McRoti Kaya and Porridge 'R Us

Teh tarek (pulled hot tea with froth), roti prata (curry crepes), chicken porridge (rice) and roti kaya?...... mmm lovely local breakfast. Just imagine, cool alfresco (or five foot way ) seating, conveniently located not too far from your home and prompt service - state your order and you will be eating it in a jiff. Some more... cheap.

BUT WAIT ONE MINUTE!

The person that took your order was wearing a uniform and, get a load of this- smiling. She's even wearing a little uniformed hat. And hey, there are photo menus of roti prata and chicken porridge too. You simply point to it over the counter, indicating if it is to be eaten here or doggy bagged (certainly not meant for the dog), and presto! You are quickly served.

WO!…I'm having chicken porridge and teh tarek at Kentucky Fried Chicken!

Yep, KFC has gone local. Temporarily at least. First it was the teh tarek, chicken porridge and toast, then came the crispy prata with curry sauce. The thought of all our scrumptious local street delights going the McFood route can be quite daunting. Imagine chee cheong fun (steamed rice flour pasta) churned out by machines probably manufactured by…Microsoft! Or fish porridge on tap!

But I'm happy that as it is, our chicken rice is world class, so is our laksa, kopichino, satay, char kway teow… you name them. But I'm also happy that the fast food chains are giving our street foods a fast treatment. At least we get to compare and know the difference for a fact. Quite frankly , the chicken porridge did not taste half bad, it was smooth enough although the chicken bits were pathetically bland. Curiously, soy sauce was supplied at the refill counters. But on the whole, I doubt pratas and porridge in a fast food joint would ever catch up with me.

Thanks for the experience, KFC!