Brief Summary
In this video, the author compares American fast-food chains in Saudi Arabia to their counterparts in the United States, drawing on his experiences living in America. He visits various restaurants, including Arby's, Raising Cane's, Popeyes, Five Guys, Domino's, Pizza Hut, Papa John's, Hardee's (Carl's Jr. in the US), Subway, and Krispy Kreme, to determine whether the food quality and taste are better in Saudi Arabia or America. The results are tallied with stars, and the author reflects on whether the taste differences are due to the restaurant's location or personal factors.
- Saudi Arabia's fast food often has a fresher, higher-quality feel compared to the US.
- Some chains, like Papa John's, are thriving in Saudi Arabia while struggling in the US.
- Personal experiences and expectations significantly influence the perception of taste.
Introduction
The author introduces his plan to visit and compare American fast-food restaurants in Saudi Arabia to those in the United States, leveraging his six years of experience living in America. He aims to determine if the food in Saudi Arabia is consistently better. The first restaurant he visits specializes in smoked meats.
Arby's
The author tries the Smokehouse Brisket burger at Arby's. He notes that the presentation and size are better than in the US. He praises the taste, moisture, and quality of the bread, emphasizing that the Saudi Arabian branch excels in quality control. He is surprised because this Arby's is the only branch in Jeddah. Arby's Saudi Arabia wins the first point.
Raising Cane's
The author visits Raising Cane's, a fried chicken restaurant. He recalls enjoying it in Saudi Arabia two years prior but found the US version just okay. Upon trying it again in Saudi Arabia, he is disappointed by the thin and non-crispy batter. Although the chicken itself is fine, the lack of a good crust is a major letdown. However, he praises their sauce. Raising Cane's US wins the point.
Popeyes
The author tries Popeyes' spicy chicken sandwich. He notes the sandwich has a good layer of batter and plenty of sauce. However, he finds it lacks spiciness and distinctive flavors, making the US version superior. Popeyes US wins the point.
Five Guys
The author visits Five Guys, a favorite burger joint from his time in America. He appreciates that the Saudi Arabian branch maintains the same design and concept, including the option to customize burgers with various toppings and free peanuts. He notes that the burger tastes almost identical to the US version, though slightly less greasy. The author gives the point to Five Guys Saudi Arabia because it was less heavy.
Pizza Chains: Papa John's, Pizza Hut, and Domino's
The author samples pizzas from Papa John's, Pizza Hut, and Domino's at home. He starts with Papa John's, which he hadn't enjoyed much in the US. He is impressed with the Saudi Arabian version, praising its flavor balance and quality. Pizza Hut's pizza was mostly dough. Domino's BBQ chicken pizza was not as good as in the US. Papa John's Saudi Arabia wins the point. Domino's US wins the point.
Circle K
The author visits Circle K, a convenience store, to see if it matches the offerings in the US. While some items are available, they are expensive. He misses Monster Peach drink. He notes that Cadbury chocolates made in the UK taste better than those made in America due to quality control. He enjoys a slushie, which is self-serve. Circle K US wins the point.
Fast Food Chains: KFC, Hardee's, and Subway
The author attempts to visit KFC but is denied permission to film due to company policy. He then goes to Hardee's (known as Carl's Jr. in the US) and orders their number one burger. He is impressed by the size and taste, noting the distinct spices. Next, he tries the Big Angus burger, praising its flavor. Lastly, he visits Subway and orders a chicken teriyaki sandwich. He finds the Saudi Arabian Subway superior due to the generous amount of chicken. Hardee's Saudi Arabia and Subway Saudi Arabia win the points.
Krispy Kreme
The author concludes his taste test with Krispy Kreme donuts. He explains that the Krispy Kreme near his home in America was a factory store, ensuring the donuts were always fresh. He finds the Saudi Arabian Krispy Kreme donuts to be even better than the regular branches in the US. Krispy Kreme Saudi Arabia wins the point.
Conclusion
The author reflects on whether the food is genuinely better in one location or if personal factors influence taste perception. He wonders if the dining experience is shaped more by the restaurant itself or by individual circumstances and memories associated with the food.
