Fries at a Premium? Why I’m Breaking Up with the American Fast Food Joints

I’ll be honest, I almost dropped my fries when I read the news. The U.S., under Trump, slapped a whopping 50% tariff on Indian goods, and suddenly, even McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Amazon, and Apple found themselves in the crosshairs of rising anti-American sentiment. Business leaders and Government supporters are now chanting “Buy Local!” across social media and offline rallies.

At first, I was annoyed. I mean, how am I going to make it through the week without my McFlurry? But then I thought, why are we enriching these global fast-food giants when our desi brands are just waiting for our attention?

The 200-rupee Coke problem
Picture yourself in a multiplex, clutching a ₹200 Coke. Meanwhile, down the lane, I could grab a chilled Campa Cola, a fizzy Jeeru, or even Appy Fizz for a fraction of that. Heck, Paper Boat even brings back nostalgia in a sippy pouch. These drinks don’t just quench thirst; they remind me of summers with Rasna. Why sip on Pepsi’s profit margins when desi fizz hits harder and tastes better?

Burgers beyond the arches
McDonald’s was once my go-to in college. A “McAloo Tikki” meant friendship goals and late-night assignments. But cut to today, Jumboking makes burgers that speak my language. Spicy, saucy, and rooted in local taste buds. A vada pav burger from Jumboking feels like it belongs on the streets of Mumbai. And if I’m feeling experimental, Wow! Momo brings momos into the fast-food space with more character than any cheeseburger could muster.

Coffee That Feels Indian
Starbucks in India is a joint venture between Starbucks and Tata Consumer Products. It might look Instagram-pretty, but it’s often ₹400 for a latte that tastes like liquid regret. Third Wave Coffee Roasters, Blue Tokai, or even a humble filter kaapi feel more authentic. They’re bold, aromatic, and brewed for us who deal with everything in Mumbai, from traffic to baarish.

Pizza without the guilt
Don’t get me wrong, Domino’s garlic bread with the cheesy dip will always have a soft spot in my heart. But when Oven Story, Mojo Pizza, and La Pinoz are serving up cheesier, saucier, and pocket-friendly pizzas, why feed multinational dough? And let’s not forget, nothing matches the vibe of a small local pizza shop where the owner knows your topping order by heart.

Sandwiches without the surcharge
Subway has always been that friend who charges you extra for everything. Extra avocado, extra cheese, extra smile, extra everything. Meanwhile, Sandwizzaa hands me a chutney-stuffed, wafer-layered Bombay grilled sandwich for under ₹150. And well, if you want the drama of watching it get pressed on a steel grill until it crackles, you always have the local sandwich wale bhaiyya!

Snacks with spice and sense
And when the hunger pangs hit late at midnight, all you crave is the munchies, right? Come on, guys, we don’t need Cheetos or Lays. Instead, the next time you go grocery shopping, pick up a packet of Balaji Wafers or Haldiram’s Snack Packs. They understand the desi obsession with masala in a way no global chip ever will.

More masala, less markup
The point that we are trying to make is that the very tariff designed to pressure India sparked a movement to boycott American brands. Suddenly, grabbing a McDonald’s burger or Coke isn’t just an indulgence, it’s political!

Sometimes, all it takes is a gentle nudge. When we choose local food, our rupees stay home, nurturing Indian farmers, strengthening businesses, creating jobs, and celebrating our flavours.

Putting My Rupee Where My Mouth Is
So, now when I crave fries? I’ll hit the local chaatwala for an aloo tikki chaat. When thirst strikes? Appy Fizz will do. When I crave a sandwich? The Bombay grilled sandwich wins, hands down. And when I need coffee? I’ll sip a Blue Tokai, thank you.

Because honestly, why fatten the American Food Brands’ profits when we could be building our own delicious food stories? With tariffs fueling desi pride, this isn’t just about saving money; it’s about making money matter more.

Because let’s be real, guys, chaat with extra masala beats fries with extra tax any day.