If you’ve been a fan of McDonald’s, you’re probably well aware of how this global fast food chain caters to local tastes abroad. It’s a big part of their magic and why they’re so successful.
From India’s Paneer Wraps to Canada’s sweet pastries to even Spain’s sophisticated tastes, these menu items showcase how well McDonald’s adapts to different cultures while putting their own spin on things.
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Let’s take a culinary tour and take a look at some of the 15 best McDonald’s international menu items from around the world.
15. McSpicy Paneer – India
In India, cows are considered a sacred symbol of life and are associated with Aditi, the mother of all gods. So it’s no surprise that items on their McDonald’s menu offer a wide range of vegetarian options. The McSpicy Paneer, in particular, is a crowd pleaser that features a large slab of spicy paneer cheese, that’s breaded and fried to crispy perfection, and served with a tangy tandoori sauce.
14. Poutine – Canada
Oh, Canada! This is a country known for their love of poutine, a dish of french fries and cheese curds that are covered in a brown gravy. Poutine literally translates to mess in Quebecois. This love made it all the way to the McDonald’s menu where they serve their own brand of poutine made the traditional way. It has everything you want from this savory dish and perfectly captures the essence of Canadian comfort food.
13. Ebi Filet-O Burger – Japan
Move over Filet-O-Fish, we have a new favorite seafood item from Mickey D’s. Being an archipelago, Japan has no shortage when it comes to culinary delights from the ocean. McDonald’s took the opportunity to make the most out of this unique advantage and came out with the Ebi Filet-O Burger. This burger contains a breaded shrimp patty paired with a spicy sauce that gives it an extra kick. Put them all together in a classic McDonald’s bun and you’ll have yourself one of the best international menu items you can get from the Golden Arches.
12. Gazpacho – Spain
Spain is known for their sophisticated cuisine. So, it makes sense that their McDonald’s would go with the flow and introduce items that you wouldn’t find in any of their other locations. In McDonald’s Spain, you won’t just find burgers and fries. You can actually get yourself a refreshing gazpacho! It’s a cold soup made with ripe tomatoes and vegetables; a perfect side dish for those hot mediterranean afternoons.
11. Cheese Katsu Burger – Japan
Here’s something for people who love eastern and western cuisine. The Cheese Katsu Burger perfectly strikes the balance between these two cultures and creates the ultimate crowd pleasing fast food item. With a breaded pork cutlet filled with gooey, melted cheese, it’s not surprising that this creation from McDonald’s Japan was an instant hit with that combination of comforting flavors and textures.
10. McMollette – Mexico
It looks like an incomplete burger but we promise you that the McMollete from McDonald’s Mexico is really good. You can get a taste of Mexican breakfast culture with this open-faced sandwich filled with refried beans, melted cheese, and a dash of pico-de-gallo, all on top of an English muffin. It’s another meal that combines local culture with the universal ingredients that McDonald’s tends to use.
9. Bacon Potato Pie – Japan
McDonald’s may be more famous for its Apple Pie out west but in Japan? They surprisingly have tons of variations of Mickey D’s world famous pies. The best one, without a doubt, is their Bacon Potato Pie. Filled with a creamy milk-based filling, grilled onions, and smoky bacon, this is one McDonald’s international menu item you wouldn’t want to miss.
8. McArabia – Middle East
Middle Eastern cuisine is considered one of the best in the world. So when you find yourself in these countries, be sure to get yourself a McArabia from McDonald’s. The name of this dish doesn’t really tell you what’s inside of it though. So what exactly is a McArabia? It’s a pita bread sandwich filled with pieces of grilled chicken, beef, or lamb kofta and accompanied by fresh vegetables and sauce. It’s a taste of their culture for sure and another great example of McDonald’s taking local cuisine on their menu. Curious about what other international food items you can get? Check out this list.
7. Chocolate Croissant – Canada
Let’s head back to Canada for desserts. Canada has a bit of French culture mixed into its genes so it’s no surprise that one of the best desserts from their local McDonald’s is a croissant. But it’s not just any croissant. This is a Chocolate Croissant. This flaky pastry has lots of layers of bread with a rich, chocolate center that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
6. McCurry Pan – India
Imagine a baked rectangular bread bowl filled to the brim with chicken, vegetables, and savory tomato curry sauce. What I’ve described to you is a McCurry Pan. The McSpicy Paneer isn’t the only great international menu item from McDonald’s India. After all, India is famous for their curry so you bet that it didn’t take long for McDonald’s to start having their own version up on their menu. The McCurry Pan lets you dive right into the heart of Indian cuisine and shows you why McDonald’s is the top fast food chain in the world.
5. Stroopwafel McFlurry – The Netherlands
Dutch people sure know a thing or two about desserts ‘cause McDonalds in the Netherlands introduced this incredible menu item that just might be better than all the McFlurry variations we’ve ever had. All you dessert-lovers are guaranteed to love this one. It takes McDonald’s classic soft serve and mixes it with caramel waffle cookies that creates a deliciously textured treat courtesy of the Dutch.
4. Chicken McDo – Philippines
McDonald’s is more famous for their burgers and the only kind of chicken they’re known for are either sandwiched between bread or are in the form of nuggets. But in the Philippines, McDonald’s serves straight up fried chicken and it’s actually pretty great. Usually served with rice or McSpaghetti (also a McDonald’s Philippines exclusive), the affectionately called Chicken McDo is pretty unique and prepared Filipino style.
3. Kiwiburger – New Zealand
New Zealand is a country with a pretty underrated cuisine. It’s an island nation with a diverse taste palate since they have a mix of European, Maori, and Asian culture. The best item from their local McDonald’s has to be the Kiwiburger. Consisting of a four-ounce beef patty, griddled egg, beetroot, tomato, lettuce, cheese, onions, mustard, and ketchup sandwiched between toasted buns, this local fast food favorite is a great choice for breakfast or lunch when you find yourself in New Zealand.
2. Bubur Ayam McD – Malaysia
Need something to prime you for a taste of Malaysian cuisine? Just head over to their local McDonald’s and get yourself a Bubur Ayam McD. This comforting meal is basically a soothing rice porridge that contains chicken, ginger, and chillies to help you feel all warm and fuzzy. It’s a great way to introduce you to their food culture all while giving you a welcoming sense of comfort.
1. Truffle Mayo & Parmesan Loaded Fries – Australia
And last but not the least, we find ourselves in Australia, the land down under. Instead of making things a little traditional, McDonald’s Australia decided to upgrade a classic fast food meal and create something a little fancy while still remaining affordable. The Truffle Mayo & Parmesan Loaded Fries are french fries topped with rich truffle-infused mayonnaise and shaved Parmesan cheese. With flavors that complement really well, it’s no surprise that this was an instant hit and finds itself at the number 1 spot on our list of best McDonald’s international menu items.
