One of the main reasons why chain restaurants like McDonald’s have such massive appeal is that their products are consistent at all of their locations; the Big Mac you’d get in a small midwestern town is the same Big Mac you’d get in Times Square, New York City. Outside of the United States, however, is another story, and exactly what McDonald’s offers can vary significantly by country. If you’re a fast food lover planning a trip abroad, read on to learn more about some of the unique offerings available at McDonald’s locations around the world.
Japan
The Japanese take their McDonald’s seriously with the second greatest number of franchise locations after the United States. Menus include a unique fusion of fast food staples, such as Big Macs and Chicken McNuggets, along with traditional Japanese flavors. Think Teriyaki burgers, Shrimp Ebi Filet-O, and edamame as a side dish.
India
About 25% of India’s population of 1.4 billion is estimated to be vegetarian, and this preference is reflected in McDonald’s menus. In fact, McDonald’s in India don’t serve any beef at all, instead offering chicken, fish, and plant-based options created to cater to local palates. For example, the Dosa Masala Burger, a turmeric-spiced mashed potato patty made with fresh peas and topped with a spicy chutney mayo.
Italy
Italy is renowned for its culinary heritage for a reason, and the country’s McDonald’s are no exception. The majority of offerings are made with authentic Italian ingredients, which tend to be better quality than their American counterparts. Menus also feature several Italian-inspired options, such as the ham and cheese McToast, mozzarella and tomato calzones, and even bite-sized blocks of parmesan cheese.