Forget everything you know about McDonald’s—the fast food chain may be a familiar favorite, but some countries serve exclusive menu items you won’t find anywhere else.
Visiting McDonald’s locations worldwide will take your tastebuds on a flavorful journey through international cuisines.
McDonald’s in the United States will never taste the same after trying these foreign items from Spain to New Zealand:
Corn Pie – Thailand
In Thailand, you can find corn pie on the McDonald’s menu. These handheld pies consist of a fried shell filled with a corn mixture. The corn provides a subtle sweetness that isn’t overwhelming or artificial, and the contrast between the creamy filling and crisp crust is addictive.
McArabia Chicken – United Arab Emirates
When in Dubai, swing by a McDonald’s to sample the McArabia Chicken. It’s a tasty sandwich with grilled chicken patties, garlic mayonnaise, and fresh veggies on Arabic bread. The grilled chicken with garlic spread is a light and delicious option.
Gazpacho – Spain
Switch up your usual side order with a cup of gazpacho. This McDonald’s menu item is only available in Spain. The gazpacho soup is a savory yet refreshing blend of tomato, cucumber, onions, and other Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
Matcha Red Bean Layer Cake – Hong Kong
One of McDonald’s most unique international offerings is the matcha red bean layer cake. You’ll have to visit Hong Kong to try this sweet treat. The cake has layers of thin matcha crepes filled with matcha cream and red beans. While the combination sounds strange, it’s pleasantly tasty.
Sweet Potato Fries – Norway, Sweden, and The Netherlands
Only several countries have sweet potato fries on the McDonald’s menu. They’re the perfect crispy, salty side dish with a hint of natural sweetness. These sweet potato fries will make you never want to return to regular potatoes.
Shaka-Chicki – Japan
Japan’s Shaka-Chicki dish is unlike any McDonald’s item you’ve tried before. It consists of a fried chicken patty in a paper pouch with a separate seasoning spice packet.
You dump the spices into the bag with the chicken, roll the pouch shut, and give it a few good shakes to coat the patty. This method evenly seasons the chicken while keeping your fingers dry and clean.
Poutine – Canada
McDonald’s locations in Canada offer a fast-food version of poutine. The classic Canadian specialty is French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. While it isn’t the most authentic poutine, it’s irresistibly rich.
Bulgogi Burger – South Korea
South Korea’s McDonald’s serves several unique foods, but the bulgogi burger is one of the tastiest. Instead of beef, it features a flavorful pork patty. The pork flavor ties in well with the savory bulgogi sauce slathered on the bun. Be sure to try this South Korea-exclusive burger.
Cadbury Creme Egg McFlurry – United Kingdom
A trip to the United Kingdom is the perfect time to try a McDonald’s Cadbury Creme egg McFlurry. It’s a smooth vanilla ice cream with Cadbury chocolate and Creme Egg sauce.
The mix-ins make the ice cream incredibly indulgent, filling it with chocolate and custard flavors. This McFlurry is usually on the menu around the Easter holiday.
McMollettes – Mexico
McMollettes are a delicious McDonald’s breakfast option in Mexico. They’re open-faced sandwiches with beans, cheese, and pico de gallo. The fresh tang from the tomato, delicious savory beans, and rich cheesiness in each bite make McMollettes a must-try.
Chicken Maharaja Mac – India
The Chicken Maharaja Mac is exclusive to Indian McDonald’s. This Big Mac alternative uses chicken instead of beef, with two meat patties and three bun slices. Jalapeños and habanero sauce give the chicken sandwich an intense kick of spice.
Ham and Cheese Toastie – Australia
McDonald’s restaurants in Australia serve ham and cheese toasties. A toastie is essentially a sandwich that’s been toasted, so the insides begin to melt. The McDonald’s version might not beat homemade, but you’ll love every bite of the salty ham and warm, melted cheese.
Kiwiburger – New Zealand
Head to McDonald’s next time you’re in New Zealand to try a Kiwiburger. This unique item is a hamburger with egg, beetroot, vegetables, and cheese. It isn’t available year-round but frequently appears on the limited-time menu.
Chicken McDo with McSpaghetti – Philippines
Have you ever considered ordering pasta at McDonald’s? In the Philippines, McDonald’s offers a one-of-a-kind chicken McDo with McSpaghetti menu item. The platter features fried chicken and spaghetti topped with meat sauce–it’s worth trying at least once.
Pistachio McFlurry – Italy
Cool off during a day of sightseeing in Italy with a pistachio McFlurry. The ice cream treat has a vanilla base mixed with pistachio sauce and a crunchy topping. If you like pistachio-flavored desserts, you must try this McFlurry while in Italy.
Some McDonald’s menu prices are more expensive than ever
Inflation has forced many fast-food restaurants to raise their prices. McDonald’s is one of the worst offenders, and inflation has impacted these menu items the most.
McDonald’s Prices Skyrocket Up to 215% — 5 Items With the Highest Hikes
Don’t waste your money on overpriced fast food
Chain restaurants aren’t as wallet-friendly as they once were. These fast-food chains aren’t worth your time or money anymore.
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.
