Bite Into a McSpicy Paneer Today
If you love fast food but are tired of Whoppers and Big Macs, then hop a plane to Japan, India, or Malaysia to try some unique cultural spins on classic fast food items. Before planning your tour of fast food chains in other countries, here are 20 unique fast food items sold outside of America.
1. Teriyaki Burger
At McDonald's in Japan, you can order a teriyaki burger. This take on the Quarter Pounder is a pork patty glazed with teriyaki sauce and topped with lettuce and mayo. It offers a bigger punch of umami than your traditional fast-food burger.
2. McSpicy Paneer
When McDonald's opened in India, it had to cater to the vegetarian diets of its population. Hence, a burger made from a spicy paneer patty that's breaded and fried, and then topped with sauce and lettuce. Replacing beef with a local cheese staple makes this fast food item truly unique.
3. Samurai Burger
In Malaysia, you can bite into the Samurai Burger, which is a grilled beef or chicken patty soaked in soy-based teriyaki sauce. This is McDonald's nod to Japanese and Southeast Asian flavors.
4. Squid Ink Burger
Burger King in Japan does something that's quite out of the box. Their squid ink burger with a black bun has a taste and appearance that leaves a very dramatic impression.
Jhunelle Francis Sardido on Unsplash
5. Chizza
Pop into a KFC in India or the Philippines and get yourself a Chizza. It's pizza with fried chicken as the crust and topped with sauce and ingredients like cheese and vegetables. It's a fun and odd fusion that has grown in popularity over the years.
6. Gazelle Burger
The Belgian fast food chain, Quick, offers a spiced mutton burger inspired by Moroccan flavors and spices. It's served at their locations in Belgium and Morocco. No, it's not made with gazelle meat, so don't worry if that was a turn-off.
7. Prosperity Burger
Head to Singapore during the Lunar New Year and try a Prosperity Burger at McDonald's. This unique burger features a peppery beef patty, onion slices, and black pepper sauce.
8. McLobster Roll
Head to any McDonald's in Atlantic Canada if you're in the mood for a fast-food twist on the classic lobster roll. The McLobster Roll has chunks of Atlantic lobster, mayo, and lettuce. It's also fun to see seafood on a fast-food menu.
9. Pumpkin Burger
This fast food burger in Japan sounds weird, but stay with us here. Burger King's Pumpkin Burger in Japan is a seasonal menu item and is made with fried pumpkin slices and a cream-based sauce. It's practically Autumn in a bun.
10. Cheese Fondue Burger
Burger King locations in Switzerland happily serve a burger topped with molten Swiss cheese fondue. It's rich and hearty and is a must-try for fans of Switzerland's national dish.
11. Bacon Roll
McDonald's in the UK has a simple yet delicious bacon roll on its menu. This fast food item is a soft roll with bacon and ketchup or brown sauce. It's a distinctly British take on fast food.
12. Gazpacho
McDonald's in Spain pays tribute to the local cuisine by serving gazpacho, which is a cold tomato soup. This menu item is only served in the summer and is quite refreshing.
13. Currywurst
McDonald's locations in Germany proudly serve a fast-food version of currywurst. This take on the iconic German street food is sliced sausage topped with curry ketchup and fries. The more adventurous fast food fans will want to give this one a go the next time they are visiting Germany.
14. Dragon Twister
KFCs in China offer a truly unique item inspired by the flavors traditionally found in Peking duck dishes. The Dragon Twister is a wrap filled with fried chicken strips, cucumbers, scallions, and hoisin-style sauce. This wrap is a perfect marriage of classic KFC and Chinese cuisine.
Spencer Scott Pugh on Unsplash
15. Kimchi Quesadilla
Taco Bell fans need to visit any location in South Korea to try the Kimchi Quesadilla. It's basically a cheese quesadilla with spicy kimchi. The funkiness of the kimchi plays nicely off the Mexican-American flavors of Taco Bell, making a memorable fast food item.
16. Shrimp & Avocado Burrito
Taco Bell created a more upscale burrito for its Japan locations to reflect the local seafood-rich cuisine. The creamy avocado sauce brings this fast-food burrito together, making every bite unique.
Hybrid Storytellers on Unsplash
17. Veg Pizza McPuff
If you've ever tried McDonald's Pizza, you probably miss it a lot and wish it were back on the menu. Don't fret, as you can get a version of McDonald's iconic pizza at most locations in India. One warning, though, as this pizza is actually a puff pastry filled with cheese, tomatoes, and vegetables. It's more of a calzone than a pizza, but beggars can't be choosers.
18. Tim Tam McFlurry
The McFlurry is a delicacy no matter where you're eating it. At McDonald's in Australia, you can enjoy a Tim Tam McFlurry. This is ice cream blended with Australia's iconic Tim Tam chocolate biscuits. It's an authentically Aussie take on the classic McDonald's dessert.
19. Wendy's Foie Gras Burger
Wendy's is known for its big and juicy square burgers, but they also offer a limited-time item in Japan that is upscale and unique. Their foie gras burger is a beef patty topped with seared foie gras and truffle sauce. It's a satisfying gourmet twist on their bacon cheeseburgers.
20. Curry Mayo Pizza
At Domino's locations in Japan, you and some friends can order a pizza topped with corn, chicken, and curry-flavored mayo. The mayo is the centerpiece and celebrates Japan's love of this creamy condiment.
