McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is the world's largest chain of hamburger fast food

restaurants, serving around 68 million customers daily in 119 countries.

[1][2]
McDonald's traces its
origins to a 1940 restaurant in San Bernardino, California. After expanding within the United States,
McDonald's became an international corporation in 1967, when it opened a location in Richmond,
Canada. By the end of the 1970s, McDonald's restaurants existed in five of the Earth's
seven continents; an African location came in 1992.
In order to cater to local tastes and culinary traditions, and often in respect of particular laws or
religious beliefs, McDonald's offers regionalized versions of its menu among and within different
countries. As a result, products found in one country or region may not be found in McDonald's
restaurants in other countries.
Contents
[hide]
1 Africa
o 1.1 Egypt
o 1.2 Morocco
2 South Africa
3 Asia
o 3.1 Bahrain
o 3.2 China
o 3.3 Hong Kong
o 3.4 India
o 3.5 Indonesia
o 3.6 Israel
o 3.7 Japan
o 3.8 Malaysia
o 3.9 Pakistan
o 3.10 Philippines
o 3.11 Saudi Arabia
o 3.12 Singapore
o 3.13 South Korea
o 3.14 Taiwan
o 3.15 Thailand
o 3.16 United Arab Emirates
o 3.17 Vietnam
4 Europe
o 4.1 Belgium
o 4.2 Croatia
o 4.3 Cyprus
o 4.4 Czech Republic
o 4.5 Denmark
o 4.6 Finland
o 4.7 France
o 4.8 Germany
o 4.9 Greece
o 4.10 Hungary
o 4.11 Italy
o 4.12 Malta
o 4.13 Netherlands
o 4.14 Norway
o 4.15 Poland
o 4.16 Portugal
o 4.17 Slovakia
o 4.18 Sweden
o 4.19 Turkey
o 4.20 United Kingdom and Ireland
5 North America
o 5.1 Canada
o 5.2 Costa Rica
o 5.3 Mexico
o 5.4 Puerto Rico
o 5.5 United States
6 South America
o 6.1 Argentina
o 6.2 Brazil
o 6.3 Chile
o 6.4 Colombia
o 6.5 Ecuador
o 6.6 Peru
o 6.7 Venezuela
7 Oceania
o 7.1 Australia
o 7.2 New Zealand
8 See also
9 References
Africa[edit]
Egypt[edit]
In 2001, McDonald's introduced the McFalafel sandwich in its Egypt locations.
[3]
These restaurants
also offer a Chicken Big Mac and Fish Mac, variations on the standard Big Mac which substitute
breaded chicken or fish, respectively, for the usual beef patties. In the summer of 2008, McDonald's
introduced fish fingers with tartar dipping sauce as a side in Egyptian restaurants. Early 2010 saw
the introduction of Egyptian cookies to the Cairo location. Egypt has almost 70 locations throughout
the country.
Morocco[edit]
The McArabia, a grilled chicken sandwich served on a flatbread, is sold throughout the Middle East,
including Morocco.
[4]
In 2005, a product called the McSahara was briefly sold. In late 2006, the
Chicken Mythic, Petit Plaisirs ("small pleasures," a sandwich usually made from chicken or beef),
and a 280-gram Recette Moutarde ("mustard burger") were released. During the Islamic holy month
of Ramadan, a special menu is offered for the breaking of the fast, including local specialties such as
dates, milk, and harira.
South Africa[edit]
The McZulu burger is served with flat bread and it is sold only in South Africa.
Asia[edit]
Bahrain[edit]
As in all McDonald's locations in the Islamic Middle East, food in Bahraini locations is halal.
[5]
In
addition to the McArabia, Bahraini locations offer, beginning in March 2009, the McCrispy, a meal
consisting of up to three chicken fingers with a choice of barbecue, sweet and sour, or garlic sauce.
China[edit]


