McDonald's "Tsukimi" second wave has begun
This year's Tsukimi. That is, the Mid-Autumn Festival's full moon, Jugoya, is on September 25th. This Friday.
Some might feel that the Tsukimi season has already passed, as products featuring "Tsukimi" have been appearing since August, but the main event is finally here.
"Hokkaido Potato Pepper Tsukimi" launched on September 24th
The pioneer of the recent Tsukimi gourmet boom is, as expected, McDonald's. They launched the "Tsukimi Burger" in 1991 and it has since become a staple autumn item. While "Tsukimi Soba" and similar dishes existed before, combining a Western-style hamburger with the Japanese concept of Tsukimi was likely a groundbreaking idea.
First-Ever Potato in Tsukimi: What Does the 'Hokkaido Potato Pepper Tsukimi' Taste Like?
This year, McDonald's is rolling out new Tsukimi products in two phases. The "Hokkaido Potato Pepper Tsukimi" was released today, September 24th. While the classic "Tsukimi Burger" has been available since September 2nd, this marks the first time in McDonald's Tsukimi history that new products are launched in two stages.
The first phase product, "Aburi Gyusuki-style Tsukimi," concluded its sales on September 23rd.
■Hokkaido Potato Pepper Tsukimi: A la carte from 570 yen, Value Set from 870 yen
The "Hokkaido Potato Pepper Tsukimi," which could be called the main contender, appeared just before the peak Tsukimi season.
As the name suggests, it uses potatoes, but this is the first time McDonald's Tsukimi has ever featured potatoes. It's the first second-phase product, and the first potato-based one. Double the special feeling!
▲Short video also available on Donburi Channel
Its construction is similar to the classic Tsukimi Burger, featuring a domestic egg, 100% beef patty, and smoked bacon. On top of that, it layers cheddar cheese and a "Potato Pepper Filling" made with Hokkaido potatoes, all brought together with a creamy tomato sauce. The bun is the same fluffy, butter-scented type used in the "Aburi Gyusuki-style Tsukimi."
The bun is a sweet, butter-scented bread
According to the development team, a major reason for choosing potatoes as an ingredient was to create a satisfying texture comparable to the first phase's "Aburi Gyusuki-style Tsukimi."
How Chunky Is It? We Sliced It Open!
Where are the potatoes...?
Now, about this "Potato Pepper Filling." It's not just potatoes; it also incorporates the mellow flavor of egg salad. While McDonald's has had products with potato fillings before, this time they focused even more on the "chunky texture" than ever.
However, even holding the burger, the potato part isn't visible. It seems to be tucked inside as a filling.
So, we cleanly sliced it open with an electric knife.
By the way, it was Ko-no-su-san, who usually handles video production for ASCII Gourmet's YouTube channel, who suggested cutting it with an electric knife. Nabeko felt a little thrill.
And behold!
Beneath the patty, there's a seriously chunky potato sensation. You can see how chunky it is even in the photo.
Diced potatoes are chunky beneath the patty. The top is creamy tomato sauce.
Upon tasting it, the potatoes are truly chunky (again, I emphasize). The fluffy, sweet bun, the plump egg, the richness of the cheese, and the saltiness of the bacon. To this, the chunky texture of the potato filling and the mellowness reminiscent of egg salad are added.
The addition of egg salad flavor is probably key, as it creates a sense of unity with the egg already in the Tsukimi, making it feel completely natural.
It feels less like a Tsukimi Burger and more like a hearty deli-style bread. The spicy kick of the pepper also makes it easy to keep eating, and it's well-balanced overall.
Soy Sauce as a Secret Ingredient: Highly Satisfying!
Apparently, soy sauce is used as a secret ingredient. It's so subtle that you wouldn't notice it while eating. According to the development team, because of the combination of mellow flavors, adding salty soy sauce enhances the overall unity.
As expected from a highly anticipated second-phase release, it was satisfying with its originality and distinct potato presence.
The "Aburi Gyusuki-style Tsukimi" from the first phase also had a great sukiyaki flavor and was hearty, but as a potato lover, I might prefer this one! What about you all?
The Tsukimi product lineup is scheduled to be available until late October, with some exceptions. Even after Jugoya passes, Tsukimi isn't over. Rest assured.
※Prices may vary by store ※Prices in the article include tax
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