From country-specific seasonal burgers to quirky desserts, there’s something for everyone at McDonald’s. Read on for some signature must-try items from the largest fast food chain that has conquered the world.
If there’s one thing that reminds you of home, it’s definitely McDonald’s. More than just a fast food chain, the franchise fills us with the nostalgia of our childhoods, mixed with the joy and excitement we experience with every bite of our favorite burgers. Known for its signature – the Big Mac, McDonald’s certainly has kept its usual menu fresh with special seasonal items across the globe. While some may have heard, or even tried some of these dishes, others might not know about this ‘secret menu’.
From sweet-savory chicken with spaghetti to gooey Crème Brûlée McFlurry, this brand knows how to infuse local cultural influences into various regional menus. With that in mind, here is a list of the top 10 signature must-try McDonald’s items around the world!
1. 1-Piece Chicken McDo with McSpaghetti — Philippines
Image credits: Pinterest
Catering to Filipino tastes, McDonald’s Philippines features a rather special fried chicken combination. Paired with spaghetti topped with either ground beef sauce or rice, the meal includes a fried chicken drumstick, a cup of signature sauce, and a drink.
Rather than savory, its signature sauce comes off as slightly sweet, pairing perfectly with the saltiness of the crispy drumstick. While the meal’s al dente spaghetti manages to bring out the salty flavor of its signature red ground beef sauce. Locals have often compared it to Jollibee’s signature Jolly Spaghetti, And let’s just say that the McSpaghetti brings out the iconic “sweet Pinoy flavor” better with its sweet and peppery taste profile. Tie the meal together with a cup of cola! After all, it’s the ultimate way to enjoy a McDonald’s meal.
Find out more about 1-Piece Chicken McDo with McSpaghetti — one of our signature must-try McDonald’s items around the world
2. Chilli Cheese Tops Burger — Norway/Denmark
Image credits: McDonald’s Denmark
While most may have heard of McDonald’s Norway’s ‘must-try’ chili cheese poppers, the brand recently launched a burger variant on Norway and Denmark’s menus. Released as a tribute to local consumers, the Tops Burger takes a classic hamburger and replaces the meat patty with three fried cheese-filled balls, called Chilli Cheese Tops. Within hours, the new item gained a record high demand, placing it as one of the most popular items to try in the Danish and Norwegian regions.
As for its taste, the Chilli Cheese Tops have been claimed to taste like “nachos sent from heaven”. Combined with mini jalapeno pieces in a soft fried casing, these balls add the right amount of spice to any cheese lover’s palate.
Find out more about Chilli Cheese Tops Burger — one of our signature must-try McDonald’s items around the world
3. Veg Maharaja Mac — India
Image credits: McDonald’s India Blog
Looking for a vegetarian option to fill you up while still satisfying your tastebuds? Look no further than McDonald’s India’s very own Veg Maharaja Mac burger. Easily the tallest McDonald’s burger, it consists of two golden fried cheese-and-corn patties sandwiched together with crunchy lettuce, fresh onions, tomatoes, and spicy jalapenos for a treat that will kill your hunger in one strike. Now, this is a meal.
Aside from that, the burger is also topped with a piping warm cheese slice and liberal amounts of cocktail sauce. For individuals who prefer a little meat in their diets, McDonald’s India also offers the Chicken Maharaj Mac. This burger replaces the cheese-and-corn tikki with two fried chicken patties wrapped in smoky hot habanero sauce.
Find out more about Veg Maharaja Mac — one of our signature must-try McDonald’s items around the world
4. Spiciest Ghost Pepper McChicken — Canada
Image credits: McDonald’s Canada
Despite the world being engulfed in a massive heatwave, McDonald’s Canada has brought back a fan favourite menu item as part of its annual Spicy McChicken Challenge.
Originally released in 2019, the challenge features three different McChicken burgers, namely the Spicy Habanero McChicken, the Spicier Szechuan McChicken, and the Spiciest Ghost Pepper McChicken. Each burger represents a different spice level, with the Ghost Pepper McChicken being the brand’s “spiciest burger ever”. If you’re up for the challenge, the seasonal burger features crunchy breaded seasoned chicken combined with crisp shredded lettuce and creamy Ghost Pepper sauce on a freshly toasted sesame bun. Fair warning: be prepared to order a large drink or two with this meal.
Find out more about Spiciest Ghost Pepper McChicken — one of our signature must-try McDonald’s items around the world
5. Kaprao Pork Rice – Thailand
Image credits: McDonald’s India Blog
While other countries release seasonal menu items every other quarter, McDonald’s Thailand chose to head in a different direction and incorporated a traditional local dish, Pad Kaprao (or Thail Basil Fried Rice), into their menu.
