Penang Food For Thought: McDonald's

While KFC has a colonial-era mansion at Anson Road, it is just a matter of time before McDonald's claims one for its own. This newly-opened Birch House outlet is located next to Penang Times Square at Jalan Dato Keramat.

The two-storey building was formerly the sales office of Ivory Properties. It has now been converted to meet the needs of McDonald's. Next to the entrance is McCafe, McDonald's response to the trending café craze. There is also an indoor playground on the upper floor.

McDonald's menu hardly needs more introduction. The breakfast menu is served until 11:00am. As for night owls, the drive-thru window is open throughout the night.

My choice this morning is Big Breakfast (RM9.80), which consists of McMuffin, chicken sausage, scrambled eggs, hash browns and free flow of coffee. The coffee is sour; I suspect that it is of inferior quality. Indeed, much sugar and creamer is needed to suppress its unpleasant taste.

The staff at this outlet is poorly trained. For example, cutlery was not provided with scrambled eggs. In addition, there is only 1 person assigned to clear the dining tables.