Burger King Sells Black Cheeseburger In Japan

Diners in Japan can visit their local Burger King and sample the newest menu item, the Kuro Burger. The name may be unique, at least to those of us that do not speak Japanese, but the name translates to “black burger.” Still sound interesting? Well, what if the bun and cheese were literally black?

The Kuro Burger, from Burger King has blackened buns that are made from bamboo charcoal. The toppings include an onion, garlic sauce that is made with squid ink, their classic beef patties topped with black pepper and a black chees that incorporates the bamboo charcoal. The color alone might turn some picky eaters off of the sandwich, but the introduction of squid ink may push more over the edge. Unless, of course, you are from Japan. Then, the ingredients may seem a bit more normal.

As part of a promotion for the Kuro Burger, Burger King is also giving a free refill of Coke Zero when a meal is ordered. The burger sells for about $5.75 on its own, and about $10.10 U.S. Dollars in a meal combo.

According to Lizzie Deardon with The Independent, the bamboo charcoal is a popular trend in Japan right now.

“Apparently Japanese customers quite liked the bamboo charcoal, so it is now in the cheese slices as well, along with beef burgers made with black pepper, an onion and garlic sauce with squid ink and the black bread.”

Despite the strange appearance of the burger, the advertisement from Burger King somehow makes it look appetizing.

It is doubtful the United States will see the burger arrive in restaurants any time soon, if ever. Though it might make a great Halloween promotion if it were. In the past, Burger King has offered some odd combinations to its customers, such as the now readily available Rodeo burgers and the not so well known pumpkin burgers. Despite trying new items so often, they still have not been able to match the success of McDonald’s McRib sandwich.

Burger King is adamant that you can “have it your way, so the various combinations that are currently available to customers if fairly vast, allowing the creation of unique menu items. However, does this one go too far or is it possibly a perfect fit for Japan?

What is the oddest burger that you have eaten at a restaurant? Does it compare to the Kuro Burger? What if the Kuro Burger made its way to the United States, would you try it?

[Photo Courtesy: Kinja]