As one of the most popular Thai dishes, McDonald’s rendition of the street food dish definitely packs a punch with its spicy basil and chili sauce. First released with the brand’s famous fried chicken and fluffy jasmine white rice, the Kaprao Crispy Chicken Rice can be found on the menu as well. Upon its success, the chain continued branching out its Kaprao Rice series to include seasonal versions, such as Kaprao Squid Rice, Kaprao Angus Beef Rice, and a permanent pork-based version. While the taste of the dish is comparable to that of ready-to-go meals, I think it’s totally worth a try!
Find out more about Kaprao Pork Rice — one of our signature must-try McDonald’s items around the world
6. Tomato & Mozzarella Panzarotti — Italy
Image credits: GaijinPot Blog
If you’re not in the mood for a burger meal, why not try some delicious, toasted Tomato and Mozzarella Panzerotti the next time you visit McDonald’s Italy?
I’m sure that this menu item is no stranger to most of us, considering that it always made every list of ‘things you definitely have to try from McDonald’s’. Resembling a small calzone, panzerotti is a savory Southern Italian dish that is perfect to munch on for an afternoon snack. Filled with diced tomatoes and creamy melted cheese, these mini pockets never fail to blow your mind with every bite. Plus, McDonald’s Italy also offers a Tasty Basket combo, which combines these hot puff pastries with grilled chicken wings and signature McNuggets.
Find out more about Tomato & Mozzarella Panzerotti — one of our signature must-try McDonald’s items around the world
7. Shaka Shaka Chicken — Japan
Image credits: @Burger_Lad
Although fried chicken is not an unusual sighting on McDonald’s menu, McDonald’s Japan’s Shaka Shaka Chicken provides consumers with a whole new experience. Served in a paper pouch, the juicy fried chicken filet is meant to be mixed with a packet of flavored seasoning, including pepper, cheddar cheese, lemon, and American BBQ, and shook until the entire chicken is covered. Additionally, the perforated paper pouch prevents your fingers from touching the flaky seasoning – another benefit of this considerate design. With the item being on Japan’s permanent menu for close to a decade, you can rest assured that this is definitely as delicious (and as fun) as its name suggests.
Find out more about Shaka Shaka Chicken — one of our signature must-try McDonald’s items around the world
8. Pao De Quejio — Brazil
Image credits: McDonald’s Brazil
If you’re looking for something savory and light in the morning, why not give McDonald’s Brazil’s Pao De Queijo a whirl? Loosely translated into “cheese bread”, Pao De Queijo is served throughout Latin America and Brazil. These chewy, doughy balls of puffed Pao De Quejio are a staple snack amongst the locals, who recommend ideally pairing the dish with a warm cup of espresso in the morning. This local delicacy is so loved that McDonald’s Brazil even launched a burger variation for the launch of its 1000th outlet in 2019. Talk about cheesy!
Find out more about Pao De Quejio — one of our signature must-try McDonald’s items around the world
9. Crème Brûlée McFlurry/Pie — Australia
Image credits: Pedestrian.Tv
As part of their winter release, McDonald’s Australia has decided to warm consumers up with a sweet Crème Brûlée Pie. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm crisp pastry filled with a smooth crème custard mixed with burnt caramel – the ideal dessert to eat on any cold day. For the folks who prefer a colder alternative, McDonald’s also released a McFlurry version. Topped with crunchy pastry and the same smooth custard and burnt caramel filling, this dessert offers a generous lashing of warm gooey caramel. I can imagine myself indulging in this decadent dessert any day.
Unlike the other items on this list, the Crème Brûlée McFlurry and pie are limited seasonal items so if you have yet to get your claws on these desserts, I would suggest running to your nearest McDonald’s (or should I say Macca’s?) right now.
Find out more about Crème Brûlée McFlurry/Pie — one of our signature must-try McDonald’s items around the world
10. Pulau Hitam Pie — Singapore
Image credits: McDonald’s Singapore
Saving the best for last, try McDonald’s Singapore’s new Pulau Hitam Pie for a taste of its true local flavors! Inspired by a local dessert, the franchise switched out its signature apple pie filling for a sweet purple sticky rice and coconut cream filling. Great news for coconut lovers! As for its taste, the pie has been revered by locals to taste exactly like the thick dessert it emulates and it gets better with every bite.
If you don’t prefer having your pies warm, try dipping the pulau hitam pie in vanilla soft-serve for a more glorious experience!
Find out more about Pulau Hitam Pie — one of our signature must-try McDonald’s items around the world
A List Of Signature Items For Every McDonald’s Lover’s Dream Come True
Now that you know where all the signature McDonald’s items are, you’re ready to scour across the globe for your happy meal! Whether you’re deciding between a single or double patty (psst get the double, you’re on a vacation), don’t forget to use our YouTrip card to make full use of our Wholesale Exchange Rates and skip those pesky bank fees.
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Happy munching!
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