This post on Carl’s Jr Vietnam is to share with you my experience with the new kids on Saigon’s fast food chain block.

 

Located in the basement of the newly opened Vincom Center, Carl’s Jr Vietnam has been the anticipation of many Saigon expats who have long been unhappy with the only 2 choices available – KFC and Japan’s Lotteria.

All the pictures here are taken with my humble hand phone so forgive me for the poor image quality.

 

One of the common and main comments you’ll hear is how Carl’s Jr Vietnam don’t come cheap here. Even the cheapest burger makes up a good 3 bowls of Pho Bo. But then again you are paying for the location, a piece of America and what many say good burgers which I don’t agree (more on my thoughts towards the end of this post).

 

I actually went to Carl’s Jr Vietnam hoping to get a good replica of the French Fries from MacDonald’s and my girlfriend was looking for Burger King’s type of Onion Rings but we both walked away disappointed. Don’t get me wrong. They are good but still a far cry from what we are used to in Singapore.

 

Old school napkin dispenser on every table. Love this but I pity Carl’s Jr as I’m sure it’s gonna get abused with people using more than needed and even bringing some home.

 

This is how the chili cheese burger from Carl’s Jr Vietnam looks like. It’s not spicy at all even though there’s a ‘chili’ to the name. To make matter worse, chili sauce is not serve here. I asked 2 different staffs there and both gave me different answers. One said Carl’s Jr Vietnam will not have those packet chili sauce while the other said the stock will be in, just not yet. I hope the latter is correct.

 

A buzz on Carl’s Jr, which is also a first among Vietnam’s fast food industry, is their free flow of soft drinks, plain water and tea.

 

Conclusion: The following is of my own opinion and you should not take them seriously because 1) I’m no foodie and 2) I seem to be the only one who doesn’t like Carl’s Jr Vietnam.

I grew up in Singapore with MacDonald’s and Burger King. This means I’m used to, and love, my burger to have the bun soft and the bite a wet and juicy experience. And I find Carl’s Jr Vietnam is everything the opposite- the buns are hard for my taste and the bite pretty dry. Not saying that the fish burger from Lotteria is very good but for now, I’ll have to stick to it for my burger cravings.

 

Parting shot: Just for fun

 

What’s your take on Carl’s Jr versus MacDonald’s? Have you tried the Carl’s Jr Vietnam yet? Is it different from where you come from? Share your comments with us.