KFC Gravy

[gallapunk]

Following on from the KFC clone question, does anybody know why the KFC gravy flavour/taste varies around the UK? I've come to the conclusion (from travelling around) that in the north (for example), they have the original seasoned KFC-flavour gravy, but it's definitely different from where I live now. They changed it a few years ago (for an experiment, so KFC told me at the time) and it's never been changed back again. Also, when I'm up north in a KFC, I see many more people asking for gravy, so perhaps that's why they've kept the good stuff up there and put the crap in all the places where it wasn't so popular anyway. Would like to hear your thoughts, along with which area you live in, so that I know if it's safe to get gravy when I go there.

[Snappy]

Hmm i live in newcastle, the only other KFC iv been to was in leeds but i didnt really notice a taste difference :-/

[learntojive]

We're in West Yorkshire and I used to adore KFC gravy. Last couple of times have been floury, paler and tasteless, I wondered what had happened.

[bednobs]

perhaps it depends on how many employees have sweated/spat in it?
On the north/south divide thing, i think its fair to say that northerners like their chips with gravy whereas southerners like them with ketchup!

[gallapunk]

Thank you for your intro, bednobs. The ending though, was brilliant; do you really think it's like that? I've come to the conclusion that it may be, but I have no proof other than my own experience.

Your replies have all been very interesting though.

So they're doing the pale, floury stuff up north in certain places too ... I had one in York the other week and the gravey was great; I had one at Hartshead Moor Services not long ago too and that was fine. What's their agenda? The pale stuff is supposed to taste 'chickeny', but I like the original stuff that tasted 'seasony'.

I want my old gravy back; I hate the pale, tasteless stuff.

[Ice.Maiden]

This post made me laugh!! Why don't you write to them and suggest the "original" gravy's brought back - by popular demand!!
Think you all must have stronger stomachs than myself, because I think all KFC stuff's pretty revolting - lol. x

[gallapunk]

Hi Ice, I did ask them, a few years ago, when the crap gravy first came out where I live.. That's when they told me it was an experiment in 'selected KFC restaurants'. I haven't asked them since because they'll give me the same line, or say that the crap stuff sells better where I live; whatever.

[Ice.Maiden]

Oh dear - LOL!! Do you think it just saves time to make the weaker stuff - you know, forget the seasoning and just slap it in the pan??? Bet it comes in pre-mixed packets anyway, but it's not the point. Stand up for your rights! x

[Skreecheeboy]

Hi gallapunk, Dumbarton KFC gravy is bearable but it's a lot more peppery than Leith Walk in Edinburgh. Only tried it recently but it is really nice and actually make the inferior quality chips that they sell in KFC edible, which is no mean feat! I used to think the chips were absolutely boggin till I discovered the gravy was actually quite nice, I was totally expecting bisto or some other rubbish like that but it tastes a lot less healthy than that! Bring it on!

[Ice.Maiden]

Hi Skreech - pmsl at the *inferior quality chips! Oh dear. Well i suppose they provide what they consider to be a nice gravy then, to smother the taste of the rest of the rubbish - but sorry! There are a lot of people out there who almost live at KFC, so I don't really mean all that to sound derogatory. Each to their own and all that - x

[Skreecheeboy]

Hey Ice maiden, looks like it's just you and me up! I know those people you're talking about and there's absolutely no excuse for being the fat layabouts that they are, the evidence that they live in such high class establishments confirms my claims! Cardiac arrests for all the lard-eating, non-exercise taking scum!

[Ice.Maiden]

Woah! Was all that said in one breath?!!! LOL - and hi. Maybe there are others lurking around, ready to make an input when some very funny thread starts up, but since it's heading on towards 2 a.m., I'm beginning to doubt it! x

[gallapunk]

Oh no, now I sound like a greasy lardy who eats nothing but takeaways and it's just not true. I cook all my meals from scratch all week long and on Saturday evening I treat myself to a takeaway for dinner. It may be KFC, Chinese, kebab, pizza, pretty much anything, but I don't live on the damn things.

If we all enjoyed the same food, there would only be two or three recipes in the world.

[Tufty123]

I used to travel to Ireland for work from the UK and have over the passed 4 years stopped eating KFC while there because the Gravy is like glue mixed with a faint peppery fart of a flavour(nothing like the UK gravy). The recipe has now unfortunately spread to the Mainland UK and i now miss my weekly treat as i only really liked the gravy! If anybody knows of a KFC near Manchester with original gravy let me know!

[gallapunk]

Hi Tufty, head up the motorway towards Leeds/Bradford and I think it's the Heartshead Moor services that has a KFC, they do the proper gravy there - or did 6 months ago - unless the gloopy glue stuff is spreading even further. Also, the KFCs I've been to whilst in Bradford and York have it, but I guess it's a bit of a trek from Manchester. I've been to 2 KFCs in Swansea in the last few months and they have the original gravy too, but unfortunately that's even further for you to travel. Hope you find some.

[redchamp]

The reason for the taste difference is very simple. The gravy is made from a standard pre mix which is then combined with the crackling, (which is filtered from the chicken fryers.) The more crackling added the stronger the taste. This process is simply controlled by the staff and many times they do not put enough crackling in as they have none. If you get crappy gravy take it back or phone and complain. The manager will know......