Japanese "Hawaiian Pancakes" EXPOSED as McGriddles
Japanese "Hawaiian Pancakes" EXPOSED as McGriddles
Overview
In this livestream episode, John Daub explores the streets of Ginza, Tokyo, on a mission to investigate a suspicious new menu item at McDonald's Japan. Prompted by tips from Patreon supporters, John suspects that the newly advertised "Hawaiian Pancakes" are actually a rebranded version of the American "McGriddle," a product not officially available in Japan.
Standing outside the fast-food giant in the heart of Tokyo's luxury district, John purchases the item to conduct a taste test and visual inspection. He compares the packaging, the appearance of the pancakes, and the syrup distribution to confirm his theory. Along the way, he discusses Japan's fascination with Hawaiian themes, especially during a time when travel to Hawaii is restricted, and reviews other unique menu items like the Loco Moco burger.
The video serves as a fun food investigation, blending cultural commentary on Japan's adoption of American food concepts with a practical review of limited-time offers. John concludes whether consumers are being deceived or if the "Hawaiian" branding holds water, all while dealing with technical difficulties and impending summer rain.
Highlights
- 00:00 John introduces the location in Ginza and mentions technical issues with the livestream.
- 00:20 The mission is revealed: exposing McDonald's Japan regarding the Hawaiian Pancakes.
- 01:04 John shows the menu featuring the Blue Hawaii drink and berry-topped pancakes.
- 01:32 Comparison made between the Japanese item and the U.S. McGriddle via website research.
- 03:10 John decides to stay in front of the McDonald's to eat, joking about the location being cursed.
- 05:17 The box is opened, revealing the pancake sandwich looks exactly like a McGriddle.
- 06:12 John discovers the syrup is inside the pancake and adds the berry sauce.
- 07:52 Taste test confirms the flavor profile matches a McGriddle despite the berry sauce.
- 09:42 Review of the Blue Hawaii drink, comparing it to Ramune.
- 10:46 Discussion on whether importing the concept from Hawaii makes it authentic.
- 12:14 John signs off as rain begins to fall, spotting a delivery vehicle.
Timeline / Chapters
- 00:00 — Intro in Ginza, livestream technical difficulties.
- 00:20 — Explanation of the McDonald's investigation theory.
- 01:04 — Showcasing the Hawaiian menu items on the board.
- 01:32 — Connecting the pancakes to the U.S. McGriddle.
- 02:03 — Acknowledging Patreon supporters who tipped him off.
- 03:10 — Setting up the tasting spot outside the restaurant.
- 04:15 — Complaining about the YouTube app stability.
- 05:17 — Unboxing the Hawaiian Pancakes.
- 06:12 — Analyzing the syrup placement and berry sauce.
- 07:52 — Taste test and verdict on the flavor.
- 09:42 — Reviewing the Blue Hawaii drink.
- 10:46 — Final thoughts on the branding and deception.
- 12:14 — Outro and weather warning.
Japan Travel Tips
- McDonald's Japan: Often features limited-time items unique to the region or rebranded American items. Worth checking for seasonal menus.
- Hawaii Themes: Japan has a longstanding fascination with Hawaii. Expect "Hawaiian" branded food (burgers, pancakes) even if ingredients aren't traditionally Hawaiian.
- Payment: John mentions purchasing the item beforehand to avoid lingering inside; mobile ordering or kiosks are common in Tokyo McDonald's.
- Weather: Summer in Tokyo can bring massive downpours. Carry an umbrella or check forecasts if planning outdoor eating.
- Livestreaming: Public wifi or signals can be spotty in busy areas like Ginza.
Japanese Language & Culture Notes
- Marugoto (まるごと): Seen on the "Kochi Marugoto Store" sign. Means "whole" or "entirety," often used for shops selling all specialties from a specific region.
- Loco Moco: A Hawaiian dish (rice, hamburger patty, gravy, egg) that has been adapted into burger form in Japan. Shows the fusion of American/Hawaiian food in Japanese fast food.
- Hawaii Boom: John notes "Hawaii is in fashion." Japanese love for Hawaii drives marketing, especially when actual travel is difficult (e.g., during pandemic restrictions).
- Ramune: A popular Japanese carbonated soft drink. John compares the Blue Hawaii drink to this due to the flavor profile.
Food & Drink Guide
- Hawaiian Pancakes (Berry Topping)
- Description: Pancake sandwich with syrup infused inside, served with berry sauce.
- Price: Not specified.
- John's Reaction: Tastes like a McGriddle. Good, but feels slightly deceptive.
- Timestamp: 05:17
- Blue Hawaii Drink
- Description: Blue colored soda, possibly Sprite with food coloring.
- John's Reaction: Tastes like Ramune or cider, not exactly Sprite.
- Timestamp: 09:42
- Loco Moco Burger
- Description: Burger featuring cheese and Loco Moco elements.
- John's Reaction: Looks bizarre and scandalous, but interesting.
- Timestamp: 02:03
- Ebikatsu Burger
- Description: Shrimp cutlet burger.
- Timestamp: 02:03
- Muscat Shake
- Description: Grape flavored shake.
