The USA may be at the forefront when it comes to some of the best fast food items you’ll ever see, but the rest of the world isn’t too far behind.
The great thing about the globalization of fast food is that each country can get the opportunity to add their own spin on classic meals you’ll typically see on the menu.
So, grab your passports and book those tickets, we’re going to other countries and look at 10 country-exclusive fast food items you must try.
10. McKroket – McDonald’s Netherlands and Belgium
Tired of your regular ol’ burgers? Look no further and just head on over to McDonald’s Netherlands or Belgium. Krokets are essentially dutch Croquettes and are made of meat ragout fillings, encased in breadcrumbs, and deep fried to a golden crisp. This is a great combination of an american classic with a dutch twist.
9. McChoconuts – McDonald’s France
French desserts are admired all around the world. So when McDonald’s France tried their hand at coming up with a new dessert, you just know that it’s gonna be a surefire hit. Combining a milk chocolate puck covered in peanut butter and peanut chips in a brioche bun, the McChoconuts is a must try whenever you find yourself in the country of France. Like the McKroket, it’s a unique take on a sandwich that fits the country’s well-known flavor profile.
8. Shrimp Donut – KFC Thailand
Don’t be fooled by its looks; this is not a giant onion ring. This is actually a donut. A Shrimp Donut to be exact. KFC Thailand came out with this amazing menu item that will definitely be a treat for seafood lovers. The Shrimp Donut is a big piece of jumbo shrimp, breaded, deep-fried, and formed into the shape of a donut. It comes with a tangy dipping sauce and gives you that crunchy, shrimpy flavor we all know and love.
7. X-tra Long Chili Cheeseburger – Burger King Estonia and Latvia
Ordering three burgers in one go will definitely have judging eyes on you; especially if you’re alone. So if you’ve ever felt ashamed whenever you wanna indulge, you can just go to Burger King in either Estonia or Latvia and get the X-tra Long Chili Cheeseburger. This monster of a burger truly lives up to its name. It has three of Burger King’s trademark flame-grilled patties, topped with chili sauce, melted cheese, and placed on one extra, I mean, x-tra long bun. It’s a meal truly fit for a king.
6. Tikka Masala Burrito – Taco Bell India
India is known for their love of spices. So it’s only natural that they’ll incorporate spice into their fast food. Taco Bell India came out with this meal that perfectly blends Mexican and Indian cuisine. The Tikka Masala Burrito contains a spiced chicken in creamy tomato sauce, rice, spices, and tandoori sauce all wrapped in a warm tortilla. It’s a unique flavor that shows us how international fast food chains adapt local flavors to create something truly innovative.
5. Shrimp Whopper – Burger King Japan
The island nation of Japan is no stranger to mixing fast food with seafood. So when Burger King came to town, they came up with their own version of a surf & turf to showcase the country’s natural delicacies. The Shrimp Whopper features flame-grilled patties, deep fried shrimps, lettuce, and tomatoes all sandwiched between two sesame seed buns. It’s definitely something you should try whenever you find yourself in the streets of Japan.
4. Veg Shammi Sandwich – Subway India
India has a wide variety of vegan dishes that they often fuse with their fast food offerings. A great example is their Shami Kebabs. Shami Kebabs or Shammis are a type of meat that is usually made of chickpeas, whole spices, flour, and herbs. So naturally, in Subway India, you can include these kebabs to make your sandwiches even better. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just simply looking for a meat-free meal, you can’t go wrong with the Veg Shammi Sandwich.
3. Pocket Cheese – McDonald’s Italy
Ask anyone you know and they’ll say that the best side dish from McDonald’s is french fries. But if you asked people who’ve been to Italy, there’s a good chance they’d say it’s Pocket Cheese. That’s right, in McDonald’s Italy, they offer sticks of actual Parmigiano Reggiano. Officially called “Snack di Parmigiano Reggiano,” this small brick of cheese is something that you should try for yourself and actually debate whether or not this or fries go better with your Big Mac.
2. Greek Mac – McDonald’s Greece
Speaking of the Big Mac, McDonald’s Greece decided to reinvent the American classic for Greek customers. Enter the Greek Mac. It has everything we love from a Big Mac: two 100% beef patties, onions, lettuce, and tomatoes. But with the addition of tzatziki sauce and instead of buns, everything is wrapped together in one large piece of pita bread. It’s a great way to taste what the mediterranean has to offer while still keeping things familiar.
1. Banana Split Frappuccino – Starbucks Mexico
The Banana Split Frappuccino was a big hit with customers when it came out in Starbucks Mexico. It’s a refreshing drink to cool off and beat the heat on a warm summer day. Inspired by the classic dessert, this drink combines all the flavors of a classic banana split and turns it into a creamy frappuccino. While only available in Mexico, rumor has it that you can actually order this in US branches as a secret menu item if you know how to ask.
Curious what other secret menu items you can get? Check out our list of secret menu items you need to try.