KFC Australia customers are going wild after spotting a new ‘secret’ menu item – but there’s just one major catch.
The fast food giant has launched its own version of Bánh Mì, a classic Vietnamese baguette typically filled with pâté, mayo, thinly sliced pork cold cuts, pickled carrots and radish, cucumber, green onion, coriander, fresh chillies and seasoning.
With a twist on the iconic street food, KFC’s $9.95 Bánh Mì features a crusty roll filled with a spicy Zinger fillet, fresh cucumber and carrot slaw with coriander, spring onion and red chillies, all drizzled with two special sauces – mayo and Supercharged.
However, the Asian-fusion menu item is only available to order via the app at 10 KFC restaurants in Newcastle, NSW, leaving the rest of Australia to miss out.
‘Shut up and take my money,’ one customer said.
‘Bring it to Sydney,’ another shared.
‘I hate how this is just in selected stores and not nationwide,’ one raged.
Customers in and around Newcastle confirmed the new menu item hit the spot.
KFC Australia has launched its own version of a Bánh Mì, a classic Vietnamese street food
‘Just tried KFC’s attempt at Banh Mi – it was bloody delicious,’ one raved.
‘Just had one for dinner. Was pretty tasty actually. Similar value to their burgers, but nice to have something different for a change,’ another revealed.
However, one pointed out: ‘I had one today… It was nice, but I was pretty disappointed at the soft roll. I was expecting crispy. It did taste pretty good though.’
Meanwhile, some weren’t impressed with KFC’s version of Bánh Mì, with many Vietnamese-Australians saying there were key ingredients missing – including pâté.
‘If there’s no pâté, it’s not a Bánh Mì,’ one said.
‘As a Vietnamese, this offends me,’ another confessed.
‘This does not look like a Bánh Mì at all. Although, I’d be curious to try it if they bring it to Brisbane. It actually doesn’t look too bad as a sub but definitely wouldn’t call it a Bánh Mì,’ another suggested.
‘Who cares, I’m Vietnamese and I still want to try it,’ one said, laughing.
However, the Asian-fusion menu item is only available to order via the app at 10 KFC restaurants in Newcastle, NSW, leaving the rest of Australia to miss out
Many wondered why the new menu item was only available to a small amount of selected stores, with suggesting: ‘Newcastle is known to be the test bed for KFC so not surprised they have brought it here.’
According to a former KFC employee, Jesmond, about 9.5 km west of the Newcastle CBD, is known to be one of the busiest KFC restaurants in NSW.
A KFC spokeswoman confirmed the Zinger Bánh Mì will be available for a limited time only – so you’ll need to be quick.
‘We’re always looking to blend delicious new flavours and textures with the iconic KFC taste fans love,’ a KFC spokeswoman told FEMAIL.
‘To help understand our customer’s evolving tastes and preferences, we test new products like Zinger Bánh Mì in select restaurants.
‘The new menu item will be exclusively available in Newcastle until March 24.’
The 10 KFC stores in Newcastle offering the Zinger Bánh Mì are: Warners Bay, Jesmond, Kotara, Kooragang, Broadmeadow, Mayfield, Charlestown Square, Palais, Bennetts Green, and Wallsend Village.
