Bali McDonald’s: An Honest Review a Dad From NZ Was NOT Expecting
Is Bali McDonald’s really that different from the one back home? As a dad traveling with two kids from New Zealand, McDonald’s is our family’s ultimate safety net. It’s the one place we can count on for a familiar taste when the kids are tired of trying new things.
We rely on it in New Zealand, and we figured it would be the same on our recent family trip to Bali. But let me tell you—while the Golden Arches look the same, the experience was a world away.
If you’re a parent planning a trip, you’re probably wondering if the fast food in Bali is a safe bet for picky eaters. This honest review will break down everything, from the surprisingly delicious menu to the price, and why the Bali McDonald’s experience might just shock you, too.
The Vibe: Practicality vs. a Special Treat
The role McDonald’s plays in our lives is completely different in each country. One is built for pure convenience, while the other feels like a destination.
In New Zealand: It’s All About Practicality
In New Zealand, visiting McDonald’s is a practical decision. The playgrounds are a lifesaver, especially on a rainy day during the school holidays. It’s an affordable way to let the kids burn off energy while we grab a meal.
It’s also the perfect road trip pit stop. With all the driving we do, it’s a go-to for a quick McCafé coffee and a hash brown to start the day. It’s functional, predictable, and serves a clear purpose.
In Bali: A Surprisingly “Nicer” Experience
In Bali, McDonald’s felt different. It’s obviously not a fine-dining restaurant, but it’s a definite step up in price and atmosphere compared to the delicious and cheap local food stalls, known as warungs.
The restaurants we visited in Sanur and Kuta were clean, modern, and air-conditioned—a welcome escape from the island’s heat. It felt more aligned with the cleaner, tourist-focused restaurants than a typical fast-food joint.
It reminded me of a business trip I took to Bangladesh years ago. When the first KFC opened, it was the “cool” place for well-off young people to hang out. I suspect Bali McDonald’s holds a similar status: a trendy, Western-style experience rather than an everyday cheap meal.
The Ultimate Bali McDonald’s Menu Taste Test
Here’s where things get interesting. The food itself was the biggest shock, and my kids have not let me forget it.
The Star of the Show: Our Honest Review of Ayam McD
The Bali McDonald’s menu has something we desperately need in New Zealand: Ayam McD. This is their signature fried chicken, and it is genuinely incredible.
Forget what you know about fast-food chicken. This was perfectly crispy on the outside, unbelievably juicy on the inside, and seasoned with a unique blend of spices that was flavorful without being too spicy for the kids.
It easily rivaled, and maybe even surpassed, dedicated chicken chains like KFC. I found myself wondering why our McDonald’s at home can’t produce chicken this good. It’s a game-changer.
Even the Classics Tasted Better
It wasn’t just the chicken. The fries seemed crispier. The burgers tasted fresher. I don’t know if they use different ingredients, a higher quality of cooking oil, or if the tropical holiday vibe just makes everything taste better, but the difference was noticeable.
My eldest son, our family’s most honest food critic, took one bite of his burger and loudly declared, “Dad, why is Bali McDonald’s so cheap and delicious?!”
It was a direct, unfiltered shot at our local Golden Arches, and I couldn’t even argue with him. His honest review was spot on.
Unique Menu Items You Won’t Find Back Home
Beyond the legendary fried chicken, the menu had other local twists that were fun to explore.
- McSpicy Chicken Burger: While some countries have it, the Balinese version had a serious kick that was surprisingly addictive.
- Rice Bowls: Many combos come with a side of steamed rice, a staple in Indonesian cuisine. You could get a bowl of rice with your fried chicken or a beef patty.
- Unique Desserts: We saw different McFlurry flavors and special promotional pies that you just don’t see in Oceania.
The Price: How Much Does McDonald’s Cost in Bali?
That “cheap and delicious” comment from my son brings up a great point: value. While McDonald’s is more expensive than local street food, it’s generally cheaper than in Western countries like New Zealand or Australia.
