10 unusual McDonald's items you can't get in the UK - including fish and chips

22 October 2023 , 14:30

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McDonald's customers in Greece can get their hands on fish and chips (Image: McDonald's)

McDonald's can sometimes seem to us like the most bog standard fast food there is - but if you look overseas there are countless weird and wonderful items to try.

With branches in at least 114 countries and territories, it's well known that the global chain adapts its items to the local market. But you might not be aware of the sheer range of eclectic options available from McDonald's worldwide.

From Italian favourites to Mexican treats, there are heaps of international McDonald's items that we're unlikely to ever see in the UK - but perhaps we'll be able to try some of them on our travels.

Chicken McBites

McDonald's Chicken McBites were only on the UK menu briefly

You might be more likely to associate popcorn chicken with rival chains like KFC, but McDonald's once sold its own version in the UK.

Chicken McBites were launched here in 2012 but discontinued the next year. Nonetheless, you can still get your hands on them if you travel to Spain, Cyprus, Australia, New Zealand or Japan.

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Fish and Chips

McDonald's customers in Greece can get their hands on fish and chips (McDonald's)

Despite it being the UK's national dish, McDonald's actually sells fish and chips in Greece. Customers can enjoy five fish bites in a cone with a portion of fries - and their choice of sweet and sour sauce or sour cream.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Poutine

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Poutine is served at McDonald's in Canada (McDonald's)

One of Canada's signatures delicacies is sold at McDonald's branches in the country. The fast food company's version is made up of chips, cheese, gravy and spicy chicken.

Mexican McBurrito

McDonald's in Mexico serves burritos (McDonald's)

McDonald's Mexico offers a McBurrito with egg, sausage and tomato. Other countries like the US have other variations of the TexMex favourite - but it's never been introduced to the UK.

McSpaghetti

McSpaghetti consists of spaghetti, meatballs, marinara sauce and cheese (McDonald's)

McSpaghetti has sparked a mixture of interest and wonder when it has gone viral in the UK. With spaghetti, meatballs, marinara sauce and cheese, the dish is only available in the Philippines and in Orlando, Florida.

McSpicy Paneer Burger

The McSpicy Paneer Burger is sold in parts of India (McDonald's)

Containing a paneer patty and makhani sauce, this item is available in some parts of India. It was launched in 2009 to create a premium vegetarian product suited to local tastes.

Panzerotti

Panzerotti is available at McDonald's in Italy (McDonald's)

The cheesy savoury snack is sold in Italy, its country of origin. It consists of a pastry filled with mozzarella and tomatoes.

Rye Feast

You can only find the Rye Feast at McDonald's branches in Finland (McDonald's)

With steak, tomato, cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, corned beef, ketchup, mustard and a special sauce, the Rye Snack is a hearty option. It is on the menu in Finnish restaurants.

Sausage N' Egg Twisty Pasta

Sausage N’ Egg Twisty Pasta can be bought in Hong Kong (McDonald's)

It might seem unusual to most Brits, but this Hong Kong exclusive is a popular breakfast dish. Along with pasta, sausage and fresh egg, it comes with hot chicken or tonkotsu broth.

McArabia™ Chicken

McArabia™ Chicken can be found in Dubai (McDonald's)

Pita bread, Halal grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and garlic sauce make up this Middle-Eastern favourite. It is available in a number of Arab countries like the UAE and Kuwait, as well as Pakistan.

Jamie Saunderson