If you’ve followed McDonald’s recent menu updates, you might have tried their quirky secret menu items like the Surf ‘n’ Turf or the Chicken Cheeseburger. But I had the unique opportunity to attend an exclusive McDonald’s event showcasing the so-called “secret, secret” menu — a collection of unreleased dishes not available at any McDonald’s in the UK or Ireland.
As a food journalist, I’ve been invited to many brand events, but this one was truly unexpected. From the moment I arrived, McDonald’s commitment to secrecy was evident: two security guards asked for a confidential password, and guests had to verify requirements before entry. Inside, coats were checked, and we received pagers and beverage vouchers. The venue was dimly lit, adorned with décor reflecting a clandestine McDonald’s theme, while a DJ played in the background.
I chose to sip on their interpretation of a passion fruit martini before the buzzers signaled it was time to try the food. Queuing at a food truck, I was handed four items: a double cheeseburger, chicken nuggets, hash browns, and an Oreo McFlurry.
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The first dish was a double cheeseburger stuffed with nuggets and drizzled in barbecue sauce. Surprisingly, this creative combo was quite enjoyable — the nuggets’ thick meat and crispy coating elevated the burger, making it better than their Chicken Cheeseburger. For those interested, you can recreate this at home by buying these items separately.
Next was a hash brown sandwich filled with ice cream, an unusual pairing since hash browns are typically a breakfast item. The sweet and savory contrast reminded me of dipping hash browns in maple syrup, and while the ice cream did make the potatoes soggy if not eaten quickly, the flavor combination wasn’t off-putting. Still, it’s not something I’d order regularly.
Overall, the “secret, secret” menu was intriguing but ultimately underwhelming. The public menu items seem more polished and enjoyable compared to these hidden experiments. While McDonald’s certainly embraced the secretive concept, the dishes didn’t live up to the hype — and I think sticking with the classics is still your best bet.