Summary

  • European McDonald's menus offer more variety and regional favorites than in the United States, with options like McFalafel and Croque McDo in Sweden and France, respectively.
  • European McDonald's locations have a wider selection of side items and encourage dipping sauces, unlike in America, where they may be stingy.
  • European McDonald's menus often include local items and ingredients, showcasing their commitment to accommodating diverse dietary preferences and reflecting regional culinary influences.

McDonald's is a classic American institution. Americans love their fast food, and McDonald's is typically seen as the go-to fast food chain, and some items can only be found within the country. McDonald's has been so popular in the United States that it's slowly taken over the world. There are now McDonald's restaurants in many countries across Europe, and each country has a slightly different menu than the next.

Whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack, McDonald's is not afraid to customize its menu offerings based on the region where each restaurant is located. A combination of classic offerings and regional favorites makes McDonald's popular anywhere it sets up shop. If one finds themselves at a McDonald's in a European country, which also has some of the most luxurious restaurants, they might notice more variety than the locations in the United States. Another noticeable difference is the amount of side items available and that dipping sauces almost seems to be encouraged, unlike in America, where they seem to be stingy with giving them away.

While travelers will find many of the same items available in European McDonald's as they would in America, there are a variety of items they've likely never tried or even heard of. If someone is looking to try some local flavors but isn't adventurous enough to commit fully, they can try some of these items. Whether it's a new take on a burger or one of the many side items available in European McDonald's, one will certainly find some interesting items on this list of menu items only found in European McDonald's.

UPDATE: 2023/10/07 15:48 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

While there are some countries where McDonald's doesn't have restaurants, the world's most famous restaurant chain can be found in 118 countries and territories across the globe. Unlike what many people might believe, the menu is not the same everywhere. When visiting McDonald's overseas, travelers will learn that the menu often includes local items and ingredients. This list has been refreshed to include items that are only found in Europe.

Related
Here's Where To See The Most Beautiful McDonald's In The World
There’s something about the McDonald’s restaurant in Porto, something about how it looks, that makes it a cut above the rest.

22 McFalafel

McDonald's, Roermond
Tjs588CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McDonald's, Roermond, Netherlands

Some countries traditionally have a more vegetarian cuisine, and even McDonald's has to adapt to offer options for veggie clients. In Sweden, the McFalafel has emerged as one of the first meat-free options on their menu.

The McDonald's falafel incorporates a blend of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, resulting in a flavorful patty. Served with fresh veggies and a tangy sauce, it caters to the growing demand for plant-based alternatives.

This menu addition showcases McDonald's commitment to accommodating diverse dietary preferences and reflects the popularity of falafel, a beloved Middle Eastern delicacy, in global cuisine.

  • Where to find: Sweden

21 Croque McDo

Croque McDo, France
Richard AllawayCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Croque McDo, France

The Croque McDo is a delicious twist on the classic French sandwich, the Croque Monsieur, offered exclusively at McDonald's in France. This savory delight features layers of ham and Emmental cheese nestled between two slices of golden, toasted bread, all topped with a creamy béchamel sauce.

It's a mouthwatering blend of rich flavors and textures, providing a taste of authentic French cuisine with a convenient fast-food spin. The Croque McDo has been created to cater to local tastes and preferences, offering a delightful fusion of global and regional culinary influences.

  • Where to find: France

20 Beer

Mcdonalds beer, dortmund, Germany
Patty HoCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mcdonalds beer, dortmund, Germany

Americans love beer and fast food, but most of the time, we have to combine them ourselves. At some McDonald's in Europe, beer is available on the menu.

While travelers may not want to go to McDonald's instead of their favorite pub, a nice light beer might pair pretty well with some french fries or a burger or chicken sandwich. This situation isn't like a bar where one can order any type of beer they want. They usually just have one option available. Americans can choose from soda, coffee, tea, or water in addition to some other beverage options. Still, European McDonald's offers more choices at their McCafe and also serves drinks like Red Bull in some locations. If one is looking for a healthier option, some McDonald's in the UK serve organic milk. This is used in Happy Meals as well as for oatmeal, coffee, and tea.

