
The opening of McDonald’s first restaurant in Vietnam on Saturday drew massive crowds, as well as a live DJ, face painting and various performers.
Hundreds of people began camping out at the new location in Ho Chi Minh City hours before its 8 a.m. opening to get their first taste of a Big Mac and fries made in their own hometown, according to Liberty Voice.
Here’s a photograph of some of the lines snaking into the street:
The arrival of the fast food chain is seen as a sign of Vietnam’s rising wealth.
“Food industry experts say McDonald’s and other American fast-food brands typically market themselves in Asia as a lifestyle choice for the middle class, rather than as an inexpensive option for the poor, and that their Vietnam strategy is no exception,” according to The New York Times.
Vietnam’s per capita income rose to $1,550 in 2012 from $1,000 in 2008, according to the World Bank.
The new McDonald’s is the fast food chain’s first venture into a new southeast Asian market in two decades.
It’s also Vietnam’s first drive-thru restaurant.




A flood of scooters at the drive-through marks the opening of Vietnam’s first McDonald’s
McDonald’s attempts to lure back customers with open kitchen concept in Japan
McDonald’s Japan starts new campaign featuring burgers from their overseas restaurants
Our Japanese language reporter gets lucky with Vietnam McDonald’s Prosperity Beef Burger
Survey ranks Japan’s most popular fast food chains, McDonald’s surprisingly not No. 1
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Japanese high school closes its cafeteria, replaces it with a 7-Eleven convenience store
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
American college student missing in Kyoto, last seen by family one week ago
Studio Ghibli adds new range of neckties to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Krispy Kreme releases a new Doughwich… at only one store in Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Original McDonald’s character Speedee makes a comeback in Japan
Food stall-like McDonald’s that only serves drinks and ice cream
McDonald’s Japan to sell Anko Pies this autumn
McDonald’s releases new rice burgers in Japan
Here’s what we got when we ordered the chef’s recommendation…at McDonald’s!
Adult Cream Pie coming to McDonald’s Japan
McDonald’s Japan set to release new Sanrio character-themed menu item
Big Mac sauce now comes in a jar from McDonald’s Japan
McDonald’s Japan releases new Tsukimi “moon-viewing” burgers for 2021
Sayonara Quarter Pounder: McDonald’s Japan takes iconic burger off its menu
We check out this year’s new “Ultra” Gratin Croquette Burger from McDonald’s Japan
New fries from McDonald’s Japan come with bolognese sauce and cheese
How to make McDonald’s Katsu Curry Chicken McNuggets
McDonald’s Japan profits soar out of 2017 and well beyond their best year ever
McDonald’s Japan’s Gurakoro burger faces a giant rival in Komeda’s Gurakuro
McDonald’s celebrates New Year in Japan with a special lucky bag
What did Mark Zuckerberg eat at McDonald’s in Japan, and is it as great as he says it is?