"In 2016 we will continue to focus on providing great value and variety, as well as invest in our restaurants, our people and our menu, to ensure customers enjoy a great experience every time they visit us."
McDonald's Egypt offers a falafel sandwich that rivals a Big Mac any day. The falafel patties are shaped to look like burgers and drenched in the ever-present secret sauce that seems to pop up everywhere, from Europe to NYC halal carts. After inquiring, I found out the sauce was a not-so-mysterious but delicious tahini-garlic dressing. With the secret reveled, why not whip up some quick, homemade falafel and proceed to drench in sauce?
Big Bulgogi Burger -- South Korea(02 of20)
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Bulgogi, literally fire meat in Korean, is a traditional marinated barbecue beef that is simply put, absolute mouth-watering deliciousness. McDonald's put their spin on the Korean favorite by sandwiching two pork patties in a hamburger bun, slathering it with bulgogi sauce, and calling it a day. I'll take two.
Le Croque McDo -- France & Belgium(03 of20)
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McDonald's version of the classic croque monsieur, the Croque McDo is a favorite amongst francophiles. Two slices of Emmental cheese and a slice of ham are squashed between toast and pressed in a sandwich maker, creating a gooey, fondue-like ham and cheese. Why not make it a meal with a beer? Yep, that's right, McDonald's in France offers beer. Even McDonald's in France is better. Damn.
McShawarma And McKebab(04 of20)
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These Middle Eastern favorites are fixtures all over the globe. McDonald's in Israel features barbecued beef on a lafa and pita. Both are served with a small Middle Eastern-style salad. Check out this hilarious McShawarma advertisement inspired by Pulp Fiction.
Veggie McCurry Pan -- India(05 of20)
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Fun Fact: India is the only country in the world where McDonald's does not serve beef. That means no Big Mac, and no Quarter Pounder. A moment of silence, if you please. Instead, vegetarian favorites like the McCurry Pan, a rectangular-shaped crust topped with curry, broccoli, baby corn, mushrooms and bell peppers and baked till crisp are common fare. Other favorites include the Chicken Maharaja Mac, Big Spicy Paneer Wrap (which should be the only kind of paneer wrap) and McAloo Tikki. We're all about the carb-on-carb sandwiches.
It's unfortunate that McDonald's Japan doesn't make one of our favorite Japanese treats, the carb-bomb yakisoba sandwich. I guess we'll have to settle for the creatively-named McPork -- a basic hamburger with a pork instead of beef patty -- and then maybe some green tea and a red bean ice cream sundae, which is not such a bad thing.
Samurai Pork Burger -- Thailand(09 of20)
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Cousin to the Japanese McPork, the Samurai is Thailand's answer to population that leans swine-wise and favors pork to beef any day. Maybe I was Thai in a previous life seeing as though my dedication to all things pork goes as far as wearing a small gold pig around my neck. (credit:Flickr: laughlin)
McKroket -- The Netherlands(10 of20)
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McDonalds goes Dutch in the Netherlands with the McKroket, a deep fried roll stuffed with chili. Think deep-fried sloppy joe. Perfect if you happen to find yourself with an increased appetite in Amsterdam. (credit:Flickr: scalleja)
The Nürnburger -- Germany(11 of20)
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Our assistant editor, Jess, just got back from reporting for Lufthansa in Nuremburg, Germany where the specialty on a roll is Drei im Weggla, a trio of small, spiced sausages. McDonald's take also includes a sausage trio with a smear of mustard.
Traditional Australian hamburgers usually include cheese, beetroot, pineapple, a fried egg (usually with a runny yolk) and bacon. McDonald's down under created a fusion between the classic Americano and the Aussie with their McOz by including beetroot in an otherwise classic Big Mac.
Kiwi Burger -- New Zealand(14 of20)
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In New Zealand the McOz is taken up a notch by throwing in a fried egg. Voila: the Kiwiburger. (credit:Flickr: BierDoctor)
Mince Pie -- UK(15 of20)
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During the holiday season, McDonald's all over the UK offer the traditional British favorite. The savory pies are made with fruit-based mincemeat and classic holiday flavors: cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
The Flaming Hot Doritos Quarter Pounder -- Mexico(16 of20)
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In 2010, McDonald's Mexico added the Flaming Hot Doritos Quarter Pounder, basically a quarter pounder souped up with layer of Flaming Hot Doritos and a healthy smear of guacamole. Taco Bell followed suit, and has recently come up with Doritos Tacos Locos. Not a fan? We don't blame you, why not opt for some spicy homemade guac on your burger instead? (credit:Flickr: Merelymel13)
The Greek Mac -- Greece(17 of20)
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The Greek Mac swaps out the original Big Mac's secret sauce and famed sesame seed bun for a pita and yogurt. We can't wait till McDolmas start popping up in Athens locations. I wonder what Yiayia would have to say about that.
Spam is often referred to as the "Hawaiian Steak." Not by us, though. McDonald's in Hawaii offers a Spam breakfast in an attempt to offer authentic Hawaiian fare. Try all they want, nothing beats a great loco moco. (credit:Flickr: balise42)