McDonald's around the world - you won't believe what's on the menu...!

Writer: Helena Bergström

We stood in the queue in Halifax and looked up at the menu. There it was - something we'd never seen before at McDonald's: a McLobster. A burger with lobster. Maybe it was right there somewhere that we started to realise it: McDonald's is not quite the same everywhere...

Same logo - different worlds

There's something comforting about McDonald's when travelling. But behind the standardised exterior lies a menu that is often far more local than you might think. And this is where it gets really interesting...!

McLobster and other temporary phenomena

Googling reveals that the McLobster is no longer on McDonald's menus in Canada - although it may make occasional appearances here and there. We'll never forget eating this McDonald's dish: bread with lobster roll, fries and soda.

McDonald's works a lot with temporary products, which sometimes become almost cult-like. A little more Googling tells us about the following products:

• Japan: Seasonal burgers such as ”Teriyaki McBurger” (pork burger with teriyaki sauce), ”Samurai Mac” (beef patties with smoky sauce) and ”Ebi Filet-O” (breaded prawn burger)
• South Korea: Bulgogi burgers, which are usually based on pork and combined with a sweet and savoury soy sauce.
• France: ”Croque McDo” is a fast-food version of the French hot sandwich croque monseiur. For limited periods, it has also been possible to order ”McBaguette”.  

Spaghetti, rice and completely different habits

In the Philippines, McSpaghetti is almost as common as a Big Mac - a pasta dish with sweet tomato sauce and sausages.

And of course (!) you want to be able to order rice with your burger - in the Philippines they eat rice with all. Read more about Filipino food here. In fact, the menus are unique in many parts of Asia:

• Philippines: Rice for almost everything
• Indonesia/Malaysia: Fried chicken + rice as standard
• Thailand: Sometimes dishes with stronger, local flavours

Europe: premium, beer and local produce

However, it's not just Asia and North America that stand out when it comes to McDonald's. Even within Europe there are variations. How about beer on the menu or local specialities like prosciutto or macarons?

• Germany / Czech Republic: Here (and in even more European countries actually!) you can find beer on McDonald's menu.
• France: As well as hot sandwiches, there are macarons (of course!) and a café culture feel.
• Italy: We understand that the McCafé range is unique, with desserts such as tiramisù, ricotta and pistachio cake, and croissants with various fillings.

When religion rules the menu

In Muslim countries, pork is often removed from McDonald's menus, but religion (and tradition) can also influence in other ways

• Muslim countries: No pork and halal certified meat
• India: Neither beef nor pork is served (!) because of the Hindu and Muslim population, so the focus is on chicken, fish and vegetarian. The ”McAloo Tikki” is a popular burger, made from potatoes and peas, with Indian flavours.
• Israel: Some McDonald's restaurants are kosher-registered, which means, among other things, that they do not mix meat and milk and that they are closed on the Sabbath.

Dishes you wouldn't really expect at McDonald's...

Some dishes, at McDonald's in some countries, stand out ...

• Japan: Soups on the menu! Usually as seasonal menus or side dishes
• China: Taro pies filled with purple taro cream (a root vegetable that is naturally sweet).
• Middle East: McArabia is made with pita bread instead of hamburger buns.
• Finland: Here you can get rye bread in some burgers!

Same burger - different names

Another thing we have noticed when travelling around is that the burgers have different names. We often order the ”Quarter Pounder” in Sweden, but in some countries in Central Europe it is called Royal Cheese ... an informative tip!

What we were not prepared for

The more you travel, the clearer this becomes: McDonald's isn't just fast food - it's almost like a mirror of the country you're in. Sometimes it's in the small details (sauces, sides) - sometimes in whole dishes. And sometimes in something as simple as suddenly finding yourself with a beer in your hand!

The explanation is simple: taste, culture, religion and habit are more important than the brand. McDonald's succeeds globally precisely because it dares to be local.

An unexpected travel tip

Next time you're travelling - go to McDonald's. But don't order what you always get. Order what feels strange. It's often there, between the safe and the unexpected, that travelling is most fun.

What's the strangest thing you've eaten at McDonald's abroad?

We would love to know: What's the strangest thing you've eaten at McDonald's abroad? Tell us about it!