Whether you’re enjoying an all-inclusive holiday or exploring a foodie hotspot, sometimes all you really want is a McDonald’s. Affordable, reliable, and globally recognisable – it’s a comfort food staple. But step into a McDonald’s abroad and you might be surprised: from shrimp burgers in Japan to spaghetti in the Philippines, menus around the world are packed with unexpected local twists.
No matter where you’re going on a summer holiday this year, chances are you’ll stumble across a McDonald’s, whether in the airport or along the high street. However, as much as chowing down on a Maccies meal may be a slice of home, there’s some variation across the franchises worldwide – and it’s not just the food turning heads as travellers are taking to TikTok to share the weird and wonderful McDonald’s experiences abroad.
Holiday experts at Travel Republic have analysed Global search data on Google and TikTok to discover the most popular international McDonald’s menu items that are exclusive to particular regions, so you can add a quick stop to your itinerary during your summer travels to see what all the hype is about.
McDonald’s abroad takes TikTok by storm
Source: TikTok @beauty.by.elena / @cao.ana
More than just the menus, McDonald’s in different countries also offers different experiences. One viral TikTok with almost 128K views shows the fast-food chain in Budapest transforming after 10pm with a DJ set and lights. The unique toys and accessories you can get in Happy Meals abroad are also causing traction on the social media app, with one couple documenting their travels to Italy to obtain the McDonald’s beach towel, racking up over 124K views.
The top trending international McDonald’s menu items
| Rank | Menu Item | Country/Region | Google Monthly Search Volume | TikTok Monthly Search Volume | Total Score /46 |
| 1 | Croque McDo | France | 9900 | 6600 | 46 |
| 2 | McKroket | Netherlands | 6600 | 4400 | 44 |
| 3 | McSpaghetti | Philippines | 5400 | 4400 | 43 |
| 4 | Greek Mac | Greece | 5400 | 3600 | 41 |
| 5 | McAloo Tikki | India | 3600 | 3600 | 39 |
| 6= | Bulgogi Burger | South Korea | 3600 | 2400 | 37 |
| 6= | McToast | Italy | 3600 | 2400 | 37 |
| 8= | Maharaja Mac | India | 2900 | 2400 | 34 |
| 8= | McBaguette | France | 2900 | 2400 | 34 |
| 10 | Taro Pie | Asia | 1900 | 1300 | 28 |
- France’s Croque McDo takes top spot with nearly 10k searches
With a total weighted score of 46/46, the Croque McDo is the undisputed champion of international McDonald’s. A twist on the beloved French Croque Monsieur, this toasted sandwich features layers of Emmental cheese and ham pressed between two slices of soft white bread – no burger bun in sight. The Croque McDo’s high Google and TikTok search volumes (9,900 and 6,600, respectively) suggest that tourists are craving more than just baguettes and brie on their next Parisian getaway – they’re also looking for quirky culinary experiences they can only find in a French McDonald’s.
Image is for illustrative purposes only
- McKroket in the Netherlands is the second most popular
Coming in second with a total score of 44/46, the McKroket is one of the most distinctive burgers on any McDonald’s menu. Exclusive to the Netherlands, it features a deep-fried ragout (meat stew) croquette patty, oozing with creamy filling and paired with tangy mustard sauce – all tucked inside a traditional burger bun. A staple of Dutch cuisine reimagined as fast food, it’s no wonder this indulgent item racked up 11,000 total monthly searches across TikTok and Google, and continues to pop up across “weird McDonald’s orders” TikToks.
- The McSpaghetti has over 5,400 Google searches per month
It might sound like a myth, but McSpaghetti is very real – and very popular in the Philippines. This unlikely menu item takes third place with a score of 43/46, thanks to 5,400 monthly Google and 4,400 TikTok searches. Served with a sweet-style tomato sauce, sliced hot dogs, and grated cheese, McSpaghetti is often part of a combo meal that includes fried chicken (Chicken McDo). While it may surprise international audiences, it’s a nostalgic staple for Filipinos. The blend of sweet, savoury, and satisfying makes it a viral talking point for those discovering it for the first time – and a must-try for any McDonald’s-loving holidaymakers heading to Southeast Asia.
Image is for illustrative purposes only
- Introducing the Greek Mac in fourth place
Ranking fourth with a score of 41/46, the Greek Mac is what happens when McDonald’s meets Mediterranean street food. This burger replaces the standard sesame seed bun with warm pita bread and is stuffed with beef patties, fresh lettuce, tomato, onions, and tzatziki sauce. With 5,400 searches on Google and 3,600 on TikTok each month, it’s clear that holidaymakers are drawn to this fusion of global fast food and regional flavour.
5. McAloo Tikki in India completes the top five
Rounding out the top five is India’s McAloo Tikki, scoring 39/46 in the index. This vegetarian favourite features a spiced potato and pea patty, paired with tangy tamarind-style sauce, onions, and tomatoes. With 3,600 searches on both Google and TikTok each month, the burger has global intrigue – particularly among vegetarians and curious foodies. As beef is not served in Indian McDonald’s locations, this plant-based offering is a mainstay, bringing Indian street food flavours to the world’s biggest fast food chain.