An interesting exploration of the effects McDonald's has had in various East Asian countries. The essays on Beijing and Hong Kong are far more researched and interesting than Tapei, Japan and Seoul. Otherwise, an interesting ethnography. ( )

This was an interesting overview of McDonalds in Asia, though overall I found it somewhat lacking. Not the research itself, but the extent that it had to be condensed in order to be presented in a reasonable sized book.

I think the background to their research was interesting, why they took the approach they did, especially given that they started on level ground. Not buying into the popular notions that McDonalds is the bastion of evil.

Some of the bits I found most interesting.
China:
"It should be noted that eating at McDonald's is still a big treat for low-income people, and that as of 1994, a dinner at McDonald's for a family of three normally cost one-sixth of a worker's monthly salary."

That just shocked me, I mean I knew on some level that the standard of living in China is lower and that people earn less but for McDonalds to be *such* a treat. I can't even imagine it being worth it, but maybe that's just me.

Korea
"It may be hard to convince a Korean child, whose favorite venue for her birthday parties is McDonald's, that hamburgers are not part of her indigenous food culture."

Good to know that birthday parties at McDs are a worldwide phenomenon. Certainly went to a fair few of those as a child, though never had one there myself. Author raises an interesting point there though, when generations grow up with McDs (or other international chains) being commonplace, at what point do the stop being foreign?

Japan
"...after some discussion it became clear that, to him, McDonald's meant teriyaki burgers and the taste he craved was soy sauce." (on why a man visiting the US thought McDs was better in Japan).

Very interesting to look at what one's palate becomes accustomed to. Can certainly sympathise with the soy sauce craving though. Also interesting in this chapter was the effects of McDs on Japanese table manners especially with regard to eating with one's hands and standing up.

I don't care much for McDonalds and haven't had it in a long time after ODing on it when I was here last time and using it as comfort food, but this was certainly an interesting read.

Not sure if 'Asia' is acceptable for the "Places" challenge, but either way this is TBReleased at one of Osaka's 70 million McDs. ( )