The fast-food giant launched Zinger Banh Mi nationwide on Nov. 4, following a successful trial run in Newcastle earlier this year.
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KFC Zinger Banh Mi. Photo courtesy of KFC Australia |
The limited-edition creation features coleslaw, chili, coriander, mayonnaise, KFC Supercharger sauce, and a Zinger chicken fillet, all served on a classic banh mi roll, according to News.com.au.
“At KFC, we love putting our own spin on modern foods, and the Zinger Banh Mi is our take on a much-loved icon,” said Sally Spriggs, KFC’s group marketing director.
“It’s the perfect balance of spice, freshness and texture – a truly finger lickin’ good combination that celebrates flavour innovation while giving our fans another way to enjoy our famous Zinger.”
The unusual combination has attracted attention from food lovers. “It’s the ultimate flavor fusion,” said Georgia Mahood of Taste.com.au.
“It’s pitched as a fusion of KFC’s iconic spice with the light and refreshing flavors Aussies expect from a banh mi,” she said, referring to the Vietnamese baguette sandwich made with a crusty bread filled with a variety of ingredients such as pate, grilled chicken, beef, pickles and herbs.
Jo Abi of Nine.com.au described the food as “a little spicy”, adding that he and some of his colleagues had to pull out the fresh chili, while others expected more.
But those who are familiar with the Vietnamese dish were critical of the dish, he added.
“The banh mi from KFC was yummy but it didn’t really taste like a banh mi. It’s missing the absolutely critical ingredients that make a banh mi what it is!” said one of the tasters.
“As someone who has grown up eating a lot of banh mis, I was a bit hesitant to try the KFC version. I’m not sure if you could actually call it a banh mi if the bread wasn’t crunchy and there was no pate, but it hit the spot,” another said.
Australia-focused YouTube channel Food Sack rated the creation as “not bad” but inferior to other banh mi options in the country.
“It’s missing some of the flavors. The proportions aren’t quite there. There’s carrot but you can’t barely taste the carrot.”
The new dish is available at selected KFC restaurants, with prices starting at AUD9.95 (US$6.50). It is, however, only available until Dec. 1.
Zinger Banh Mi is part of KFC’s expansion into international-inspired menu offerings with a series of limited-edition releases that tap into global food trends.
Among them is the Sweet Tokyo Feast, featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet teriyaki-style glaze and topped with sesame seeds.
Earlier this year, the fast-food chain also launched a kebab range, combining its signature Original Recipe and Zinger chicken with flavorful salads and sauces.