- John's Reaction: Looks delicious on the menu screen.
- Timestamp: 10:46
People
- John Daub: Host and investigator. American living in Japan for 30+ years. Curious about food branding.
- Kanae Daub: John's wife. Mentioned as someone who might want to try the item, though not present.
- Irvin & Tony: Patreon supporters on Discord. They tipped John off about the McGriddle connection.
- Ryan K, Tom, Michael Sassano: Patreon supporters commenting during the livestream.
- Detective Daniel LaRusso: John jokingly refers to himself by this name during the investigation.
Key Takeaways
- McDonald's Japan's "Hawaiian Pancakes" appear to be rebranded McGriddles.
- The syrup in the Japanese version is inside the pancake (like a McGriddle) rather than just on top.
- Japan's love for Hawaii themes allows McDonald's to market American items as "Hawaiian" successfully.
- Limited-time offers in Japan often feature unique fusion items not found elsewhere.
- Summer rain in Tokyo can be sudden and heavy; plan accordingly.
Notable Quotes
- 00:20 "Now, I'm here to expose one of the biggest corporations in America and the world. Not 7-Eleven. McDonald's Japan."
- 01:32 "So, did McDonald's Japan regift this? And I mean like kind of rebrand it because we don't have no McGriddles in Japan, okay?"
- 03:10 "I think it's cursed. I'm just in front of the McDonald's where there's a group of people that are also eating."
- 06:12 "I feel like a refugee out here squatting in front of the McDonald's."
- 07:52 "There's no spam in there. No pineapples. No hibiscus. No coconuts."
- 09:42 "So yes, Hawaiian pancakes at McDonald's are McGriddles. And they've been exposed by Detective Daniel LaRusso."
- 12:14 "They're delivering their Hawaiian pancakes by vehicle. It's a vehicular deception."
Related Topics
- McDonald's Japan Limited Time Offers
- Food Trucks in Tokyo
- Japanese Fusion Fast Food
- Hawaii Travel Trends in Japan
- Livestreaming Tech Issues in Tokyo
Search Tags
#only-in-japan-go #tokyo #ginza #mcdonalds #hawaiian-pancakes #mcgriddles #food-review #japan-travel #fast-food #summer-in-japan #livestream #food-investigation
Full Transcript
00:00 John Daub: Welcome to the city of Tokyo. This is Ginza, the heart of Japan's luxury goods and fashion. Just walking around the street. The way I'm dressed, I look like a slob. There's a sign for Ginza Ichome right there with the Kochi Marugoto store in the background. And yes, I just tried to live stream and the signal cut off, so welcome back.
00:20 John Daub: Now, I'm here to expose one of the biggest corporations in America and the world. Not 7-Eleven. McDonald's Japan. That's right. I was informed by some of our supporters on Patreon through the Discord server that the new Hawaiian pancakes are actually possibly something else. It kind of shocked me when I heard this information because what this something else is, I'd never even heard of. Because Japan doesn't have it. Now, I'm going to show you right now. I'm going to take you inside there and show you what we have here. I think what we have here is a regifting.
01:04 John Daub: Do you see this right here? This is the Hawaiian menu that Japan is featuring, which is pretty awesome. They have this blue Hawaii drink. And then they got these pancakes. It says Hawaiian pancakes with berry topping. That looks really good, doesn't it? Check it out. Boom. But they look very suspiciously like something else.
01:32 John Daub: So, after Irvin and Tony on the Discord server told me, I sent to the U.S. website and I found this. It's called a McGriddle. And I'm going to try it. I've never seen these before because in Japan, we don't have them. They kind of look the same. So, did McDonald's Japan regift this? And I mean like kind of rebrand it because we don't have no McGriddles in Japan, okay? Is it the same? We're going to find out.
02:03 John Daub: And knowing that I didn't want to get talk around a group of people, I've already purchased it. All right. Irvin said it was Tony. So, Irvin fesses up. There it is. I purchased this about 10 minutes ago and the last live stream probably made it cooler. Ryan K, thank you. What's so good about Hawaiian pancakes from the guy in Hawaii? It's because the grass is greener on the other side. What's so cool about sushi, huh? Hawaii is in fashion. Japanese love Hawaii. And on the menu, there's Hawaii burgers. Check that out right there. Three burgers. I don't even know if these burgers are Hawaiian. But they look Hawaiian with the way that they dress it up. There's an Ebikatsu burger. There's a burger with like a, like they're rebranded stuff with that McPatty. And then there's that in the middle, these pancakes. That's what I've got right here. The Loco Moco burger. What's a cheese Loco Moco burger? Huh? Bizarre. Scandalous, writes in Tom. It is scandalous.
03:10 John Daub: So, I'm going to take you right here. I'm not going to leave this area. I think it's cursed. I'm just in front of the McDonald's where there's a group of people that are also eating. I'm here. And we're going to expose one of the largest corporations in the world. Got my eyes on you. I think it might be this pole. I think the pole is cursed. I'm not moving to any location. I'm staying right here. All right? Right into the McDonald's. This place is cursed. Okay, I'm not moving. Just stay here. All right. All right, we can do this right here.
