McDonald’s Taiwan Unleashes 'Kung Fries' to Defend Golden Treasures

Everyone knows the feeling… you turn away for a moment and your McDonald's fries vanish into someone else's mouth. McDonald’s Taiwan offers a solution: the ultimate Kung Fu lesson – a brand-new martial art called ‘Kung Fries’, designed specifically to protect your golden treasures from sneaky fingers.

To create this epic Kung Fu lesson, McDonald’s Taiwan, together with its agency Leo Taiwan, called in Kung Fu royalty, Master Scott Hung, the legend behind some of Taiwan’s most iconic martial arts films.

Master Hung created five badass, easy-to-learn Kung Fries moves: Hold Your Horses; Soft as a Breeze, Strong as a Storm; Divine Finger Flick; Buddha’s Palm of Fries; and the masterful Now you see it, Now you don’t.

All five levels of Kung Fries training have been woven into a three-minute how-to Kung Fu comedy directed by Leo Wang (Breaking & Re-entering, The 9th Precinct), featuring rising star Man-Si Ho, with choreography by Master Hung (Golden Horse Award Best Action Choreographer) and music by Chris Hou (Golden Horse Award Best Music Composer).

“It is a universally known fact that McDonald’s fries are so irresistible, people are always sneaking a bite. We loved the idea of solving this timeless problem while also reviving Gen Z’s love of Kung Fu, which is a central part of Taiwan’s cultural DNA,” explained Cindy Lin, McDonald's Taiwan CMO, Asia Business Unit.

Kevin Yang, CEO and chief creative officer at Leo Taiwan added, “By reimagining martial arts with a modern twist, we've inviting the world to learn this uniquely Taiwanese take on defending your fries.”

In Taiwan, kung fu has been losing its prominence among gen z audiences, despite the island’s rich history in martial arts. But with instructional videos on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram Reels, now anyone can now become a Kung Fries master.

​Jason Williams, head of creative excellence at Publicis Groupe APAC, said, “With its gen z cast, some kick ass moves, and lots of fries, McDonald’s Taiwan has created the ultimate Kung Fu lesson for fans in Taiwan, and around the world.”

The 5 Kung Fries defensive moves draw inspiration from Eastern martial arts – in particular Kung Fu, Wing Chun, Tai Chi and Jeet Kune Do.

In addition to five social videos, every McDonald's Taiwan meal now comes with a Kung Fries tutorial printed onto tray mats. The brand is inviting customers to share their stories of fries being swiped – and their defensive tactics – for the chance to win a 999 (or 24-karat) golden fry.