What does McDonald's serve in South America to hear that "ba da dum ba ba" worldwide, you ask? Those famous Golden Arches stretch across the globe, being seen in over 118 countries and serving 68 million customers each day. Despite the universality of the world’s leading quick-service restaurant brand, McDonald's offers modified, provincial versions of their menu in order to supply and satisfy the local culinary tastes and traditions. So what's offered in one country may not be offered in another.
When one thinks of McDonald's, a general idea of a typical meal is agreed upon. When someone says "McDonald's," our minds instinctively jump to variants of McMuffins to Big Macs to Chicken McNuggets to McFlurries to their World Famous Fries.
All of these things are part of the classic, stereotypical products of this food chain. Signature items like these make the brand what it is today. In order to keep up with the world and its ever-changing needs, McDonald's appeases the hunger of the entire world based on countries' preferences and flavors.
So how exactly does is this well-known menu regionalized? How does it differ across continents, regions, and states? Here's a glimpse at what McDonald's serves in South America to adapt to the appetites of these countries.
1. Torta Banana
We've all heard and probably tried those delicious apple pies that McDonald's offers in the US, but in some South American countries like Brazil, a banana-filled version is also available. Warm and crispy pastry mass filled with delicious banana or apple that tastes of homemade candy.
2. McNífica
This burger of is packed with pure Angus beef, cheese, fresh tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and a trio of delightful condiments (mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard). It's offered in almost all countries in South America. These burgers are a thing of glory in Argentina, which is famous for their steaks, because the burgers are actually barbecued with charcoal rather than fried, being one of the only kosher-friendly locations.
3. Empanadas Con Queso
We agree with McDonald's Venezuela; they know what we like, that's why they (and Chile) bring us "delicious pie with cheese" in packages of three. Because we all know good things come in threes.
4. McWrap Palta
Think sliced, fried, crispy chicken, accompanied with avocado, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and mayonnaise, all wrapped up in a tortilla. This wrap is only found in Chile, but don't fret, you can add avocado to basically any of their sandwiches.
5. Arepas
Somewhat similar to number three on this list, but arepas are a whole different ballpark. It's a traditional dish in both Colombia and Venezuela that includes a soft, buttered maize shell that is filled with cheeses, meats, and veggies.
6. McCriollo
This breakfast combo is exclusively made in Columbia. Typically, it includes a sausage patty, two traditional Colombian arepas, scrambled eggs and sweetcorn, a hash brown, coffee, butter, and jam. Variations include a choice of chicken or beef, and a variety of salad, fries, beans, and rice.
7. Saltadita
This breakfast sandwich is only offered in Peru. What better way to start your day than with a hamburger made with 100% beef, sautéed onions, tomatoes, and pork loin?
8. Cono de Arequipe
South America has it pretty good–they can enjoy dulce de leche in everything, any time of the day, even at the convenience of their nearest McDonald's. And they can even have it swirled with vanilla ice cream or in a sundae...madness.
9. Yucas
These fried yuca sticks were the result of a potato shortage in Venezuela, but nothing about this crispy, starchy Venezuelan staple says substitution or second choice.
10. McWrap Veggie
The US locations have attempted to make some vegetarian options, but nothing compares to the distinct and delicious flavor of this OG McWrap Veggie sold in Argentina and Paraguay. It's filled with tomatoes, cheese, hard boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and lettuce.
11. Cheddar McMelt
This bacon masterpiece is offered exclusively in Brazil. A beef burger on whole-wheat bread, covered with creamy melted cheddar cheese, grilled onions, and (surprisingly) soy sauce.