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Lifestyle

Here’s What Happens When American Fast Foods Go International

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at UC Berkeley chapter.

With different cultures comes different acquired taste preferences. However, American fast food chains have not failed to appeal to the different tastes around the world. The menus of fast food chains outside the U.S. are surprisingly different, and look a heck of lot better. Here are Spoon’s recommendations for the unique fast foods  around the world.

Canada, McDonald’s: McLobster Roll

fast food

Photo Courtesy of Flickr user Canadian Pacific

Offered as a seasonal menu item at McDonald’s, this sandwich consists of Atlantic Lobster meat, diced celery, shredded lettuce and salad dressing, all served on a hotdog-style bun.

Japan, McDonald’s: Cheese Katsu Burger

fast food

Photo Courtesy of livedoor blog

This burger, served with tonkatsu sauce, consists of fried pork with cheese.

Japan, Burger King: Kuro Ninja Burger

fast food

Photo Courtesy of Flickr user Roadblock1977

This unique sandwich has an unusual charcoal bun. Inside a Whopper patty, a hash brown, some bacon, lettuce, onions and Chaliapin sauce, which is made of onions and garlic.

 China, KFC: Shrimp and Chicken Sandwich

fast food

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia

If one meat is not enough, then this is the sandwich for you. It contains a fried chicken patty stuffed with shrimp: the best of both worlds.

China, Dunkin’ Donuts: Dried Pork and Seaweed Donut

fast food

Photo Courtesy of SmarterTravel

Behold—this typical glazed donut is topped with dehydrated pork and seaweed bits, appealing to both salty and sweet taste buds.

Korea, KFC: Blueberry Patbingsu

fast food

Photo Courtesy of MSN

This is a summer time favorite—shaved ice with blueberries, blueberry syrup and red beans.

Korea, Dunkin’ Donuts: Green Tea and Red Bean Bagel Ball

fast food

Photo Courtesy of MSN

These green tea-flavored mini bagel balls that are filled with red bean paste just gave donuts a whole new definition.

 Middle East, McDonald’s: The McArabia

fast food

Photo Courtesy of Flickr user Greg Kondrasuk

This pita sandwich is filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and garlic mayonnaise with your choice of meat, grilled chicken or kofta (lamb with beef).

Germany, McDonald’s: Das Nürnburger

fast food

Photo Courtesy of imgur

Not all great burgers are made from beef and this Triple bratwurst sandwich is evidence. 

India, Pizza Hut: The Birizza

fast food

Photo Courtesy of Chef At Large

This Indian dish is made with seasoned rice, meat and vegetables. Pizza Hut tops the traditional dish with seasoned pizza crust and some masala gravy to pour on top.

India, McDonald’s: McSpicy Paneer

fast food

Photo Courtesy of McDonald’s

This sandwich is a fried cheese curd patty topped with tandoori sauce, red cabbage and lettuce served on a sesame roll.

Australia and New Zealand, McDonald’s: Rosti Brekkie Wra

fast food

Photo Courtesy of McDonald’s

A wrap with bacon, a fried egg, a slice of cheese and a potato rosti (similar to a hash brown) drizzled with BBQ sauce.

And there you have it—foreign countries who are done American fast food better than us. 

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Roann Pao

UC Berkeley