Fast food chains across the globe have become masters of culinary invention, innovating their menus to cater to regional tastes and preferences. This often results in a fascinating mix of unusual, curious, and sometimes eyebrow-raising items.
Here are eight of the weirdest fast food menu items from around the world.
1. Japan: Burger King’s Black Ninja Burger
The Black Ninja Burger is a testament to Burger King’s willingness to experiment with unconventional food ideas. This Japan-exclusive menu item features a bamboo charcoal-colored bun that’s as black as night.
The star of this burger, however, is the thick slice of bacon meant to resemble a tongue, sticking out from the burger like a ninja’s tongue would when he screams. It also contains a regular beef patty, lettuce, onions, mayonnaise, and a unique soy-based sauce.
2. China: McDonald’s Taro Pie
The Golden Arches in China offer a sweet treat filled with taro, a purple, sweet potato-like root vegetable. The Taro Pie, with its striking purple filling encased in a golden-fried crust, is a popular dessert choice, merging traditional Chinese ingredients with a familiar fast-food format.
3. Canada: Pizza Hut’s Cheesy Beef Poutine Pizza
Canada’s much-loved dish, poutine, was the inspiration for this unusual Pizza Hut creation. Combining pizza with shaved seasoned steak, crispy fries, cheese curds, mozzarella, and a generous helping of beef gravy, this pizza is an indulgent take on the classic Canadian comfort food.
4. Philippines: Jollibee’s Spaghetti
Jollibee, the beloved Filipino fast food chain, offers a spaghetti dish that might perplex those accustomed to more traditional Italian-style spaghetti.
Their version features a sweet sauce, generously strewn with slices of ham, ground meat, hotdog, and topped with a flurry of shredded cheese. This sweet-savory combo is a favorite in the Philippines.
5. Finland: Hesburger’s Tar-flavored Ice Cream
Tar in ice cream? Yes, you read that right. In Finland, Hesburger offers this unusual ice cream flavor. Derived from wood, tar has a distinct, smoky, slightly bitter taste. This unusual flavor, paired with creamy ice cream, creates a fascinating sweet-meets-savory dessert.
6. India: KFC’s Veg Zinger
In India, where vegetarianism is widespread, KFC cleverly adapted their menu to cater to the local market. The Veg Zinger is a sandwich featuring a crispy, breaded vegetable patty, lettuce, and spicy mayo, all sandwiched between soft sesame buns. It’s a surprising departure from KFC’s iconic chicken offerings.
7. Germany: McDonald’s McCurrywurst
McDonald’s in Germany serves up the McCurrywurst, a unique take on a traditional German dish. This menu item features chopped pork bratwurst covered in a spicy tomato sauce and served with shaker fries. It’s a true nod to local culinary traditions.
8. Brazil: Burger King’s Picanha Burger
In Brazil, Burger King offers the Picanha Burger, made from the picanha cut of beef, which is highly esteemed in Brazil. The burger is topped with a special mayo, cheese, and tomato, making for a distinctly Brazilian experience.
These unusual fast food items might seem strange or unappetizing to anyone not accustomed to culinary delights native to other countries, but that doesn’t mean they’re not delicious.
If you find yourself in another country, no harm in trying out their fast food offerings, you could even end up liking them. Strange ingredients and all, it’s always fun to try new things.