  • Where to find: Spain, Italy, Belgium, Sweden (but only in the airport), Czech Republic

19 Pastrie

McDonald's, Swiss Cottage
Tony Hall from London, UKCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McDonald's, Swiss Cottage, Switzerland

McDonald's has been pushing its McCafe drinks for some time now, but Americans don't take them as seriously as Starbucks or other major coffee brands. In France, fast food restaurants have a separate section dedicated to McCafe, which looks more like a coffee house and serves up some pastries, including macaroons and pieces of pie.

While cookies are available in McDonald's in the U.S., they are more fanciful in Europe. These pastries provide a different take on breakfast, and clients don't have to order a McMuffin when they get their morning coffee. This makes McDonald's a great place to go if they have someone who wants a coffee and a pastry and someone else who wants their traditional fast food breakfast. It's no surprise that macaroons are readily available in France, but one might not expect to see them for sale in a McDonald's along with a coffee, tea, or milkshake.

  • Where to find: Italy, France

18 French Fry Sauce

McDonald's fries, burgers, and pizza slice
Pexels
McDonald's fries, burgers, and pizza slice

Americans love their sauces, and at McDonald's, there's a good amount of choices to go with their chicken. McDonald's in France has a special sauce available just for dipping fries, so clients aren't stuck with ketchup. Unlike in America, where fast food workers may give customers a hard time or try to charge them extra for more sauce, in Europe, they give away sauce just for fries.

The traditional pommes frites sauce tastes somewhat like a malt vinegar aioli. While Americans love their potatoes, we sure don't have as many options as those in Europe do when they eat at McDonald's. We have our fries and hash browns, but that's it. At some European McDonald's, french fries can almost be treated as an entree and deserve their own sauces. Imagine getting some Chicken McNuggets with a side of fries and then getting multiple dipping sauces for each one without having to pay 25 cents.

  • Where to find: France

17 Grand Big Mac Chicken

6th Street Mcdonald's

Nextarity2CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
6th Street Mcdonald's

For those who love the Big Mac but prefer chicken to beef, the Grand Big Mac Chicken would be perfect for them. It's available in Spain and other European countries.

This sandwich swaps out the two traditional beef patties found in the American Big Mac and substitutes in two McChicken patties.

It still comes with lettuce, onions, pickles, cheese, and a special sauce on a sesame seed bun. If this sounds too good to be true, one might not have to board a flight to check it out. Sometimes, clients can order special modifications to their food in America. Depending on who is working, they may or may not accommodate the request. At the very least, clients can have the mayo on the McChicken left off and ask for the special sauce instead. McDonald's has been playing around with various sizes of the Big Mac, so they may start offering this version in the U.S. at some point in time.

  • Where to find: the UK

16 New Prime Burger

McDonalds Switzerland

Bryan Price from Jacksonville, Florida, USACC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McDonalds Switzerland

While Americans have some new signature flavored burgers available, those in Switzerland are able to enjoy the New Prime burger, which features two large beef patties, Gruyere cheese, relish, coleslaw, and other standard items like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. The New Prime is served on a sesame seed bun, and don't forget the bacon. It's also adorned with some relish and arugula and something called “farmer sauce,” which is credited to a Rene Schudel on their website. A further investigation reveals that Schudel has been featured on several Swiss cooking shows and published a book, as well as being awarded the Best of Swiss Gastro Award for a newcomer in 2006.

The New Prime comes in at more than 900 calories, but who's counting?

It can be enjoyed with a small green salad, an order of lamb's lettuce, a coleslaw salad, or Rosti fries, which are some type of combination of french fries and hash browns.

  • Where to find: Switzerland

15 Pork Sandwich With Horseradish Sauce

Mcdonalds, ploiesti, Romania

BisoCC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mcdonalds, ploiesti, Romania

This cousin of the McRib is available in Romania. It consists of a slice of grilled pork, white onions, a mustard sauce with horseradish, and pickled cucumbers on a long sesame seed bun.

