McDonald's Menu Items From Around The World
Knowing _flossers like I do, many if not most of you have experienced McDonald's outside the U.S. because, hey, you like to travel and see the world, right? Indubitably, you've got a story about that one time you were in X and looked up at the McDonald's menu only to find a Mc-Y. Right? Well, here's a list of offerings from 10 countries around the world. Be sure to add your own finds in the comments below.
1. New Zealand
Depending on when you’re visiting New Zealand, you may or may not get a chance to sample what sounds truly delicious! The KiwiBurger is like a hamburger (“But south!”) (reference? anyone? anyone?) but, in addition to the traditional meat patty, also includes the following: a poached egg and beetroot!
2. Belgium & France
3. The Netherlands
4. Quebec, Canada
A favorite of many Canadians, the Poutine is your traditional fries with gravy and cheese. Yumm!
5. Korea
A McBingsoo is McDonald's version of the popular Patbingsu, or shaved ice originally sold by street vendors. Also in Korea, as you might expect, you can find the Bulgogi Burger, made from pork, not beef.
6. Pakistan
Kofta, or meatballs, are made from beef or chicken in Pakistan. So, naturally, the McKofta is McDonald’s version of a meatball sandwich. If you’re feeling more like something chutney-flavored, there’s always the McChutney Burger. Personally, though, if I’m ever in Pakistan, I’m ordering the mango-flavored milkshake!
7. Poland
In Poland, there used to be McKielbasa, which was a kielbasa patty topped with ketchup, mustard, and onion on a sesame seed bun. But it flopped and was pulled from the menu soon after its debut. Too bad, but if you find yourself in Poland, be sure to try the Wie?Mac, which translates to “country Mac.” - This sounds absolutely delicious! It’s a quarter-pound patty topped with onions, lettuce, one slice of cheddar cheese and two shots of mustard and horseradish sauce on a sesame-seed bun.
8. Thailand
The most interesting thing about McDonald’s in Thailand isn’t on the menu. Rather, it’s the fact that a fast-food joint is considered a higher end option in Thailand. So much so, that some think it’s prestigious to be seen in one. Pretty different, eh? Also different is the menu, of course, where you can find the Samurai Pork Burger, a pork patty marinated with teriyaki sauce and topped with mayonnaise, lettuce, and a pickle. There’s also the McPork Burger or the Pepper Chicken Burger.
9. Israel
There’s a week or so during the Jewish holiday Passover that Jews are forbidden to eat bread products. In many fast-food restaurants, the burgers are served either on a bed of lettuce during this week, or else on matzo, the unleavened flatbread. Despite that mixing cheese and meat isn’t Kosher (literally!), McDonald’s still serves cheeseburgers and some Israelis even jokingly refer to it as the sinburger. The McShawarma is served in a pita-like flatbread, as is the McKebab (doesn’t really roll of the tongue, does it?) Israel has also tried introducing the McFalafel sandwich, but it never stays on the menu very long.
10. India
There are so many wonderful-sounding items on the menu in India, where, of course, the cow is sacred. How about the Maharja Mac - in its original mutton version or the chicken burger variety? There is also the McCurry Pan, a rectangular-shaped crust topped with a creamy sauce, mushrooms, broccoli, baby corn and red bell pepper. There are a couple different veggie burger options, including the McAloo Tikki Burger, which has a patty made out of potatoes and peas. I’ve never been to India, but am definitely jonsing for the Pizza McPuff: a rectangular bread topped with tomato-based sauce, carrots, beans, bell peppers, onions, peas and, of course, mozzarella cheese.