Forget McDonald’s and KFC—how about mochi pizza in Japan or shrimp burgers in South Korea?
After seeing all the worldwide fast food options you’re missing out on, you’ll never look at American restaurants the same way.
These are the most uniquely mouthwatering international fast-food chains you won’t find in the United States.
Supermac’s – Ireland
Supermac’s is a restaurant chain with over 100 locations throughout Ireland. The menu includes burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, milkshakes, and more.
It only uses 100% Irish beef and chicken, making it higher quality than other chains. You can also find unconventional French fry toppings, like curry sauce and taco meat.
Chicken Licken – South Africa and Botswana
South Africa and Botswana are home to Chicken Licken, the world’s largest non-American fried chicken franchise. The beloved fast-food restaurant offers soulful fare, including fried chicken, hot wings, coleslaw, and sliders. Its juicy chicken and flavorful sauces make it a must-try.
Hesburger – Finland
One of the most popular fast food options in Finland is Hesburger. The first Hesburger opened in 1980–today, there are over 270 locations across several European countries. Hesburger is known for its unique condiments, such as paprika and cucumber mayonnaise sauces.
Pizza-La – Japan
Pizza-La is a chain exclusive to Japan famous for its unexpected, creative pizzas. Forget basic cheese and pepperoni—at Pizza-La, you can top your pie with anything from corn to seafood and mochi. The out-of-the-box offerings are unlike any fast-food pizza restaurants in the U.S.
Greggs – United Kingdom
Since 1939, Greggs has served irresistible baked goods and cafe classics throughout the United Kingdom. The most famous item is a traditional British sausage roll, a handheld pastry filled with seasoned meat. Its menu also features sweet and savory options, like donuts and chicken bakes.
MAX Burgers – Sweden
MAX Burgers was one of the first burger chains to start in Sweden. It launched in 1968 and has expanded to over 170 locations throughout Europe and Egypt. While MAX Burgers’ menu is similar to American favorites like McDonald’s and Burger King, many agree its burgers and chicken sandwiches are superior quality.
Dicos – China
There are thousands of Dicos restaurants across China—almost as many as McDonald’s. Dicos specializes in American food with a Chinese twist.
Some compare it to KFC, with fried chicken being the star. In addition to classic chicken sandwiches and wings, you’ll find unconventional items like shrimp patties and pineapple burgers.
Harvey’s – Canada
Canadians can’t get enough of Harvey’s, a burger chain that’s been around for 65 years. Harvey’s serves flame-grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches, wraps, poutines, and more. The signature menu item is a side of Frings, which includes French fries and onion rings in one basket.
Bembos – Peru
Founded in 1988, Bembos is a Peruvian fast-food burger restaurant. The menu consists of American favorites with Peruvian influences. Try hamburgers with chimichurri mayonnaise, guacamole, egg, or fried banana at Bembos.
Toast Box – Singapore
Singapore’s beloved Toast Box chain will transport you back to the 1960s when toast culture peaked. Signature Toast Box items include Nanyang coffee, curry, noodles, and sweet and savory toasts. The traditional butter and coconut jam specialty Kaya toast is a must-try.
Lotteria – South Korea
South Korea’s biggest fast-food chain is Lotteria, which serves Japanese-style burgers and chicken. The menu boasts unique dishes, such as a shrimp burger topped with egg and purple sweet potato milkshakes. Once you try Lotteria, you’ll never want to settle for American hamburger restaurants again.
NORDSEE – Germany
Customers have been enjoying NORDSEE’s seafood since 1896. This German chain serves everything from grilled shrimp skewers to salmon pasta and fish nuggets. No American fast food restaurants can hold a candle to NORDSEE’s one-of-a-kind seafood menu.
Wimpy – South Africa
While Wimpy, a burger chain inspired by the Popeye character, began in the U.S., it is now only available internationally. South Africa has the most locations, with over 450, followed by the UK. This fast-food restaurant has a retro feel and offers burgers, sandwiches, and platters.
Offerings vary depending on the country—you can order kabobs and peri-peri chicken in South Africa. Meanwhile, Wimpy restaurants in the UK feature fish and chips and English breakfast plates.
You might see these unique menu items at international McDonald’s locations
McDonald’s is a beloved fast-food chain with locations worldwide. These intriguing menu items are only available outside of the U.S.
15 International McDonald’s Items America Needs Now
Save your money by skipping these overpriced fast-food restaurants
Some American fast-food chain restaurants have skyrocketed in price in recent years. Do your wallet a favor by avoiding these chains that aren’t worth your money.
14 Wildly Overpriced Fast Food Chains You Shouldn’t Waste Money On
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