McDonald's Chinese New Year meal, grilled chicken sandwich and twisted French fries. Tray liner has an image of
theChinese zodiac.
In China, Chicken McNuggets can come with the barbecue, sweet and sour, honey and hot mustard,
or chili garlic sauce. Chinese menus also include crispy Buffalo chicken wings, called McWings. All
chicken burgers offered in Chinese McDonald's use thigh fillet (e.g., Premium Grilled Thigh Fillet
Burger, Hot and Spicy Grilled Thigh Fillet Burger), rather than breast meat, which is preferred
in occidental countries.
[6]

The Big 'n' Tasty is sold as the Big 'n' Beefy in the Chinese market, and is topped with cheese,
cucumber, and mildly spicy Thousand Island dressing. Pies come in two standard flavors: pineapple
or taro, although special flavors including chocolate, banana, and azuki bean have also been offered
on a limited basis.
There is a seasonal Chinese New Year meal available, including the Grilled Chicken Burger and
curly fries, with a horoscope of the twelve zodiac animals of Chinese astrology and traditional red
packets (lai see).
A unique feature of Chinese McDonald's locations is the "McExpress" walk-up window, which sells a
small range of drinks and ice cream desserts. Most McExpress windows are attached to restaurants,
but in some cases, they can be physically independent, typically in locations such as shopping malls,
department stores and subway stations. Most major urban locations offer delivery for an extra fee.
Deliveries are usually made by electrically powered scooters, although in several cities where
motorcycle bans are in place, a conventional courier bicycle is used. The food is normally carried in
a large insulated backpack.
Hong Kong[edit]
Hong Kong hosts some of the world's busiest McDonald's with many operating 24 hours a day.
Breakfasts include pasta soups with sausage or chicken.
[7]
Locations offer cups of corn are available
as substitutes for French fries or la carte. Desserts include soft serve ice cream in azuki bean and
mung bean flavors; pineapple or red bean sundaes are sometimes offered.
A selection of seasonal or other limited-time foods is available, such as spicy French fries, the
Shogun Burger (a teriyaki pork patty with lettuce served on a sesame seed bun), salads, soups such
as tomato and pumpkin,
[8]
taco flatbreads, the Rice Fantastic (a burger-like entree with rice patties
instead of buns). Other such specialties have included shrimp burgers, Wasabi Filet O' Fish, onion
rings,
[9]
and Shake Shake fries, flavored French fries in flavors such as seaweed, chargrill, French
onion, and salt and pepper. During the local Bun Festival, restaurants on the island of Cheung
Chau sell mushroom burgers instead of hamburgers and other meat products.
India[edit]


An Indian McDonald's meal consisting of Veg Masala Grill (top right), McEgg (bottom right), fries andCoke
Indian McDonald's restaurants do not serve beef and pork products, in deference to Hindu and
Muslim beliefs. The only animal products available are chicken and fish. Meat and vegetarian meals
are prepared in separate areas of the restaurant due to religious laws; cooks preparing vegetarian
dishes wear a distinctive green apron. All McDonald's restaurants in India are certified halal.
[10]

