One of my favorite things in the world is trying weird shit at global McDonalds. And there are some great examples, such as the Philippines and India. But, with Indonesian McDonalds I think I might well have found the weirdest, or at least the spiciest yet.
Basically they have all the favourites such as a Big Mac (which can be quadrupled), but the lion’s share of dishes are local variations. These include some rice dishes, the “Prosperity Burger”, “McDo Spaghetti” (nothing like the Philippines) and a whole heap of other stuff. The kicker here though is that they have gone Sambal crazy. Yes, Indonesian McDonalds might be the spiciest in the world!
Table of Contents
What the McDonalds Indonesia
McDonalds opened in Indonesia in 1991 with the first restaurant in Jakarta. Since then, the chain has grown rapidly, capitalising on Indonesia’s huge population and growing middle class. The menu is a mix of global classics and localised items, often incorporating rice, sambal, and traditional flavours. The company is operated by PT Rekso Nasional Food, a franchise partner, and has over the years introduced Indonesian-specific items such as the “McNasi” rice boxes, the Prosperity Burger during Chinese New Year, and rendang-inspired chicken dishes.
The focus is on adapting to local tastes while still maintaining the McDonalds standard of consistency, speed, and recognisable branding. Indonesian McDonalds are also popular hangouts for teens and families, with many outlets offering free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating.
How many McDonalds are there in Indonesia
As of 2026, there are over 240 McDonalds outlets across Indonesia, mostly concentrated in Java, Bali, and Sumatra. The company reportedly generates around IDR 9 trillion annually (approximately USD 600 million), and continues to expand, planning to open 10–15 new outlets a year in major urban centres and tourist areas.
This expansion reflects the strong appetite for fast food in Indonesia, particularly among younger generations who are drawn to the localised menu options and promotional items.
The Indonesian McDonalds Menu
OK, so for this we will leave out the regular stuff, such as the baconless Big Mac, and just focus on what the locals have:
- Prosperity Burger – Beef or chicken with black pepper sauce, lettuce and mayonnaise. IDR 52,000 / USD 3.50
- McDo Spaghetti – Savoury spaghetti in sauce with grated cheese. IDR 38,000 / USD 2.50
- Ayam Goreng McD – Indonesian-style fried chicken with rice and sambal. IDR 60,000 / USD 4.00
- McNasi Box – Rice with fried chicken or fish, vegetables, and sambal. IDR 52,000 / USD 3.50
- Sambal Fries – French fries tossed in spicy sambal sauce. IDR 22,000 / USD 1.50
- Spicy McChicken – Chicken fillet with extra spicy sauce. IDR 45,000 / USD 3.00
- Bubur McD – Rice porridge served with chicken and soy sauce. IDR 30,000 / USD 2.00
- Es Teh Manis McD – Sweet iced tea, local style. IDR 15,000 / USD 1.00
- Cheeseburger Sambal – Cheeseburger with a local sambal kick. IDR 38,000 / USD 2.50
- McFlurry KitKat / Oreo – Standard McFlurry flavours adapted locally. IDR 30,000 / USD 2.00
How does Indonesian McDonalds taste?
OK, so how does Indonesian McDonalds taste? Well in a word spicy, very fucking spicy. And I should know as I literally dropped $40 sampling most everything.
Top of the list for me was the prosperity burger of the beef variety although chicken is also available. This was thinly cut piece of beef literally drenched in spicy black pepper sauce. Not all year round, but worth it if you see it.
Next on my hit list was the McDo Spaghetti which was nothing like Brunei, Philippines or Vietnam instead coming with black pepper sauce (again spicy) and a piece of fried chicken.
I was less impressed with the Ayam Goreng McD which again was doused in spicy black sauce, but holy shit messy and spicy were not the words. This was hardcore. I had some other dishes that I cannot even find now with rice and the like, again all of which are spicy. And for desert? Kit Kat Oreo McFlurry obviously…
Overall
After a month where only a mere Samoan Bug Mac was had I was super happy to get a very different McDonalds fix here. Now its done though I feel that I can take a rest. This is for a number of reasons, but chief among them is that much like the Philippines the core dishes are a bit lame compared to the local stuff.
Also while I enjoyed the spice I now need some sambal soaked street food, maybe even some dog. And if I need a fast food fix? Well it is A&W all the way….
Click to check my tours to Indonesia.