McDonald’s golden arches may look the same across the globe, but what’s under them is often full of surprises.
Every country brings its own tastes, ingredients, and cravings to the table. From seafood burgers to sweet pies, local flair shapes the menu in delicious ways.
Here are 18 unique McDonald’s items you won’t find in your hometown drive-thru.
1. Ebi Filet-O (Japan)
This shrimp burger brings crispy panko-coated ebi (shrimp) together with a tangy, creamy sauce and soft steamed bun. Inspired by Japan’s love for seafood, it’s both crunchy and delicate.
The flavor is rich but refined, balancing ocean sweetness with a mellow bite. It’s a perfect nod to tempura-style comfort food.
2. McSpaghetti (Philippines)
This unexpected fast-food pasta features sweet-style tomato sauce and slices of hot dog over soft spaghetti noodles. It taps into Filipino-style spaghetti, which leans sugary and kid-friendly.
The sauce is sweeter than classic Italian versions, with a nostalgic, birthday-party warmth that’s all about comfort over tradition.
3. McPaneer Royale (India)
Built for vegetarians and paneer lovers, this burger stacks grilled Indian cottage cheese with spicy sauce and fresh veggies. The bun is soft, the paneer is lightly crispy, and the spices wake up your taste buds.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with regional flair—proof that a burger doesn’t need meat to be satisfying.
4. Cheese Tsukimi Burger (Japan)
Inspired by Japan’s moon-viewing festival, this burger includes a fried egg (symbolizing the moon) with melty cheese and special sauce. Smoky bacon adds savory depth to each bite.
It’s a seasonal item with a cult following, offering a clever, celebratory twist on the classic cheeseburger.
5. McKroket (Netherlands)
This Dutch delight replaces a traditional patty with a kroket: a breaded, creamy meat ragout fritter. Crunch on the outside meets silky, savory filling inside.
Served on a bun with mustard sauce, it’s rich, cozy, and perfectly suited to the Netherlands’ love of hearty street food.
6. Poutine (Canada)
McDonald’s version of this Québécois classic piles cheese curds and gravy over a heap of fries. The gravy is warm and peppery, melting into the curds for gooey goodness.
It’s indulgent, filling, and meant to be eaten with a fork—no dipping sauces required when the fries come dressed like this.
7. Chicken Maharaja Mac (India)
India’s answer to the Big Mac swaps beef for two grilled or crispy chicken patties stacked high with onions, lettuce, cheese, and sauces. It’s boldly spiced with Indian seasoning.
This burger is massive, flavorful, and carries a royal flair, living up to its name with size and spice alike.
8. Bulgogi Burger (South Korea)
Based on Korea’s beloved bulgogi dish, this burger features a pork patty marinated in soy, garlic, and sesame. Sweet, savory, and smoky flavors mix in every bite.
It’s layered with lettuce and mayo, but the marinated meat is the real star—tender and packed with umami.
9. KiwiBurger (New Zealand)
A local classic, this burger includes a beef patty, egg, beetroot, tomato, lettuce, and sauce. It’s stacked tall and full of color.
Beetroot adds earthy sweetness, while the egg brings richness—making it a true New Zealand staple, now served McDonald’s-style.
10. McArabia (Middle East)
This sandwich wraps grilled chicken patties in warm flatbread with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and garlic sauce. Inspired by Middle Eastern flavors, it’s handheld and fresh.
It’s lighter than a traditional burger but just as satisfying, with the garlic sauce bringing bold flavor to each bite.
11. Gazpacho (Spain)
In Spain, you can order a chilled tomato-based gazpacho soup alongside your fries. It’s light, refreshing, and made with real vegetables.
Made for hot summer days, it reflects the country’s love for Mediterranean ingredients and fresh, cool starters.
12. Teriyaki McBurger (Japan)
A juicy pork patty glazed in sweet teriyaki sauce, topped with lettuce and mayo on a sesame bun, this burger is wildly popular. The glaze clings to the meat, adding a glossy finish.
It’s sweet, salty, and distinctly Japanese in flavor, marrying street food flair with fast-food ease.
13. Croque McDo (France)
France puts its spin on fast food with this take on a Croque Monsieur—featuring melted Emmental cheese and ham on toasted bread. No buns here, just golden sandwich slices.
It’s buttery, simple, and unmistakably French, designed for those who want a quick bite without sacrificing elegance.
14. McLobster Roll (Canada)
Seasonally offered, this lobster roll features real Atlantic lobster mixed with light mayo and herbs in a soft roll. It’s a premium item in a fast-food world.
The taste is fresh and briny, with just enough richness to feel indulgent, but not heavy—ideal for seafood lovers on the go.
15. Corn Pie (Thailand)
Instead of apple filling, this pie comes stuffed with sweet corn and creamy custard, wrapped in McDonald’s classic crispy pastry shell. It’s warm, comforting, and lightly savory.
Popular as a snack or dessert, it offers a balance of sweet and earthy that surprises many first-timers in the best way.
16. Churros (Mexico)
In Mexico, McDonald’s serves up hot, crisp churros dusted with cinnamon sugar and ready to dip. They’re golden on the outside, tender inside.
Perfect with coffee or as a snack, these churros deliver classic flavor in a no-frills, fast-food format.
17. Green Tea McFlurry (Hong Kong)
This cool treat swirls creamy vanilla soft serve with matcha green tea powder and sometimes mochi bits or red beans. The flavor is slightly bitter, sweet, and earthy.
It’s a dessert that feels both traditional and modern, catering to local love for matcha in a fast, frozen form.
18. Cordon Bleu Burger (Poland)
This Polish special layers a chicken patty with a slice of ham and melty cheese, giving a fast-food twist to the famous Cordon Bleu.
It’s rich, meaty, and slightly over-the-top—in the best way—bringing together comfort food from multiple cultures in one bun.