Apart from selling the regular international McDonald's products such as McChicken, Chicken
McNuggets, Chicken McGrill and Filet-O-Fish, McDonald's has developed a wide variety of
vegetarian products exclusively for the Indian market, as a large number of Indians are vegetarians.
Some of these products are the McAloo Tikki Burger (a burger with an aloo tikki-inspired patty made
out of potatoes, peas, and spices), the McVeggie burger (the vegetarian equivalent of the
McChicken), the McSpicy Paneer burger (a burger with a fried paneerpatty breaded with Mexican
and Cajun spices) and the McSpicy Paneer Wrap (a Mexican wrap equivalent of the McSpicy
Paneer burger). Other vegetarian products exclusive to India are the Pizza McPuff and the McCurry
Pan. The Pizza McPuff is the Indian savoury snack called the puff stuffed with
vegetarian pizza fillings and is similar to a calzone. The McCurry Pan is a mince pie-inspired dish
where instead of meat, vegetables and cheese are used. The latter product had been discontinued,
but there are plans to relaunch it in the exclusive vegetarian restaurants McDonald's is planning in
the country. In 2012, McDonald's India introduced the McEgg burger exclusively for the Indian
market. The McEgg burger comprises a poached egg between two steamed buns and is extremely
popular among college students. A year later, it introduced Masala Grill burgers, an indigenous
version of the burger which consists of either a potato-soya or chicken patty, grilled and seasoned
with garam masala and dressed with roasted chilli sauce and onions.
McDonald's has also developed variations of its international non-vegetarian products exclusively for
the Indian market. The Big Mac burger is sold as the Chicken Maharaja Mac, where instead of beef
patties, chicken patties are used. A spicy version of the McChicken, the McSpicy Chicken burger
and its Mexican wrap equivalent, the McSpicy Chicken Wrap are also sold. It is to be noted that the
McSpicy Chicken burger is the Indian equivalent of the actual McChicken burger in the USA, albeit
served on a sesame bun, while the Indian McChicken burger is served on a sesame bun and is not
spicy.
Discontinued McDonald's products in India include the Crispy Chinese burger (a Chinese cuisine-
inspired vegetarian burger), potato wedges and the Mexican Spice chicken and vegetarian burgers.
Indonesia[edit]


Bubur ayam (chicken congee)
All McDonald's in Indonesia are certified halal. Local items include: crispy and spicy fried chicken,
the McRice, a small mound of steamed rice available Supersize; McSoup, a chicken flavored soup
with bits of croutons and vegetables; the McSatay, a hamburger with satay sauce, a spicy ground
peanut sauce; and Buryam (short for bubur ayam or chicken congee). Sambal chili sauce, an
essential component of Indonesian cuisine, and ketchup are available as condiments.
During Chinese New Year, a Beef Prosperity Burger, consisting of two beef patties covered in black
pepper sauce and topped with diced onions, is sold.
[11]

Israel[edit]


Kosher McDonald's
Main article: McDonald's Israel
The only entirely kosher McDonald's are in Israel and Argentina. In these locations, patties are
barbecued on charcoal rather than fried.
[12]
Some kosher locations serve milk based desserts, but in
separate booths, allowing for full separation of dairy and meat products in food preparation areas.
However, most of the McDonald's outlets in Israel are not kosher service, as they serve
cheeseburgers, which mix dairy and meat products.
Specialty items in Israeli McDonald's include the McShawarma and McKebab, both served on
flatbread. On January 18, 2011, McDonald's introduced the McFalafel sandwich in Israel, but
withdrew the item six months later.
[13]
Within the last few years they have added a vegetarian option,
corn sticks (which are bite sized corn shniztels).
Japan[edit]


A Big Mac as served in Japan
Regular menu items in Japanese McDonald's include: the Teriyaki McBurger, with ground pork
patties, mayonnaise, lettuce, and teriyaki sauce; Shaka Shaka Chicken, a fried chicken strip served
in a paper pouch, with cheese or pepper seasonings to shake in the bag; and the Fillet-O-Ebi
(shrimp), with a fried shrimp patty and mustard. Breakfast options include a hot dog with pickle
relish, ketchup, and mustard. As well as regular soft drinks (which in Japan include grape flavoured
Fanta and iced tea), McDonald's in Japan also serve cartons of milk, Minute Maid orange juice and
"Yassai Seikatsu", a type of vegetable juice.
Seasonal and limited-time items have included:
The Chicken Katsu Burger, a breaded chicken sandwich flavored with soy sauce and ginger.
[14]

