We were talking about this at work. You are wandering around the Food Court at the local shopping mall, looking for something to eat, but nothing really catches your attention, but you are still hungry. So, out of the fast food options, what do you get?
I suggested the OportoBondi Burger with chili sauce and many more people agreed than disagreed.
So what is the DFFC where you are?
Moved MPSIMS --> Cafe Society.
And no, I don’t want fries with that, thank you.
Oporto was my first thought on seeing the thread title (but maybe alternating between bondi burger and otroppo here & there) - so glad they’ve got one in London now.
Burritos are always a go to for me. Quick and easy to eat. Usually not messy.
Most mall food courts that I’ve been in have a fast-food Chinese option; I tend to go with this. Is it good Chinese food? No, it’s hardly ever bad, either, and if I’m with my hubby or my sister we can get one combo platter and it’s plenty to share (mostly because they really pile on the fried rice to make it look like you’re getting a ton of food), so it’s pretty cheap, too.
Default is usually Taco Bell or Panda Express. As nori put it, it’s not particularly good, but it isn’t particularly bad, either. Just fuel.
My default is usually a slice of pizza.
For true fast food (with a drive thru window) it’s usually Del Taco, but there are a few other places that I like, but I don’t consider them exactly fast-food as I need to run in the place to order…
One of them actually has a drive thru, but I never use it because I like to go inside so I can explain my order to the cook in person (because I order a menu item with a little modification and want to be sure they understand what I want)
I’m very lucky in that the low-rent mall near my office has one place that is head and shoulders above your typical food court establishments - an oasis in a sea of mediocrity. Seriously, check out the reviews; the place is a miracle. I’ll usually take the lamb souvlaki from there - a falafel pita if I’m in a hurry, or their absurdly generous kalamari platter if I’ve got plenty of time and no reason to be mindful of the breath consequences (which are totally worth it.)
If I’m at a lesser food court with more typical choices, I’m liable to opt for A&W - most likely a Mozza Burger (largely because it’s one of the few menu items with a name that I can bring myself to ask for out loud,) and A&W’s approximation of poutine.
Wendys. I love the [del]Big Bacon Classic[/del] Bacon DeLuxe.
I generally avoid our monster mall as it represents to me nearly everything that has soured our culture. Nearly brings me to tears.
But on occasion, when I steel myself to face the consumerism, I have a chicken schwarma. A local Lebanese family has owned two restaurants. The second of them is a lovely, tasteful place chock full of Middle Eastern goodies and their schwarmas have been around a long time. When a space opened in the mall they decided to get into the fast food business.
I swear those things are addictive. And healthy eating as well. In fact I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t crave them. Spicy grilled chicken and fresh veggies all folded into a pita.
And I’m supporting local merchants!
Panda Express. When I’m driving home from work and I want to stop and eat somewhere before getting home, my default is Panda unless I have a compelling reason to go somewhere else.
Chick-Fil-A spicy chicken sandwich or spicy chicken nuggets. They are the yum.
In a food court, probably Sbarro’s, but I don’t think they exist anywhere other than in food courts.
Outside of a food court, a Mr. Hero’s Romanburger. I’d probably rather not know exactly what goes into one of those, and I’m pretty sure it’s bad for me, but mmm, that’s tasty.
Stand-alone restaurant: Burger King
Food Court: Johnny Rockets
Whatever pizza joint happens to be there and/or a scoop of mint chip on a sugar cone from Baskin-Robbins.
The Thai Express Tom Yum soup is far better that anything I’d expect to get from a mall food court. Their spring rolls are a big pile of “meh”, but the soup is surprisingly tasty.
There’s a mall near work that has 20 places to choose from. I always get Chinese chicken salad from Happi House.
If the shawarma looks decent, I’ll have that.
A Culver’s butter burger if I’m anywhere near a Culver’s. Otherwise, as for ubiquitous, a McDonald’s Double Cheeseburger or McDouble (whatever is on the $1 menu) is perfect. A buck, under 500 calories. (The McDouble is 390). What more do I need? And, yes, I actually do like the way they taste.