04:15 John Daub: So, I'm here to expose one of the large corporations, YouTube, for an app that is so bad, it is completely, completely broken all the time. YouTube, what up with this? I'm exposing not just McDonald's, but the YouTube app, which is awful. Hasn't really been updated since 2017. Oh my gosh. All right. Let's check this out here. First off, this is a blue Hawaii. I figured I might as well get a drink to wash down these McGriddles or pancakes. What are they? Sprite with food coloring? It very well could be.
05:17 John Daub: All right, it says Hawaiian pancakes on the box. Do you believe them? I don't know. All right, here we go. We're going to open this up. Three, two, one. Dude, it looks just like McGriddles. That's just a box. It's just like two McGriddles. What? They didn't even put the blueberries on it. What is this? Oh my gosh. Are you serious?
06:12 John Daub: All right, what they've done here is they've added in this. Irvin, there is a berry sauce. All right. So I guess it's... All right, you know what? I don't know. I feel somewhat ripped off. Okay, let's just try one without the berry sauce. That's a McGriddle. This is everything in the syrup. Irvin, the syrup is on the inside. That's a McGriddle. All right, let's put the sauce on here. I feel like a refugee out here squatting in front of the McDonald's. All right, it's all good. Here comes the sauce. All right, that looks a little bit more Hawaiian maybe. I don't know. Is that more Hawaiian? Michael? Michael Sassano writes in, oh no. This is crazy. Lost Nihonjin. I'm from Hawaii and never heard of Hawaiian pancakes. Hope you get to the bottom of this. We are. So far, Tony P. McDonald's sits on the throne of lies. Detective John is on the case. Irvin writes in here, get some for Kanae. Kanae has never had a McGriddle or has she? I don't know.
07:52 John Daub: All right, let's try it now. It looks more Hawaiian now, huh? They should have put a flower in there like that. Make it look a little more Hawaiian. Let's try it here. I'm going to need a fork now because it's drenched in berries. All right, you know what? That's really good. There's no spam in there. No pineapples. No hibiscus. No coconuts. All right, you know what? It's really good, okay? And this good, it's not as bad as the poutine I had a couple of weeks ago. But it's funny. These smell like a McGriddle. They look like a McGriddle. They taste like a McGriddle. Therefore, they've got to be McGriddles. But I don't know if it's a McGriddle because I've never had one. After I left and came to Japan in 1998, McGriddles were not on the menu. And I haven't eaten McDonald's since the middle of the 1990s back then. I think they had a McBagel back then. Bagel Witches or something. I don't know. But what do you think? Are these McGriddles? Have we exposed one of the largest corporations? Re-gifting? No, rebranding an item so infamous. In the international world that Japan, an island, has never heard of McGriddles. They've turned them into Hawaiian pancakes. What do you think? Internet, sign off.
09:42 John Daub: This tastes like Ramune. Like a Japanese soft drink. It's not Sprite, but it's like a soda. A cider, maybe. With some food coloring on the bottom. Not what I thought it was going to be. Irvin, Tony. Tony in particular because Tony was the one who discovered this. I think you're onto something. I think we have exposed this. I don't know how they did it, but they did. They made a pretty interesting product. And they made it Hawaiian. And then they sold it to the Japanese public that is dying to travel to Hawaii but can't. So yes, Hawaiian pancakes at McDonald's are McGriddles. And they've been exposed by Detective Daniel LaRusso. That cheese loco moco burger looks pretty good.
10:46 John Daub: But they do have McDonald's. They do have McGriddles in Hawaii. Therefore, these could be Hawaiian pancakes. I don't know. If they have McGriddles in Hawaii and they imported them into Japan, these could be considered Hawaiian pancakes. Therefore, they are not actually, truly ripping us off. Although I am digging the menu screen with all these really delicious images of McDonald's. The muscat shake looks really good up there. I could watch this all day. Nice. So you be the judge. I really don't know. I'm not a McGriddles fan. I haven't eaten McDonald's very much. I've eaten more McDonald's this year than I have in any other years because I have to be honest with you. McDonald's Japan is killing it. They've really made some great products, some great things that make me curious. I walk past there and go, look, looks really interesting. Now these McGriddles with berry sauce are pretty good. But it's still a McGriddle. So I feel as somebody who is American. And I'm not a fan of McDonald's. And has seen McGriddles now. I kind of feel a little ripped off or deceived. Small, just slightly deceived. Don't know. Write in the comments what you think. Have I exposed McDonald's Japan? Revolutionary and life changing. Let me know in the comments below.
12:14 John Daub: Thanks so much for watching. I better end this livestream before it rains again. I'm supposed to do this like a, whoa! They're delivering their Hawaiian pancakes by vehicle. It's a vehicular deception. See that? Vehicular deception. New word. I better go before it starts to rain again. Japan is having some massive downpours. Especially down in Hiroshima and Kyushu. So hope everybody down there stays safe if you're watching this. Up here in Tokyo we're getting a lot of rain. But be well everybody. I'll see you in another livestream. Probably another food truck. Because I found an app that exposes all the food trucks in Tokyo. So this whole month is just exposing deception and food trucks. Stay cool everybody. Like that guy.