The Gratin Korokke Burger, a sandwich with korokke (breaded mashed potatoes) filled with
shrimp, macaroni, shredded cabbage, and katsu
[clarification needed]
sauce, and optional cheese;
served during winter
Green tea-flavored milkshakes
The Salsa Burger, a breaded chicken sandwich with salsa
The Tamago Double Mac, a hamburger with three beef patties, pepper sauce, bacon, a poached
egg, and optional cheese
The Teri Tama Burger, a teriyaki burger with egg; served during spring
The Tsukimi Burger ("moon-viewing burger"), a hamburger with one beef patty, fry sauce,
bacon, a poached egg (representing the Moon), and optional cheese; served before and during
Tsukimi season
Ume Nuggets, Chicken McNuggets with sour ume (plum) sauce for dipping
The Mega Teriyaki, a teriyaki-style Big Mac variant with two pork patties and teriyaki sauce
"Quarter Pounder Jewelry" burgers : The 'Gold Ring' available on July 6, 2012, the 'Black
Diamond' on July 13, 2013 and 'Ruby Spark' on July 20, 2013 only
[15][16]

Malaysia[edit]
All McDonald's in Malaysia are certified halal.
[17]
Regular menu items include the Spicy Chicken
McDeluxe, a burger with crispy marinated chicken, lettuce, and special sauce in a cornmeal bun, the
Bubur Ayam McD ("McD Chicken Porridge"), chicken strips in rice porridge with scallions, sliced
ginger, fried shallots, and diced chilies,
[18]
and the Ayam Goreng McD ("McD's Fried Chicken"), large
chicken strips made just like the ones sold at KFC restaurants served in two-piece or three-piece
meals. The Ayam Goreng McD was introduced as McDonald's Fried Chicken in 1986. The product's
name was changed to Chicken McCrispy in 2000 and again to Ayam Goreng McD in 2002 to better
suit the country's culture.
Other seasonal and limited-time specialties have included the Bubur Ikan McD (a fish variant of the
Bubur Ayam McD), the Grilled Chicken Foldover (equivalent to the McArabia), the Grilled Chicken
Burger and spicy McNuggets.
[19]
Specialty desserts have included a kiwifruit sundae, served in 2000
in Kuala Lumpur.
Like in Singapore and Indonesia, during Chinese New Year, Prosperity Burgers are sold. These
come in beef and chicken varieties. In 2011, these were served with a McFizz, a specialty beverage
mixing Minute Maid orange juice and Sprite.
[20]

Another limited time promotional item that appears almost yearly is the Samurai Burger, a large beef
burger dipped in Teriyaki Sauce. In 2012 it was promoted with two new sides, a Sakura McFizz
(Sprite + Ribena), and the Katsu Curry McShakers.
[21]

Pakistan[edit]
All McDonald's in Pakistan are certified halal.
[22]
Pakistani menus resemble those of Middle Eastern
and South Asian locations. McArabias and Spicy Chicken Burgers are popular in Pakistan.
[citation
needed]
A chicken Big Mac is also available.
Philippines[edit]
Menu items in McDonald's in the Philippines include McSpaghetti, Chicken McDo, Burger McDo, and
the Hamdesal, a Pandesal bun with pineapple glaze syrup, mayonnaise, and Canadian bacon
served with scrambled eggs, cheese, or both. From 2001 to 2006 the McRice, steamed rice formed
into buns, was available as a replacement for bread buns on beef and chicken
sandwiches.
[23]
Breakfast options include longaniza, a Philippine sausage, served with rice and a
fried egg.
Pies come in apple, pineapple, and taro flavors; only select locations serve milkshakes. Twister Fries
is also served seasonally.
[24]

Saudi Arabia[edit]
All McDonald's in Saudi Arabia are certified halal.
[5]
Saudi locations serve the Spicy McChicken,
McArabia, and the Big Tasty, the latter of which is also available in some European locations.
Singapore[edit]


A Singapura Feast sign at a McDonald's branch in Singapore's Lucky Plaza.
All McDonald's in Singapore are certified halal.
[25]
Singaporean locations offer the McSpicy, a spicy
chicken burger,
[26]
and the McArabia (as the Grilled Chicken Foldover). A 24-hour McDelivery
service is available in all locations on the island.
South Korea[edit]


