Review: Quinoa Curry, the new vegetarian McDonald’s Switzerland Burger

The Quinoa Curry Burger is the only vegetarian burger currently offered by McDonald’s Switzerland. Unfortunately, the replacement burger, after the delicious Vegi Mac was discontinued, is absolutely not comparable. While the “original veggie burger”, the McVeggie, had an actual patty in great thickness, the new Quinoa Curry burger only features a thin patty made with quinoa and veggies. It’s rather hard than crispy, is too seasoned, and now only topped with some cut green salad, a slice of tomato, as well as both mayonnaise (“sandwich sauce”) and curry sauce on top of the burger. While the McDonald’s Switzerland McVeggie used to be served in a sesame bun, the new Quinoa Curry is served in a ciabatta-like bun. Definitely “like”, actually more accurate would be “wannabe” bun. It’s very soft, tastes like literally nothing, and the structure doesn’t even hold up until you’ve eaten half the burger until it starts to fall apart. I was utterly disappointed, especially for a burger with a price point of 5,90 CHF, equal to 5 Euros. For 5 Euros you might already get a small gourmet burger in an actual restaurant, and not this. C’mon McDonald’s Switzerland, you used to do better, why not step up the game for meat-free offers, instead of serving utter crap like this? Looks like in the future I will only frequent McDonald’s in Switzerland for a double espresso with extra panna, whipped cream (which price is a stellar 3,70 CHF). Unfortunately almost everywhere in Europe McDonald’s is having troubles establishing proper veggie burgers, as they also discontinued the McVeggie in Italy. As of right now only, Sweden seems to offer proper McDonald’s Veggie Burgers.

Pictures of the Quinoa Curry Burger at McDonald’s Lugano