Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC for short, has gained widespread recognition for its proprietary combination of eleven spices and herbs. Beyond its recognizable red-and-white logo and fried chicken, KFC has a long history and a distinct position in the fast-food industry. These are two interesting KFC facts you may not be aware of.
The Secret Recipe is a Well-Guarded Treasure
One of the most well-known aspects of KFC is its famous “11 herbs and spices” used to create the signature flavor of its fried chicken. What makes this fact so intriguing is how incredibly secretive the company is about the recipe. The blend is kept in a vault in KFC’s headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. In fact, only a handful of people within the company are aware of the exact ingredients. The recipe is so secret that it’s said to be locked away in a safe, with the key held by two different people who don’t know each other. This level of secrecy has become part of KFC’s mystique, with many people speculating over the exact ingredients for years.
2. KFC Was the First Fast-Food Chain to Enter China
KFC didn’t just conquer the U.S. market; it took its iconic chicken to international heights. In 1987, KFC became the first major American fast-food chain to open a restaurant in China. Since then, it has become a massive success in the country. Today, KFC operates more than 5,000 locations across China, and its menu has been tailored to local tastes. For example, in China, you can find items like congee (a savory rice porridge), egg tarts, and even a variety of chicken with rice. This early expansion into China helped set the stage for other fast-food chains to follow suit, making KFC one of the most successful international fast-food brands in Asia.