McDonald's Bulgogi burger in South Korea
McDonald's locations in South Korea do not serve fish but offer the Bulgogi Burger, a beef patty
inbulgogi marinade. The bulgogi-flavored sauce was developed by Ottogi, a large South Korean food
manufacturer that provides all of the condiments to the country's McDonalds.
[27]
Korean McDonalds'
offer delivery.
Dessert options include affogato. Former options included a green tea McFlurry
[28]
and the
McBingsu, a seasonal option similar to patbingsu.
Taiwan[edit]


Shrimp Burger with a rice bun and Corn Soup served in Taipei.
McDonald's in Taiwan serve kao fan (, ko fn) (literally "baked rice"), a burger-like entre with
rice patties instead of buns.
[29]
It is modelled on the eponymous product of McDonald's Japanese
rival, MOS Burger. McDonald's locations in Taiwan sell fried chicken legs to compete with KFC.
Additionally, corn soup is available as a substitute for French fries or la carte.
Thailand[edit]


McChicken, Filet-O-Fish, Chicken McNuggets, French fries and fried chicken sold by McDonald's inBangkok.
In Thailand, McDonald's serves the Samurai Pork Burger, with teriyaki sauce, lettuce, and
mayonnaise.
[30]
As in other Asian markets, Thai McDonald's sell fried chicken and spicy chicken
wings. Chilli sauce is available as a condiment, along with ketchup. Other Thailand-specific items
include rice patties made with jasmine rice, the Caribbean Shrimp Burger, and a salad shaker based
on som tam papaya salad. McDonald's restaurants in Thailand also serve the Mega Mac (known as
the Double Big Mac) all year long.
Between October 1 and 13, 2013, or until supplies ran out, McDonald's offered a "McVeggie" burger
to coincide with the tradition of many people of Chinese descent only eating vegetarian food during
the annual "Kin J" period. The McVeggie is an all vegetable fried patty consisting of potatoes, peas
and carrot topped with lettuce and teriyaki sauce.
[31]

United Arab Emirates[edit]
United Arab Emirates features the McArabia sandwich on its menus, which is served in flatbread. It
used to be available as both a chicken and beef kofta sandwich but it is currently only available as
beef. The UAE also had The Asian, The Mexican, The French & The Turkish as Limited Edition
burgers. There was also a temporary McAloo Tiki burger, inspired by Indian flavours. And they had
the Chicken Fillet, the Spicy Chicken Fillet, McWings. They also have Grand Chicken Classic, Grand
Chicken Deluxe, Grand Chicken Special. McDonald's in UAE is certified halal.
[5]

Vietnam[edit]
One McDonald's store has been established in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Another store is
confirmed in District 3 in Ho Chi Minh. The current manager is Henry Nguyen which is the son-in-law
of Nguyen Tan Dung
Europe[edit]
Belgium[edit]
Belgian McDonald's serve the Croque McDo, consisting of two slices of Emmental cheese and a
slice of ham toasted between two hamburger buns. This is a variation of the traditional croque-
monsieur sandwich found in France and Belgium.
[32]
The "Belgo" burger is a hamburger with bacon,
Belgian Maredsous cheese, roasted onions, and cocktail sauce.
Croatia[edit]
The McCountry sandwich is a regular menu item in Croatian McDonalds restaurants, consisting of
two pork sausage patties on a bun with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a special sauce. Another
regular menu item is the McToast, a ham and cheese sandwich on toast. Seasonal and promotional
offers include Greek and Italian offerings.
[33]

Cyprus[edit]
McDonald's in Cyprus sells the Greek Mac, a Big Mac variant with pita bread and tzatziki sauce, and
the Greek Chicken, a Greek Mac with chicken patties instead of beef.
[34]
A shrimp burger is also sold
during the period of Lent when Orthodox Christians don't eat meat.
Czech Republic[edit]
The McCountry sandwich served in Croatia is also available in the Czech Republic.
In 2012, McDonald's added McSmak, a variation on smaen sr, a type of cheese sandwich.
[35]
It
is similar to the Slovak McSyr.
Denmark[edit]
In Denmark, every McDonald's serves a small size chicken burger called "Chicken Salsa Cheese".
As similar to Finland and Sweden's "El Maco", Danish McDonald's locations sells "El Maco Jr.": A
small size "El Maco".
[36]
Also following its other Scandinavian cousins, Danish McDonald's serve a
Daim McFlurry.
[37]

