McDonald’s quick to cater to Chinese tastes

Part of the success of McDonald's the whole world over has come from the company's willingness to cater to local tastes, and the menu in China has been no exception over the years.

Fittingly over Chinese New Year -- a time when people look to turn their fortunes around -- diners have come to expect the Prosperity Burger to appear in outlets across the country -- beef with black pepper sauce and onions -- while all year round you can opt for a taro pie (instead of the apple variety) or chili garlic sauce on your McNuggets. There's also a red bean sundae and fresh corn served in a cup.

Anyone who has visited Hong Kong and wandered into a local branch would have found McWings on almost every plate, and they are a popular item all over the nation, too.

Uniquely, McDonald's also caters for the needs of Hong Kong's tiny Cheung Chau island, which goes vegetarian for three days each year to celebrate its Da Jiu (or Bun) Festival -- with only vegetarian items on the menu of its small outlet there.

McDonald's was quick to adapt to what cuts of meat China fancies as well and so for its chicken burgers the company uses thigh fillet instead of breast.

MS