McDonald's in Romania has traded in the American barbecue sauce in favor of something a bit more tart, but it seems to be a favorite among Romanians. The item is available in the Romanian McDonald's “pig” category. If it doesn't strike someone fancy, they can try the crispy chicken wings or Chicken Grill sandwich. Romania's McPuisor sandwich looks somewhat like a Hot and Spicy McChicken, but the chicken is “roasted for 2 minutes in vegetable oil,” according to the website.

It comes with McPuisor sauce, and a Double McPhysor is also available. Clients can wash down their pork sandwich with traditional Coca-Cola products or something called Actimel with Strawberries, which is a yogurt-based drink.

  • Where to find: Romania

14 Potato Wedges

Patatas deluxe Mcdonald's Spain

Juanedc from Zaragoza, EspañaCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Patatas deluxe Mcdonald's Spain

As if McDonald's french fries were not good enough, several European countries serve multiple varieties of fries, including what's known as Big French Fries or fried potato wedges.

One of the only few fast food joints that serve these potato wedges or Jojo potatoes in America is KFC, which doesn't serve hamburgers. If clients want this combination, they'll have to look around at some regional restaurants, or they can charter a flight to Europe. Some European McDonald's also offer waffle fries or “grid potatoes.” Rosti fries are extra crispy, and they can also find what's called “fun fries” served with cheddar sauce (and bacon, if they want). These fries come complete with a fork in a container, that makes them easy to eat. Don't forget the variety of sauces available specifically for fries in Europe. If they've ever ordered a 20-piece McNuggets in America and they only gave them one sauce, they'd be surprised to see how freely the sauce flows in Europe.

  • Where to find: France, Greece, Spain, Lebanon, Russia, and Malta.

13 Fish McBites

New- McDonald's in Chicago

Dirk Tussing from Chicago IL, United StatesCC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McDonald's in Chicago

The Filet-o-Fish is pretty polarizing in the United States, but some European McDonald's offer what are called Fish McBites. Think of these as McNuggets. But instead of chicken, clients are getting fish. These bad boys were available in the U.S. in 2013 but weren't very popular, so they didn't last long. They come with what's called a salsa creamy deluxe or a tartar sauce. Fish McBites have a lot of breading on them, just like their chicken counterparts.

Fish lovers may not like them because they aren't very authentic, and non-fish lovers probably won't like them either. These seem a little fishy, but some people still enjoy them. They're somewhat like chicken McNuggets before McDonald's started pledging to use better ingredients. They don't know what type of fish is in them, but clients can't imagine that it's the good stuff. If they're looking for a quick snack and they can only eat fish, these may be right for them.

As the product wasn't popular, the Fish McBites were discontinued in 2013.

12 Mozzarella Dippers

McDonald's fast-food restaurant
Shutterstock

Lincoln, UK: Facade of modern McDonald's fast-food restaurant with drive-thru.

These mozzarella sticks made a brief appearance in the United States at one point as part of the McPick menu. They must not have been very popular because they disappeared pretty quickly. There were some people complaining on social media that there was no cheese in some of them, so they basically bit into a mozzarella stick with no mozzarella. These dippers come with a side of marinara sauce.

They are actually a pretty good deal compared to how much one might pay for a similar dish at the happy hour of their favorite dive bar. Some fast food connoisseurs might say that these have all the necessary food groups, including dairy and fruit and/or vegetables, depending on which one on believe and if they count the tomato sauce. These make for a nice snack or a good alternative side dish to fries if they are in the mood for something different.

The Mozzarella Dippers were also discontinued, but McDonald's sometimes brought it back as a special edition.

11 Gazpacho

Spanish McDonald's menu categories

Eric FischerCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Spanish McDonald's menu categories

Some Americans may not be familiar with gazpacho, but it's a staple of Spanish cuisine and is a cold soup featuring raw vegetables. In Spain, they can order packaged gazpacho at McDonald's. It's actually a pretty healthy option compared to the burgers or fried chicken offered.