Finland[edit]
In Finland, most McDonald's hamburgers can be ordered with a rye bun, based on the success of
the promotional "McRuis" (McRye) burger.
[38]
El Maco is a burger with salsa andsour cream sauce.
The El Maco meal is served with a barbecue spice mixture and a paper bag in which the fries and
the spice mixture are poured, similar to Japan's Shaka Shaka Chicken.
France[edit]
In France, McDonald's offers donuts for breakfast and Kronenbourg 1664 beer in 25 or 33 cl
measures. Also available is 'Le Big Mac.'
The Croque McDo and various Petit Plaisir items are available, as in Belgium and Morocco,
respectively.
[32]

Germany[edit]
Standard menu items at German McDonald's include the Hamburger Royal TS, Caesar salads,
Veggieburgers,
[39][40]
and Caesar, honey mustard, and Ranch chicken
wraps.
[41]
The McRib sandwich, a seasonal item in most countries, is a permanent menu item in
Germany.
[42][43]

As of Mid-February 2013, McDonald's Germany started selling the McCurrywurst with bread roll or
Fries, a hot sausage with tangy tomato sauce and Curry powder in mild and spicy.
[44]

The German McDonald's Breakfast does provide Brtchen, a crispy bread roll, McCroissant,
a Croissant with stuffed with Ham and Cheese, Scrambled Eggs with Bacon and "Classic Breakfast",
a choice of bread rolls with sweet spreads resembling a very common German breakfast choice.
[45]

Beer is no longer sold at all locations. It is still served in older outlets owned by German brewers with
leases allowing the serving of beer.
[46]

Greece[edit]
In Greece, McDonald's formerly sold the McFarm burger, consisting of two pork patties, cheese,
tomatoes, lettuce, and mayonnaise on a sesame seed bun.
[47]
Greek locations also sold spicy Spring
Rolls, a shrimp burger, the McVeggie burger, and the Greek Mac (as in Cyprus and Rhodes). As of
2012, all of these items have been discontinued.
Hungary[edit]
Hungarian McDonald's sell the McFarm, once available in Greece. Limited-time products available
only in Hungary have included McDonald's version of the popular Hungarian breakfast food lngos,
and a "Hungarian flavors" menu.
[48]

Italy[edit]
Italian McDonald's offers, since 2000, Crispy McBacon, composed of two beef patties, one slice of
cheddar, bacon and a special sauce.
It also began offering a "McItaly" menu in 2010. Products include a burger with "100 percent made-
in-Italy meat", extra-virgin olive oil, parmesan cheese, bresaola, and pancetta. The company
advertises burgers in several European countries as using Italian beef.
[49]
On May 24, 2013
McDonald's Italia in cooperation with Barilla began offering a pasta salad:
pennette pasta with "a balanced and skilful mix of tuna, tomatoes, peppers, capers and olives,
seasoned with a pinch of oregano and salt"
[50]

Malta[edit]
In Malta, McDonald's sell mozzarella sticks and chicken wings as side dishes. The Big Tasty is a
variant to the Big N' Tasty while chicken nuggets come with an array of sauces, such as bbq, sweet
and sour, ketchup or mayonnaise. The McCafe was also first introduced in Malta, more specifically
on its sister island Gozo, where the only McDonalds and McCafe on the island are found in the
Arcadia shopping centre in the capital city of Victoria.
[19]

