KFC Colonel Rice Review

I know I’m like 2 years late, but due is due. I have been ignoring the KFC rice thinking it was a limited menu or something, but looks like it’s here to stay.

So if you are reading this review, it’s obvious I fancied a change from the regular fries and chicken, and I opted for the rice.

Table of Contents

Wait, KFC Sells Rice Now?

The same place where everything is mostly deep-fried has decided to venture into the world of steamed grains.

If you’re someone who avoids fast food but find yourself within striking distance of a KFC, the Colonel’s Rice might look like the healthiest option on the menu, or if you want the lowest calorie intake, it’s like <500kcal a serving.

Historically, I have viewed KFC as a bread and fries establishment for carbs. And now, rice? What’s next, quinoa?

But to be serious, KFC has been selling rice in other parts of the world where it is a staple like Asia, even in the UK they have rice bowls, don’t know if they still do. It’s just a new concept here in Africa.

The Colonel’s Take on a Rice Bowl (Or Lack Thereof)

You see, rice bowls around the world typically consist of rice, some flavorful sauces, salads, and chicken strips. A balanced meal.

But KFC Kenya looked at that concept and thought, “Nah, let’s just steam some plain rice and slap fried chicken on the side.” That should do it.

Might have seen their glorious gravy? Yes, it is specifically for drizzling on your rice. Did they offer me some for an additional KES 60? Nope.

But honestly, that might have been for the best because when I did try it before, it was a solid 2/10 experience. Disgusting in my opinion, and generally unnecessary.

Texture

KFC Colonel Rice tastes good, but its texture is not so good. For some people texture can be more important than taste and i happen to be one of those.

If something tastes good, then the texture should at least match for it to be a good dish. Pasta is a good example.

Also Read: Review: The 5 Best Spaghetti Brands in Kenya

Speaking of texture, there’s absolutely nothing to break up the mushiness of the Colonel rice.

It’s like KFC decided to make baby food but forgot the puree step.

The rice doesn’t have a chew (you might think overcooked), bordering on a “melt-in-your-mouth” consistency that no rice should ever have.

On the bright side, at least it’s moist, single-grained, and not clumpy—small wins, I suppose.

So, Can Rice Taste Like This?

Flavor-wise, the rice is… different. Not bad, necessarily, but different enough to make you question whether rice should ever taste this way.

It’s seasoned, sure, but in a “different” kind of way. Not offensive, just confusing. Almost like saffron rice but less elegant. And yes, I did enjoy the taste to some degree!

In Conclusion… A Meal, But Barely

KFC Kenya isn’t exactly known for logical food pairings. Remember when they tried to make ugali and fried chicken a thing? Exactly. (I know that was an emergency menu, but I’m a troll anyway)

The rice bowl follows the same chaotic energy—two things that are okay on their own technically… but somehow still feel mismatched.

What would I wish for? I think chicken strips or nuggets would be a good pairing for the rice, other than just chicken pieces, so that it’s just a one fork affair.

Using a fork for your rice and your hands for your chicken feels just clunky, my palms are sticky, and so is my plastic fork, and now I’m mad at the world.

Again, coleslaw or any form of salad and a sauce will be a perfect addition to complete the whole meal…Okay, what I’m saying is the OG rice bowl would be perfect.

Again, I know, this is supposedly trying to be a budget meal, but I’m sure it could work within “my demands”

Would I order it again? Probably yes, but I wouldn’t be thrilled about it. If you don’t mind the mushy texture then you will probably love this

Overall, this would make a great lunch, perhaps a meal in terms of sheer quantity

If you’re just looking to get full, this will do the job. The portion is decent, and for the price, it feels like a better deal than getting a small order of fries with your chicken. But is it a good meal? Debatable.

On an individual rating scale: