Around the world, McDonald’s is a staple for anyone in need of a quick meal on the go.
But although the fast-food chain might look the same from the outside, the menu offerings from London to Tokyo and Sydney couldn’t be more varied.
In the UK, customers can enjoy variations of a chicken or beef burger, with chicken wraps, the restaurant’s famous french fries and ever-changing McFlurry flavours also on the menu.
But across the Atlantic in Canada, restaurant-goers can tuck into plates of hot poutine, or enjoy a selection of ‘McPops’ – tiny, filled powdered doughnuts in a variety of flavours.
In India, the restaurant has curated items inspired by the local cuisine. This includes a number of paneer burgers and wraps, alongside ‘Aloo’ inspired potato patty sandwiches.
Those visiting Egypt could test out the McFalafel – a decadent wrap with falafel, salad and tahini in a toasted tortilla – or try a twist on the traditional apple pie, a strawberry custard pie.
McDonald’s in Thailand even serves some dishes with rice, offering a sweet and spicy Kaprao Crispy Chicken meal, which can be topped off with a fried egg.
Here, FEMAIL takes a look at the menu items you won’t find at your local…
India
McDonald’s in India has a unique selection of menu items, largely inspired by the local cuisine.
The popular McSpicy Paneer features a piece of crispy, fried cheese in a warm bun, served with a spicy sauce and salad. It’s an extremely popular menu item over in India, but is only one of a collection of offerings that feature Paneer.
The Butter Paneer Grilled Burger is a slightly different take on the item, with a grilled paneer slice – rather than breaded – and inspired by the much-loved curry of the same name.
The paneer slice is sandwiched between ‘super-soft sesame buns’, and lathered in creamy makhani sauce. McDonald’s also has a chicken variation of the burger, for those who prefer a meat option.
Also for the vegetarians is the Veg Maharaja Mac, an Indian-inspired take on the classic Big Mac. It features two corn and cheese patties, with jalapeños, salad and cocktail sauce between three bun slices.
Japan
McDonald’s in Japan is home to a host of delicious items you won’t find in the UK.
Among them are the popular Teriyaki McBurger – at 477kcal – which consists of a traditional beef patty covered in sweet and sticky teriyaki sauce. The burger is finished off with shredded lettuce, and a dollop of Japanese-style mayonnaise.
Also available is the Bai Shrimp Filet-O – at 570kcal. This seafood burger has a fried patty full of tender shrimp, topped with cocktail sauce and crispy lettuce.
On their dessert menu, McDonald’s Japan sells the Melon McFloat. This 205kcal sweet treat features popular Japanese melon Fanta with a swirl of vanilla soft serve ice cream.
Thailand
Those in Thailand can tuck into some very unique menu items, inspired by popular Thai dishes.
One of the most popular is the Kaprao Crispy Chicken: fried chicken in sweet and spicy sauce, which is served with white rice. If you’re particularly hungry, you can add a fried egg, too.
Also available are Patongko doughnuts, which are a popular street food in Thailand.
The deep-fried pastries are served with a condensed milk dip, but have also been accompanied by a pandan flavoured custard in the past.
Another interesting take on the McDonald’s apple pie is Thailand’s corn pie, which has a divisive filling of corn pieces and gooey, sweet corn syrup.
Australia
If you’re heading Down Under, there are a number of unusual menu items to try.
The first are the limited-edition Vegemite McShaker fries, inspired by the iconic yeast extract. The fries come with a Vegemite flavouring, which you add to classic McDonald’s fries and shake in a bag to apply.
Also on offer is the McOz – in both chicken and beef – which includes a four-ounce (113g) beef patty, beetroot, tomato, lettuce, cheese, mustard and ketchup on a toasted bun.
McDonald’s Australia also sells a selection of toasties, including a BBQ, Bacon and Cheese Toastie – and a traditional grilled cheese sandwich.
Canada
One very Canadian menu item on offer over the Atlantic Ocean is a plate of Poutine.
The meal – which clocks in at 870kcal – includes a bed of classic McDonald’s fries, drowning in delicious gravy with a handful of gooey cheese curds on top. Other limited-edition variations have fried buffalo chicken.
Those in Canada can also get their hands on a 460kcal Frozen Hot Chocolate McFlurry over the winter months. The ice cream treat is flavoured with rich cocoa powder and mini marshmallows, which is swirled into vanilla soft serve.
Also available are a selection of ‘McPops’ – small, filled powdered doughnuts. They come in three flavours – white chocolate, berry and hazelnut and cocoa – which clock in at 120kcal each.
Germany
Over in Germany, anyone heading to McDonald’s can tuck into curly fries.
The brand new take on the classic french fries – at 470kcal for a medium serving -come with a flavourful seasoning and crispier-than-usual coating.
For the vegans heading to McDonald’s, McPlant Nuggets are available in Germany.
The plant-based option – at 357kcal for a six-piece – is a twist on the much-loved McNugget, and can be accompanied by a variety of sauces.
On the sweeter side, customers can grab a selection of mini pancakes for 183kcal.
Italy
Elsewhere in Europe, Italians heading to McDonald’s have the option of a pistachio-filled croissant – which clocks in at 355kcal.
But the pastry isn’t the only unique item McDonald’s in Italy has to offer, with customers able to swap their fries for a small block of Parmigiano Reggiano.
Those looking for a more substantial meal can opt for the McToast – at 234kcal – which is a panini-style sandwich containing a slice of prosciutto and a generous amount of cheese.
Egypt
In Egypt, one very unique menu item is the McFalafel.
The decadent wrap features deep-fried chickpea and herb falafel, with salad and Tahini sauce in a large, toasted tortilla. It is a total of 357kcal for the wrap.
Also available is the strawberry custard pie, a brand new take on the traditional McDonald’s apple pie. The Egyptian sweet treat contains strawberry compote in sweet custard, wrapped in a flaky, deep-friend pastry.
There are also slices of red velvet and chocolate cake available for those with a sweet tooth.
South Korea
Back in Asia, and South Korean McDonald’s has a take on traditional bulgogi.
The Bulgogi Burger – at 409kcal – is made with pork and flavoured with a sweet, sticky sauce. The thin patty can come with and without a fried egg, with crispy lettuce and inside a soft bun.
Also available in South Korea is the Shrimp Snack Wrap – at 287kcal – which features a small, deep-fried shrimp patty inside a soft tortilla.
And for dessert, there are bite-sized chocolate churros on the menu. The three-piece dessert clocks in at 253kcal, and they are filled with a chocolate syrup sauce.
Saudi Arabia
The Chicken McArabia is a unique menu item available to those in Saudi Arabia.
The sandwich – which is 537kcal – has two grilled chicken patties inside Arabic bread, with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and flavourful garlic sauce.
Also on the menu is the Big Breakfast, which has Halal sausage, a warm McMuffin and scrambled eggs, all for 431kcal.
