McDonald’s premium burgers selling for $10 in Japan2Fast food is supposed to be just that, food that gets into your mouth as fast as possible. Since it’s made so quickly and the price is inexpensive, it’s generally understood that the quality won’t be anything to write home about. However, McDonald’s Japan recently unveiled the Quarter Pounder Jewelry series of premium high-class burgers, laughing at your conventional definition of fast food. But at 1,000 yen (US$9.93) without fries or soda, and including quality ingredients such as truffle sauce, pineapple, or chorizo, these fancy burgers are unusual menu items for a fast food chain. Let’s take a look at what makes these quarter pounders so special…and expensive.

Gold Ring
Thickly sliced pineapple and bacon, Monterey jack cheese, and barbecue sauce. Only available on July 6.

McDonald’s premium burgers selling for $10 in Japan2McDonald’s premium burgers selling for $10 in Japan3

Black Diamond
Black truffle sauce, grilled mushrooms and onions, cheese. Only available on July 13.

McDonald’s premium burgers selling for $10 in Japan4 McDonald’s premium burgers selling for $10 in Japan5

Ruby Spark
Five slices of chorizo, avocado, and pepper jack cheese. Only available on July 20.

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Each burger will be sold for one day only at participating McDonald’s stores in Japan and will cost 1,000 yen (US$9.93). Customers can add medium fries and a soda for 200 yen (US$1.98) more to make it a “Jewelry Set.” Those burgers sure do look good, but ten bucks is a pretty steep price. McDonald’s Japan has had some unsuccessful campaigns in the past; we’ll see how they do with these overpriced burgers.
[ Read in Japanese ]