Gazpacho is traditionally a summer soup, and the version offered by McDonald's actually comes from PepsiCo.

If someone is feeling adventurous, they can also order a gazpacho drink, which is described as the “taste of summer that comes from the Mediterranean.” This red drink looks somewhat like V-8 or Clamato, but clients will have to judge how it tastes for themselves. Soups are not uncommon at McDonald's in Europe. For example, in Portugal, clients can choose from peas cream soup, cream of vegetable soup, caldo verde soup (a Portuguese favorite featuring potatoes and collard greens), or a lavender soup with red beans, dough, and ham with vegetables and olive oil.

  • Where to find it: Spain

10 Tzatziki Wraps

McDonald's at Rambla (Badalona)

EnricCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McDonald's at Rambla (Badalona)

Over the years, McDonald's has introduced different varieties of wraps, but in Croatia, they serve a tzatziki beef wrap. Wraps that feature tzatziki sauce have also been available in other countries like Sweden, Hungary, and Belgium. Tzatziki sauce is yogurt-based and has elements of garlic and cucumber. The Hungarian version comes with a grilled pork patty, something called Mediterranean cheese, tzatziki sauce, bell pepper, and red onion. The Swedish version uses ground beef, tzatziki sauce, cheese, lettuce, red onions, and cucumber.

In Belgium, the wrap uses chicken and comes with tzatziki, lettuce, tomato, fried onions, and cucumber. McDonald's likes catering to the unique tastes of countries and regions, so this doesn't come as much of a surprise. Greek food has become popular in the United States, but the tzatziki wraps have not yet made their way to America. These are relatively healthy compared to some of the other items offered by McDonald's, and they also have a nice blending of flavors.

  • Where to find it: Sweden, Hungary, and Belgium.

9 Greek Mac

Mcdonald's in Corfu

Jean HousenCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mcdonald's in Corfu

The Greek Mac is another way that McDonald's has incorporated local flavors into their popular food items.

This is somewhat of a combination of the traditional Big Mac with a Greek gyro.

Like the Big Mac, it comes with two all-beef patties. The “special sauce” is a yogurt sauce similar to tzatziki sauce. The Greek Mac also features onions, lettuce, and tomatoes and is served in a pita bun. This entree combines Greek and American tastes and is served in its own special packaging. The pita provides a nice alternative to the traditional bun that McDonald's uses. It allows clients to really taste the flavor of the beef and other ingredients. The yogurt sauce has a bit of a mint flavor to it and is quite different from the normal Big Mac sauce someone has come to expect. This is a great option for travelers from the United States visiting Greece and wanting to try a local take on a classic favorite.

  • Where to find it: Greece

8 Chili Cheese Tops

McDonald's, Blegdammen

Leif JørgensenCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McDonald's, Blegdammen

If someone is in Sweden or Denmark, they can try the chili cheese tops from McDonald's. These are another snack or side alternative and are somewhat similar to jalapeño poppers, only without the actual jalapeños. The chili cheese tops come in an order of four pieces and feature delicious smoked cheese and spicy chili inside. These would be great as an afternoon snack with a beverage. The only problem is that an order of four doesn't seem like a very generous portion, so clients might have to order two of them or perhaps try the home-style chips available in Denmark.

Unlike the traditional McDonald's french fries, these are sliced potatoes, like something clients would get if a restaurant made their own fries by slicing potatoes and frying them up right then and there. They come with a chili dip or a cheddar version. European McDonald's are big on offering a variety of sides and sauces to go with them.

  • Where to find: Sweden and Denmark

7 Fried Shrimp

McDonald's by a river in Switzerland

Foto FittiCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McDonald's by a river in Switzerland

While McDonald's offers their Filet-O-Fish in the United States, they offer other types of fish in Europe. Fried shrimp is on the menu in Switzerland, and other varieties of it are available in other countries as well.

McShrimp is served in Russia and is just an order of breaded shrimp available as a side dish or perhaps an entree if they order two of them.