Netherlands[edit]
In the Netherlands, McDonald's sells the McKroket, a deep-fried roll containing beef ragout, similar
to the Dutch bitterballen sold in snack bars.
[51]
Dutch McDonald's serve frite sauce or "American
Sauce," a yellow mayonnaise-like sauce not eaten in the United States with French fries. The
ChickenSat burger is also offered, consisting of fried chicken with peanut sauce; this popular food
is inspired by the Netherlands' historical connection to Indonesia. The Joppie Burger is also available
using Joppie sauce, popular in the Netherlands. Special Dutch drinks include Fristi (a yogurt drink)
and Chocomel (a chocolate milk drink). Also available in the Netherlands are Stroopwaffle
McFlurries (currently for the first time ever out of range).
Norway[edit]
As in Finland, Norwegian McDonald's serve the El Maco (on a seasonal basis) and offer gluten free
buns without an extra cost. They also serve a Laksewrap, deep-fried fish with salad and a mango
slice in a tortilla.
[32]

In 2002, the McAfrika burger was introduced in Norway, coinciding with major famines in
Southern Africa. The name of the burger drew much negative publicity as being highly
insensitive.
[52]
The burger with vegetables were placed in pita bread.
[53]

Poland[edit]
Offerings in Polish McDonald's restaurants include: the WieMac ("McVillage"), a quarter-pound beef
patty with onions, lettuce, cheese, mustard, and horseradish sauce on a sesame seed bun;
[54]
the
Pikantny Kurczakburger ("Spicy Chickenburger"), a chicken sandwich with lettuce and hot Mexican-
style sauce; McWrap - tortilla with chicken available in two versions: Classic (mayonnaise, mild-
Mexican sauce, lettuce, rucola, shredded cheese, two slices of tomato and chicken patty) and
Honey-Mustard (honey-mustard sauce, lettuce, shredded cheese, two slices of tomato, two strips of
bacon and chicken patty). During winter period you can get Kanapka Drwala ("The Woodsman's
Sandwich") - a big bun with pork rinds instead of sesame, a quarter pounder, bacon, big piece of
deep-fried cheese, sauce and vegetables. To every Happy Meal there's an free apple added.
Portugal[edit]
Portuguese McDonald's offers a variety of soups, including their national dish of Kale Soup (caldo
verde) and cream of carrot, white bean and spinach.
[55]
These are offered as add-ons to Happy
meals as well. There is also a McBifana on a ciabatta roll and an array of salads. The mixed salad
contains olives, corn, onions and tomatoes.
[56]
For dessert there is fresh pineapple chunks, apple
cinnamon sundae, and a practical sandwich-shaped apple pie.
[57]

Slovakia[edit]
In Slovakia, McDonald's offers the McSyr, a sandwich containing breaded fried cheese and tartar
sauce which emulates the Slovak dish vypran syr.
[58]
It is similar to the Czech McSmak. Also,
like in the United Kingdom, McDonald's restaurants in Slovakia serve donuts, which are named
McDonuts. McDonuts can be served with either vanilla or chocolate frosting.
Sweden[edit]
Swedish McDonald's occasionally, when there is a time-limited campaign, serve the El Maco and
offer gluten free buns without an extra cost. They also serve a vegan burger called the McBean.
[59]

Turkey[edit]
All McDonald's meat in Turkey are certified halal by Pinar, a Turkish company. Restaurants offer the
Turkish drink ayran and the McTurco, a type of kebab with chicken or beef.
[60]
Turkish locations also
serve onion rings, the Mega Mac (known as the Double Big Mac) and the Kofteburger, with a spiced
mincemeat patty.
[61]

United Kingdom and Ireland[edit]
British and Irish McDonald's serve the Chicken Legend, a chicken breast coated in seasoned batter
either spicy tomato salsa or mayonnaise.
[62]
In June 2011, Deli Choices, a line of sandwich rolls with
fillings, was released in the UK. Curry flavoured sauce is available for McNuggets in British and Irish
restaurants. From 2003 to 2005, menus included theQuorn Premiere, a vegetarian burger with sweet
chilli sauce, light Hellmann's mayonnaise, tomato, and lettuce in a focaccia bun.
Past promotional items have included the Apple Pie Sundae, Mozzarella Dippers, Cheese Melt
Dippers, the Summer Chorizo Supreme, BBQ Chicken Premiere with Bacon, Apple and Blackberry
Pie, and Festive Pie, with mincemeat and custard. A series of burgers intending to represent various
American locales has been released under the "Great Taste of America" name. These burgers have
represented New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Texas, Arizona, Miami, California, and New Orleans.
Not all of these burgers resemble their respective local cuisines.
[63]

