McDonald’s is one of the world’s most recognized fast food brands. Located in over 100 countries, the Golden Arches is an ubiquitous part of our collective cultural zeitgeist. Named world famous for a reason, the same iconic French fries and Big Mac that you love is loved in countries around the globe. 

Besides the classics, as an international chain it’s become famous for offering menu items that cater to the local culture. So depending on where you travel, the menu at McDonald’s can look very different. Certain countries expand beyond burgers and fries to pastas and rice dishes. Others have menus that are arguably tastier than our own. For those with vacation plans or work trips ahead, here is a list of menu items that prove that international McDonald’s is better.

CHICKEN MAHARAJA MAC (India)

If you think the Big Mac was a mouthwatering sight to behold, just wait until you get a look at India's Chicken Maharaja Mac. It's a double-decker that's doubly delicious. The sandwich is made with two flame-grilled chicken patties, iceberg lettuce, shredded onion, tomato, cheese, and habanero sauce sandwiched between three toasted 'Maharaja' buns.

EGG BLT MCMUFFIN (Canada)

This Canada-exclusive breakfast option mashes up two classics: The Egg McMuffin and the BLT. A perfect blend of savory and fresh, it's a marriage made in munchie matrimony. Set your morning off with a freshly cracked Canada Grade A egg, crispy hickory smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo-style sauce, and cheddar cheese, served on a toasted English muffin.

MCPINTO DELUXE (Costa Rica)

File this under totally unexpected. In Costa Rica, you can forego burgers and fries altogether for a plate of local tradition. The McPinto Deluxe is the chain's take on a Costa Rican staple dish named Gallo pinto (or rice and black beans). The plate includes scrambled eggs, creamy custard, golden ripe plantains, sausage, and warm tortillas.

BIG BREKKIE BURGER (Australia)

The Land Down Under is home to one crave-tastic breakfast, er, brekkie burger. Aptly named the Big Brekkie Burger, it's a mouthful of fuel for your day, and the perfect hangover cure. While it may not be a McMuffin killer, it's still a top choice. Between two toasted sesame seed buns lies a crisp hash brown, melted cheese, rasher bacon, a freshly cracked egg, two 100% Aussie beef patties and a copious spread of BBQ sauce.

TERIYAKI CHICKEN FILLET-EO (Japan)

Deep-fried and covered in sweet and spicy teriyaki sauce, Japan's Teriyaki Chicken Fillet-eo is McDonald's only deep-fried burger. The chicken patty has a crunchy exterior with a juicy interior, is topped with refreshing lettuce, and then served on a toasted sesame seed bun. It's something that we highly recommend adding to your Mickey D's bucket list.

OREO & SPAM BURGER (China)

Easily one of the oddest pairings conceived by the food scientists at McDonald's. The Oreo & Spam burger is not for the faint of heart, as it melds sweet and savory in the most random way possible. The off-the-wall option was an exclusive release for members of the chain but was only available for a limited time in 2020. Despite its objective weirdness, people said the combo was surprisingly tasty.

MCPLANT BURGER (Netherlands)

This next pick isn't quite foreign to America, as the McPlant burger had a short run before being discontinued in the States. Quality along with supply were the reasons, but mainly it just didn't live up to expectations. In the Netherlands, it faired better and is apparently still an option on the country's McDonald's menu. There isn't a good reason why the McPlant can't have a second go in the U.S. market, just have to address the issues that plagued it's US run.

HOMESTYLE HONEY MUSTARD VEGGIE SANDWICH (Germany)

Along with the McPlant, McDonald's locations in Europe offer a wider selection of vegetarian options. Germany has the Homestyle Honey Mustard Veggie Sandwich, a crispy and crave-worthy sandwich that's consists of a Valess' vegetarian schnitzel patty coated in breadcrumbs, fresh lettuce, Swiss Emmental cheese, and sweet honey mustard sauce on a brioche bun. If vegetarian schnitzel isn't your bag, there is a chicken version of this sandwich, too.

GRAND TASTY TURBO DOUBLE BACON (Argentina)

Bacon lovers will drool with excitement over this Argentina exclusive. With a name that matches its taste, the Grand Tasty Turbo Double Bacon is just asking to be devoured. Stuffed between two sesame seed buns are two 100% beef patties, shredded bacon bits and bacon slices, Tasty sauce, crisp lettuce, onion, and two slices of cheddar cheese.

SAUSAGE N’ EGG TWISTY PASTA (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong serves another surprising McDonald's menu item: Sausage n' Egg Twisty Pasta. There, noodles are considered breakfast food. Swap bacon and home fries for a sausage patty and grade-A egg from the U.S.A. that's flavored with your choice of hot chicken or tonkotsu broth and greens. You'll be starting the day off with savory slurping.

CHICKEN MCDO WITH MCSPAGHETTI (Philippines)

McDonald's foray into pasta doesn't stop at noodles, because in the Philippines, you can order a plate of spaghetti and fried chicken. The Chicken McDo with McSpaghetti seems like something you'd find at a restaurant in South LA rather than in the Philippines, but there, the combo is really popular, thanks to the presence of Jollibee and the country's signature sweet spaghetti.

MCPATONGKO WITH CONDENSED MILK DIP (Thailand)

While there are more than enough unique savory options to try at international McDonald's locations, there are also delicious desserts. In Thailand, the menu features McPatongko with Condensed Milk Dip. Patangko are also known as "Thai Donuts" and are a popular street food. Sweet milk dip is the perfect pairing for this deep-fried delight.

PISTACHIO MCFLURRY (Italy)

Another sweet treat that belongs on American menus is McDonald's Italy Pistachio McFlurry. Creamy and crunchy, it's a unique offering for the Golden Arches' sweet side. The sweetness isn't overpowering here either, as it's a nice balance of vanilla and pistachio.

EGG BULGOGI BURGER (South Korea)

Saucy and sure to make you salivate, South Korea's Egg Bulgogi Burger is smoky and sweet satisfaction. Dripping with flavor, it's made with a locally sourced 1+ grade egg, beef patty, crisp lettuce, and bulgogi sauce on a toasted bun. You simply can't go wrong with this combination of ingredients. And, it's only one of several unique options at McDonald's in South Korea.

MCARABIA CHICKEN (Dubai)

For a taste of the Middle East, look no further than Dubai's McArabia Chicken sandwich. Refreshing and flavorful, it's made with two Halal grilled chicken patties, which means that the protein is of higher quality than here in the States. It also includes lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and garlic tahini-style sauce served on Arabic naan bread. It's like a savory salad wrap that's just the right amount of filling.