While the giant franchise seems to be suffocating from increased competition in the US, it still holds a reasonably firm footing in other parts of the world.
The rise in popularity of several new fast-food chains such as Chipotle and Shake Shack has significantly dented the chain’s income. This has made the chain adopt unconventional methods to retain its customers.
A little known fact about the popular franchise is that it gives all its international menus a touch of the local foods. This is mainly intended to cater to every customer’s tastes and preferences.
The following is a roundup of the chain’s most unusual international menus by country.
MALAYSIA
The Malaysian Mcdonald’s menu features an item known as the Bubur Ayam.
This is the Malaysian version of the Chinese chicken congee. The Babur Ayam is a favorite among Malaysian people, especially at breakfast.
This dish is usually transported on carts and sold by vendors on the streets of Malaysia. The main ingredients of Babur Ayam are shallots, chili, ginger, porridge, and pieces of shredded chicken.
The McDonalds franchise took advantage of the popularity of this dish in Malaysia and created its own version. Just like the traditional Malaysian Babur Ayam, theirs is mostly served during breakfast.
EGYPT
The McArabia.
This is basically a chicken burger with folded pita as an alternative to the traditional hamburger buns. Just like ordinary burgers, the McArabia is mainly served in the middle of the day and later in the afternoon.
This Mcdonald’s “burger” is offered in Egypt and other Arab countries.
GERMANY
Germany McDonalds offers its customers the McCurrywurst. The McCurrywurst is a modified version of the famous German sausage; the Wurst, sprinkled with curry.
INDIA
Indian McDonalds does not offer any meat or meat products. This is deliberately set that way to accommodate the country’s population of vegetarian Hindus.
To compensate for this, McDonald’s in India offers a delicacy known as the McVeggie. This is a combination of the Spicy Paneer Wrap and spicy vegetables.
McDonald’s has provided a twist to the traditional Indian dish, the McVeggie features deep-fried paneer cheese and tortilla with vegetables.
This popular vegetarian food occupies a prominent spot on the Indian McDonalds’ menu.
JAPAN
Even though the Japanese McDonalds does not offer sushi on its menu, several local tastes and flavors are well represented.
These include the McTeriyaki burger, the fried shrimp patty burgers, and the green tea McFlurry.
MEXICO
The Mexican McDonalds features the modified Mexican delicacy, McMollete, on its menu.
The McMollete is simply a trimmed down version of one of the most popular Mexican breakfasts. This dish includes salsa, refried beans, and cheese.
NEW ZEALAND
McDonald’s New Zealand acquired a fast-food chain in New Zealand back in the seventies.
Georgie Pie, as the chain was known, offered signature pies in its menus. When McDonald’s bought the chain, it introduced Georgie Pie’s signature pies into its New Zealand menu.
Some of these pies come with filling such as vegetable/chicken, blackberry/apple, and minced steak.
They have discontinued the item in NZ due to lack of demand, but still an exciting part of New Zealand McDonalds menu choices.
ITALY
Italian pizza features prominently on the Italian McDonald’s menu.
McDonald’s included the Pizzarotto in its Italian offer in a bid to compete with local Pizzerias.
The Pizzarotto is basically a dough pocket that’s filled with mozzarella and tomatoes.
I know, I know, eating at McDonald’s is a typical “American” thing to do lol.
Here is how I view it. After eating foreign (incredible food btw) for a month while traveling, there is nothing more refreshing than a burger and fries at McDonald’s.
If you know, then you know.
Here are two quick insights on visiting a McDonald’s abroad.
Firstly, if you are unfamiliar with the food, the “local” menu items will show you what is perceived to be popular in that country.
Secondly, it also will give you a rapid insight into the economics of a particular country. Like it or not, The Big Mac Index is here to stay. This is essentially a measurement of the purchasing power of that country in comparison to other countries.
This is a FAST way to understand how far your own currency will go in the country you plan to visit.
