McDonald's has gone to Quetta, Pakistan - and the Taliban aren't happy

One Taliban member reportedly said 'we don't even consider it as food'

McDonald's has opened its first outlet in Quetta, Pakistan (McDonald's Facebook Page)

The Pakistan city of Quetta has got its first McDonald's - and the Taliban aren't happy about it.

Quetta, 1,300km southwest of Islamad, became known as a meeting point for the Taliban in 2015, when it emerged that leaders of the terrorist group were holding strategy meetings there.

The new McDonald's has riled Taliban members since it opened in April. One said "we don't even consider it as food."

McDonald's has modified its menu to appeal more to Muslim customers, who don't eat pork for religious reasons. All the food served is Halal, while the sausages in the sausage and egg McMuffin is made of chicken.

Ehsanullah Ehsan, a senior militant commander with the group, laughed when an NBC reporter asked him what he thought of the new McDonald's.

“Ha, so you are asking me about McDonald's food,” Ehsan said. “Yes, I know McDonald's and its food but we will never eat it. We don't even consider it as a food. This isn't our food ... We live in the rough, tough mountainous areas and need energy and power to fight against the enemy.”

Another Taliban fighter told the same reporters that he found McDonald's too expensive and tasteless. He said that Taliban fighters prefer mutton and rice.

“We know it's an American food company and our religious scholars have forbidden us from consuming any Western food and beverages,” the militant added.

He said he might visit the Quetta McDonald's with friends but would not eat the food.

Customers can get a McArabia, a shawarma-meets-gyro wrap, for $3 at the new outlet and add on drinks and fries for a total bill of less than $5, according to reports.

Photos from the McDonald's Facebook page showed that the new outlet was already a hit with locals.

Young children were shown waving Pakistan and McDonald's flags. Another showed long queues at the store.