Buzz
As a well-traveled woman of great taste, one of my favorite parts of exploring the world is discovering the unique offerings at international McDonald’s, particularly their dipping sauces and McFlurry choices. I’ve indulged in Cadbury McFlurries in England and enjoyed dipping nuggets into La Sauce Curry in France, but these ramen-flavored ‘Shake Shake’ fries from Hong Kong are something truly exceptional.
The fries are a collaboration with Nissin, the makers of Cup o’ Noodles and Top Ramen, and they are exactly what they sound like: McDonald’s fries seasoned with ramen powder. Instead of coating large batches of fries with the seasoning, the powder is packaged separately, along with a bag for shaking, ensuring even distribution of the seasoning (hence the name).
It’s such a simple, yet brilliant combination. As a fan of both MSG and seasoning with ramen powder, I’m honestly surprised and a little disappointed I haven’t tried it sooner. Unlike most international fast food, this is something easily recreated at home. Just grab some fries—whether store-bought or homemade—and sprinkle your favorite packet of ramen powder, which, if you’re anything like me, you probably already have a stash of.
You can even tailor your frying oil to match your seasoning. If you prefer frying your fries in schmaltz, try the chicken flavor, or for beef lovers, shake some beef powder on fries cooked in beef tallow (unfortunately, this doesn’t work with shrimp, as there’s no such thing as shrimp fat). And why limit ourselves to fries? Why not ‘ramen-ize’ all potatoes? Ramen-seasoned hash browns topped with a runny egg sound delicious, as would ramen mashed potatoes.
Just don’t try shaking the mashed potatoes in a paper bag. That’s a recipe for disaster.
