China Fast Food Adventure: A Taste of International & Local Chains

BEST to WORST Fast Food Franchises in China!

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation:24.9 million
BEST to WORST Fast Food Franchises in China!
Jimmy Kim2025-07-1421 min

In this video, I’ll be trying out a variety of fast food franchises in China.While China has familiar international chains like McDonald’s and KFC, it also has its own American-style fast food brands — and many of them are surprisingly delicious.These franchises often serve items that are exclusive to China, so I’ll be sampling everything from the most popular international chain to the most successful local one — and giving you my honest review along the way.Let’s see what Chinese fast food is all about!

--- Jimmy Kim
July 14, 2025, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Introduction
  2. 00:25McDonald's
  3. 04:33KFC
  4. 09:07Dicos Chinese Franchise
  5. 16:08Shake Shack
  6. 19:43Final Thoughts

Jimmy Kim's China fast food adventure reveals surprising delights and unexpected rankings! From McDonald's to local favorites, taste the unique flavors and discover his top pick.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Explore various fast food franchises in Shanghai, from popular international chains to local brands. Many offer unique and delicious items original to China. (0:15)
  2. Tip 2In China, many restaurants utilize mobile apps for ordering, offering a convenient and contactless dining experience. Familiarize yourself with popular food delivery apps before your trip. (4:45)
  3. Tip 3Be prepared for longer cooking times at Chinese fast-food restaurants. Allow extra time for your meal, as preparation can take 10-15 minutes. (10:00)
  4. Tip 4Shanghai can be incredibly humid and hot, especially during summer months. Stay hydrated and seek air-conditioned spaces when needed. (12:35)
  5. Tip 5China often provides excellent value for food. You can find high-quality meals at reasonable prices, especially compared to international standards. (18:46)

Jimmy Kim takes on the ultimate fast food challenge in China, sampling everything from familiar international chains to surprisingly delicious local brands. He shares honest reviews, highlighting unique Chinese twists and unexpected favorites. Discover which fast food franchise reigns supreme in Jimmy's epic culinary adventure!

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BEST to WORST Fast Food Franchises in China!

This video documents Jimmy Kim's exploration of fast-food franchises in Shanghai, China. He begins with McDonald's, noting the availability of an English ordering option and trying the Ultraman-themed burger, fries, and a hojicha macflurry. The burger, with its sweet and juicy beef patty and uniquely Chinese-spiced ham, is a standout. The fries, while crispy, are deemed a bit too thin. The chicken wings, though visually distinct, lack juiciness. A second McDonald's burger is less impressive, lacking the flavorful spice of the first. However, the sweet and spicy chicken tenders prove to be a delightful surprise.

Next, Jimmy visits KFC, the most popular franchise in China, ordering via a mobile app. He samples a shrimp taco (despite a shrimp allergy, with no reaction), finding the fried chicken juicy and subtly spicy. The burger features the same flavorful chicken. The fries are similar to McDonald's, but less salty. A baked chicken option is drier. The red bean pie lacks sweetness, and the panda egg tart, while good, has a dense marshmallow that detracts from the overall experience. The shrimp taco emerges as a favorite, with its spicy, well-seasoned chicken.

Jimmy then tries Do, a popular Chinese fast-food chain. The black fried chicken is a revelation—juicy, incredibly crispy, and boldly spiced. A regular fried chicken is less impressive. The fries are thicker and more premium than McDonald's. A black fried pork dish, while decent, pales in comparison to the chicken. The lemonade is deemed too sour. A rice burger is underwhelming, with insufficient chicken, while a chicken sandwich is good but not exceptional. A curry rice dish is enjoyable, with a Thai-style curry and crispy chicken. A tayyaki dessert is described as having a gooey, deep-fried texture, heavier than its Japanese counterpart.

Finally, Jimmy visits Shake Shack. While not offering unique Chinese items, the avocado shake is creamy and delicious, and the avocado bacon hot chicken burger is excellent, though expensive. The fries are dry. A mango shake, while sweet and fruity, is less enjoyable than the avocado shake. The spicy chicken is juicy and luxurious, with flavorful buns. In his final ranking, Do takes the top spot due to its exceptional black fried chicken, followed by Shake Shack, KFC, and McDonald's.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was your favorite fast food in China?
A: Hands down, the black fried chicken from Do! It was unbelievably juicy and crispy, the best fried chicken I've ever had.
Q: What surprised you most about Chinese fast food?
A: How much time it takes to cook! It took 10-15 minutes, much longer than in other countries.
Q: What was the most unique item you tried?
A: Definitely the black fried chicken from Do. I don't know how they made it black, but it was amazing!
Q: How would you compare the quality of the different franchises?
A: Do was the best by far, followed by Shake Shack, then KFC, and finally McDonald's. Do was the most original and had the best quality.

China Fast Food Adventure: A Taste of International & Local Chains

In this video, I’ll be trying out a variety of fast food franchises in China. While China has familiar international chains like McDonald’s and KFC, it also has its own American-style fast food brands — and many of them are surprisingly delicious. These franchises often serve items that are exclusive...

Shanghai Fast Food: A Culinary Journey Through China's Franchises

Jimmy Kim embarks on a culinary adventure, exploring the diverse landscape of fast food franchises in China. From iconic international chains like McDonald's and KFC to unique local brands, he samples a variety of offerings, highlighting the surprising deliciousness of some Chinese fast food. His honest reviews cover everything from popular international options to successful local favorites, giving viewers a comprehensive taste of the Chinese fast food scene. Prepare for a mouthwatering journey through China's fast food scene!