If someone travels to Japan, they can also get a shrimp burger served with a tempura sauce. Japan also offered a burger called the Super Gurakoro, which is a fried shrimp and macaroni croquette served on a bun with a choice of toppings. Shrimp is popular in America for sure, but McDonald's has left that to places like Long John Silver's. While a shrimp burger probably wouldn't work in the United States, fried shrimp could be a popular menu item when paired with an order of french fries and a Dr. Pepper.

Where to find: Russia

In Russia, McDonald's operates under a different brand, and it's called Vkusno & tochka.

6 McKroket

McKroket from Dutch McDonald's

www.snack-nieuws.nlCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McKroket from Dutch McDonald's

If one finds themselves at a McDonald's in the Netherlands, they'll have the opportunity to order the McKroket sandwich. It may be explained to clients that this is a kroket burger served on a bun with mustard sauce, but if they don't know what a kroket is, they'll still have no clue what they're eating. The kroket is a popular Dutch food item. It's breaded and deep-fried, which means that it tastes good. But what's inside it? It's described as a meat ragout which commonly contains beef along with other ingredients like onions, butter, beef broth, and onions. It's somewhat like a beef stew made into a solid patty and then deep-fried.

The taste is somewhat similar to a croquetta served in a Spanish Tapas bar. This sandwich has a strong cheese taste that's apparently in the kroket. The mustard sauce is also strong. If clients know what a real kroket is, they might not like this sandwich so much.

  • Where to find: The Netherlands

5 McToast Chocolate

We know that McDonald's now has an all-day breakfast available in the United States, but there are many other choices in Europe. Many of those McDonald's take their McCafe pretty seriously and offer a wide variety of pastries, including cookies, cakes, pies, and macaroons.

In Germany, clients can start off their day with a McToast Chocolate, which is basically pancakes folded up to form a sandwich with chocolate inside them.

In America, clients can get pancakes at McDonald's, but they don't come with anything like chocolate in them. Some critics don't think there's enough chocolate in between the pancakes, and clients can barely taste the sweet treat. On the menu, it appears to be toasted, but it often doesn't come out that way. Clients might be better off trying the chocolate croissant or Croissant Schoko. It's similar to the McToast Chocolate or McToast Schoko, but as the name implies, it comes with a croissant instead of pancakes.

  • Where to find: Germany

4 Mush Burger

McDonalds' in Gold Sands Bulgaria

User:Gizm07CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McDonalds' in Gold Sands Bulgaria

This may not sound very tasty to Americans, but the mush burger available in Bulgaria is made up of pork topped with horseradish served on a bun. If clients aren't paying much attention, it might look a bit like a Hot and Spicy McChicken, but they'd be surprised once they bite into it. If they find themselves in Bulgaria, they might want to try some of the local cuisine. But if they do make their way to a McDonald's, they should come prepared.

There are just over 40 McDonald's restaurants located in Bulgaria, and they first came to the country in 1994. Clients shouldn't be confused if they order a mush burger thinking it comes with mushrooms because these two items are completely different. The mushroom and Swiss cheeseburger served in America may be more of what tourists are looking for. If they do end up with a mush burger, they may like it. But if not, they can always get something else off the menu.

  • Where to find: Bulgaria

3 1955

1955 burguer

Paul KoreckyCC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
1955 burguer

The 1955 burger (also available as a chicken sandwich) is a throwback to the way McDonald's hamburgers were originally served when the chain opened back in 1955.

This burger is served in various parts of Europe and is marketed as an American classic (but not served in the U.S.).

It comes with a hamburger patty or a chicken patty, bacon, lettuce and tomato, onions, ketchup, and barbecue sauce on a sesame seed bun. The sandwich is somewhat like a Big Mac, but clients are only getting one patty, and there isn't an extra bun in the middle. This is a pretty flavorful sandwich if one doesn't mind more toppings than actual meat. This burger was launched in Germany in 2010 and has gone on to become popular in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, and other European countries. This burger would have sold for about 15 cents back in 1955 when Ray Kroc opened the first drive-in McDonald's in Des Plaines, Illinois.

  • Where to find: Several countries in Europe