croquettes, however, are a curious choice, casting doubt on Nando's festive credentials.
Krispy Kreme, on the other hand, gets it spot-on with their Festive Dozen donuts. These aren't just sweet treats; they're an immersive experience. Snowmen, Santas, and Christmas trees adorn each donut – and that's the spirit of Christmas in a box.
Last but not least, there's the Stuffing Tower Burger from KFC. This is a tasty burger with a cranberry twist, elevated by the absence of stuffing. While sage and onion may evoke memories of school dinners, it's a minor detour for a truly excellent meal.
As I concluded my festive fast food tasting, I couldn't help but wonder: do any of these meals transport me to the world of Christmas? Some – like Krispy Kreme's Festive Dozen – are unapologetic, embracing their seasonal identity. Others, while delicious in their own right, struggle to tap into that same magic.
Ultimately, it's about what you're looking for: a meal that resonates with the spirit of the season or simply something tasty to warm your belly on a chilly winter's day. For this reviewer, at least, Krispy Kreme's Festive Dozen is the one to beat – but there are plenty of other festive fast food offerings worth exploring along the way.