Macca’s new menu item has reignited ferocious Aussie feud

The fast-food outlet has been accused of “trying to start a civil war” with its latest menu item – as this drive-through sign highlights the issue.

McDonald’s has inadvertently reignited a long-running feud between Australia’s various states with the launch of its newest menu item.

The fast-food giant debuted “potato scallops with chicken salt” at restaurants on January 11 – swiftly sparking a fierce argument over the name of Macca’s latest addition.

Diners in Victoria are insisting the item is a “potato cake”, while those in SA are adamant it’s a “potato fritter”.

However, those in NSW and Queensland agree the deep fried potato slice, which is coated in crunchy tempura batter, is a potato scallop.

Now the debate has reached boiling point as a sign at a Macca’s drive-through proves, with one social media user declaring the potato-related debate highlights Australia’s “regional contention”.

A photo of the makeshift sign has been shared to Reddit which reads: “We have sold out of the Potato Scallops. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.”

This Macca’s sign proves long-running Aussie feud still blazes. Picture: Reddit

However, the word “scallops” has been crossed out with a pen and replaced with “cakes”, suggesting this a Victoria-based McDonald’s restaurant.

“One of my favourite points of regional contention has been brought to the national stage,” the caption states.

The snap was only shared on Sunday evening but has already amassed thousands of comments as Aussies fight it out over the “correct” word for the food item, traditionally sold at fish and chip shops.

“Can we please stop with the scallop thing already? They’re potato cakes,” one frustrated Melburnian wrote.

As one NSW-based user said: “Who in the f**k calls potato scallops ‘potato cakes’?”

“Why is no one else mentioning fritter? I feel alienated, my whole childhood feels alienated,” one distraught South Australian added.

A post shared by Foodie Mumma Ren on Facebook also created a similar divide, with nearly 5000 Aussies defending their local dialect in the comments.

“Better not call it a potato scallop in Victoria. No one will know what they’re talking about,” one person wrote.

“If you’re a South Australian you would call it a potato fritter,” another said.

“I’m originally from NSW they’ll always be scallops to me,” someone else added.

The debate has attracted a lot of attention, with many claiming: “Macca’s are just trying to start a civil war at this point.”

Despite the ferocious chatter over its name, the potato scallop with chicken salt appears to have fallen flat on taste, copping low ratings in multiple social media reviews.

“It’s like a servo scallop that’s sat under the heat lamps too long,” food blogger, Russ Eats, claimed.

The new potato scallops have received a few poor reviews online. Picture: TikTok/Ange Eats

Melbourne bloke Ange Eats said they were ‘nothing special’. Picture: TikTok/AngeEats

Russ wasn’t the only customer who thought the highly-anticipated potato scallops failed to hit the mark, with Melbourne bloke Ange Eats posting a lacklustre review.

“They look like a hash brown with chicken salt seasoning, and it was $3.05 for two of these,” Ange explained on TikTok.

After pouring the seasoning straight onto the fried potato slice, Ange took a bite, claiming: “It’s nothing special.”

“This tastes soggy and rubbery,” he said.

“Guys, if you feel like a potato cake, go to your local fish and chip shop to pick one up.”

Originally published as Macca’s new menu item has reignited ferocious Aussie feud