master-cooks | The Fast Food Staple Costco Food Courts Only Sell Outside The US

Costco food courts offer a variety of popular fast food items, but there's a unique staple that's exclusively available outside the United States: the bulgogi bake. This savory treat is a fusion of traditional Korean flavors and the classic American bake, featuring a delicious filling of marinated bulgogi beef, onions, and mozzarella cheese encased in a soft, doughy exterior. The bulgogi beef is typically marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and other spices, which gives it a sweet and savory profile that appeals to a wide range of palates. Introduced in select international Costco locations, the bulgogi bake has become a favorite among members who seek a taste of Korean cuisine with the convenience and affordability that Costco food courts are known for. It's particularly popular in countries with a strong Korean cultural influence, such as South Korea and Japan, where it resonates well with local tastes. The availability of this unique item demonstrates Costco's efforts to cater to regional preferences and offer diverse culinary experiences to its global customer base. For those outside the US, the bulgogi bake represents a delicious and satisfying option that stands out among the more conventional food court offerings.

Why fried chicken shows up at other Costco food courts

A number of Reddit users, likely from the United States, voiced their envy upon seeing buckets of fried chicken featured on food court menus elsewhere. One individual remarked, "Shrimp bisque and fried chicken sound amazing! U.S. Costcos really can't compete." Given the immense popularity of fast food fried chicken in the U.S., it does seem like a menu item that Costco locations in America should consider adding.

However, fast food fried chicken might actually be even more beloved in China than in the U.S., as evidenced by the vast number of KFC outlets in the country. As of early 2024, there are 10,000 KFCs in China, compared to just over 4,300 in the entire United States. Additionally, fried chicken is a hugely popular street food in Taiwan, where vendors sell yan su ji, or "salty, crispy chicken," on skewers for a convenient snack.

While Canadian Costco locations may not offer buckets of fried chicken, some do feature breaded chicken strips on their food court menus. Priced at $6.99 Canadian dollars (approximately $5 U.S. dollars), this is a decent deal, especially since it includes fries. In another Reddit discussion about Costco, American shoppers expressed their jealousy over this offering, while Canadian customers were astonished that fries aren't available on U.S. menus. For now, Americans will have to make do with the Costco food court chicken bake to satisfy their chicken cravings, which unfortunately doesn't quite measure up to fried chicken.

The Fast Food Staple Costco Food Courts Only Sell Outside The US

Why fried chicken shows up at other Costco food courts

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