For example, a standard Big Mac combo in Bali might cost you around 60,000 IDR (about $6 NZD or $4 USD). Back home, you’d be looking at closer to 13-15 NZD for the same meal.
This affordability makes it an even more attractive option for families traveling on a budget who just need one “easy” meal. According to a 2023 report by Research and Markets, the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry in Indonesia is booming, projected to grow by over 10% annually, partly due to this perception of affordable, convenient luxury.
My Love-Hate Relationship with McCafé
One area where New Zealand McDonald’s has a slight edge is the rewards program. I admit, I love the little thrill of cashing in my McDonald’s Rewards points for a free iced mocha.
The catch? The quality is a lottery. Some days my free drink is rich and perfect; other days, it’s a bland, watery disappointment. That’s why I only ever redeem a free one—I refuse to pay for that kind of inconsistency.
Delivery, Service, and an Unexpected Souvenir
One night in Sanur, we were too tired to go out, so we ordered Bali McDonald’s for delivery through the Grab app (similar to Uber Eats).
The food arrived quickly, but the best part was the bag. Instead of a standard paper or plastic bag, our order came in a sturdy, reusable McDonald’s-branded fabric tote bag. It was a completely unexpected and high-quality freebie.
That bag became a funny little souvenir from our trip. It was a small touch, but it reinforced the feeling that the experience in Bali was just a little more thoughtful. Even the Happy Meal toys felt like they were better quality!
A Dad’s Verdict: Is Bali McDonald’s Worth It for Families?
So, what’s the final verdict from a traveling dad? New Zealand McDonald’s wins on practicality with its playgrounds and road-trip convenience. But for pure taste and value, Bali McDonald’s wins by a landslide.
It’s a fantastic option for families traveling to Bali for a few key reasons:
- Picky Eater Approved: It’s a guaranteed win for kids who might be struggling with local spices.
- Affordable: It provides a budget-friendly meal that feels familiar.
- Surprisingly Delicious: The food, especially the Ayam McD, is genuinely tasty.
Bali’s tourism is roaring back, with BPS-Statistics Indonesia reporting over 5.2 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2023. With so many families visiting, knowing you have a reliable food option is a huge relief.
Of course, while McDonald’s is great, a huge part of travel is trying local food! For a meal that’s both authentic and a surefire hit with the kids, you can read about a fantastic kid-approved warung in Kuta that our family loved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about McDonald’s in Bali
1. Is McDonald’s expensive in Bali?
No, compared to Western countries like the US, Australia, or New Zealand, McDonald’s in Bali is quite affordable. A combo meal is often less than half the price you would pay at home, making it a great budget-friendly option for traveling families.
2. Does the Bali McDonald’s menu have unique items?
Yes! The absolute must-try item is Ayam McD, their signature crispy fried chicken. They also offer rice as a side option with many meals, different McSpicy variations, and unique local-flavored desserts and drinks that you won’t find elsewhere.
3. Can you get McDonald’s delivered in Bali?
Absolutely. Food delivery services like Gojek and Grab are extremely popular and efficient in Bali. You can easily order McDonald’s directly to your hotel or villa, and it often arrives quickly.
4. Are the McDonald’s restaurants in Bali clean?
In our experience, yes. The McDonald’s locations we visited in tourist areas like Kuta and Sanur were very clean, modern, and had strong air conditioning, providing a comfortable break from the heat.
5. Is the chicken at Bali McDonald’s better than KFC?
This is a matter of personal taste, but in our family’s opinion, the Ayam McD fried chicken was superior to most fast-food chicken we’ve ever had, including KFC. It was exceptionally crispy and juicy.
Our Final Takeaway
If you find yourself in Bali and need a break from nasi goreng, give Bali McDonald’s a try. It’s more than just a familiar fallback; it’s a genuinely tasty, affordable, and comfortable experience.
And trust me on this one: order the fried chicken. You’ll be wondering why it’s not on the menu back home, too.
For more information on the official menu, you can visit the McDonald’s Indonesia website.
Have you ever been shocked by how different McDonald’s is in another country? Share your experience in the comments below
