[Adventure] Nothing Says Spring Like Burger King Japan’s Teriyaki Whoppers

Spring has sprung in Japan, and in honor of the cherry blossoms that now litter the streets of Tokyo like so many porn leaflets in Las Vegas, Burger King has unveiled their annual teriyaki menu. Exclusively gracing Burger King Japan’s menu are the brand new teriyaki Whopper, teriyaki chicken sandwich and the pseudo-healthy teriyaki turkey burger. It’s a teriyaki trio cooked up to honor spring, because naturally, when we see baby animals and blooming flowers we think teriyaki sauce . . . or something like that.

The star of Burger King Japan’s new menu, the teriyaki burger, sports your classic burger accoutrements. That is: a charbroiled Whopper patty, lettuce, tomato, cheese and a generous portion (read: so damn much) of mayo. Much like its cousin in barbecue, this teriyaki-glazed Whopper delivers precisely what is promised — teriyaki sauce on a burger. Sure, it’s not taste revelation, but you’ve got to give his royal highness the Burger King credit for trying. Even if the result is something anyone with a bottle of Kikkoman and a normal Whooper could whip up.

No matter how unimaginative the King’s teriyaki triad may be, he wouldn’t be the reigning king of fast food without the tiniest bit of innovation. Enter a new offering to the gods of spring — Burger King chili cheese fries.

Chili and fast food for years have had a complicated relationship. As we all know, when  preparing a spectacular chili, fresh ingredients and a flavor-unlocking slow simmer are the key. Fresh and slow are not two concepts fast food at large wholly embraces. Thus a certain level of caution is used when approaching BK’s Japanese chili cheese fries.

Surprisingly, this little box packs a Mike Tyson circa 1985 punch of flavor. While the chili alone wouldn’t be enough to carry this dish, when cheese and crispy fries are mixed in, much like Voltron, its true power is unleashed.

As uninspired as some of Burger King Japan’s spring menu items may be, the chain did succeed in capturing the spirit of the season. In four dishes, Burger King has introduced something fresh but familiar, an old favorite wrapped in a shiny new package.