North America[edit]
Canada[edit]
Main article: McDonald's Canada
French fries may be substituted with McDonald's version of poutine. Previously, McDonald's poutine
was available widely only in Francophone Canada (Quebec and parts of New Brunswick) and
available elsewhere on a more limited basis; however, in December 2013, McDonald's formally
announced the nationwide availability of poutine at all of its Canadian restaurants, due to popular
demand.
[64]
Quebec also saw the release of the limited-time 1967 Burger, commemorating Canada's
first McDonald's franchise. Deli Choices were introduced throughout Canada in 2006. Unique to
Canadian McDonald's locations is the McMini, miniature sandwiches with grilled or crispy chicken;
flavors includePesto Chicken (later replaced by Zesty Mango) and Spicy Thai.
[65]
As in the United
States, the McRib periodically appears on the menu for limited runs.
Seasonal items previously available in McDonald's in Canada include the McLobster, a lobster roll,
available in the Maritime Provinces, called McHomard in French.
[66]
Discontinued items in Canadian
McDonald's include pizzas, including a calzone-style "McPizza."
Costa Rica[edit]
Costa Rican McDonalds have McCafs. They serve the McNifica burger, similar to Burger
King's Whopper. Fry sauce is available as a condiment for French fries or steak fries, a French fry
substitute. Gallo pinto, a traditional seasoned rice and black bean dish, is available with scrambled
eggs and natilla (light sour cream).
[67]

Mexico[edit]
Mexican McDonald's locations do not serve fish. Special items at these locations have included the
Flaming Hot Doritos Quarter Pounder and the BBQ Double Burger. For breakfast, Mexican
McDonald's locations serve the McMollete, which is made on an English muffin spread with beans,
topped with a slice of melted cheese and pico de gallo.
[68]
Mexican locations also serve a version of
the McSkillet burrito known as the "McBurrito".
Puerto Rico[edit]
As in Mexico, Puerto Rican McDonald's do not serve fish and serve the McCriollo (with eggs and
cheese) for breakfast. Criollo is a Puerto Rican bread, like a baguette, but bigger and softer.
Basically, the McCriollo is a sandwich with ham, cheese, and egg on a Criollo roll.
[69]

United States[edit]
American McDonald's restaurants offer various types of shellfish dishes on a regional basis, such as
seasonal lobster rolls in New England and crab cakes in the Mid-Atlantic states. Parts of the Upper
Midwest sell Johnsonville Brats, a toasted hot dog bun with a Johnsonville bratwurst topped with
spicy mustard and onions. Other regional variations include the Texas Homestyle Burger, and
traditional Southern breakfast items, such as a country ham biscuit and biscuits and gravy.
Hawaii locations offer saimin on their regular menu,
[70]
and include Spam and Portuguese
sausage as breakfast meat options. Pineapple and taro pies, as regularly sold in some Asian
countries, have been occasionally offered on the regular menu, along with haupia pies; pineapple is
also sometimes available as a topping on burgers. In Waikiki locations, small trays of pineapple can
be ordered as a side dish. Except for saimin, Hawaiian and selected Asian specialty items can also
be found in McDonald's in the US territories ofGuam and the Northern Mariana Islands. During
Easter time, Hawaii, Guam and the CNMI all feature the Double Filet-O-Fish meal due to having a
heavy concentration of Catholics (mostly people who immigrated from the Philippines) in that region.
South America[edit]
Argentina[edit]
McNfica is served. McDonald's Argentina serves Big Tasty Angus Burguer, made with premium
Argentinean Angus Beef. Argentina is the only country besides Israel in which McDonald's has full
kosher locations.
[12]
These are the only places in the world where McDonald's burgers are
barbecued on charcoal rather than fried.
[71]

Brazil[edit]
In Brazil, McDonald's offers the Cheddar McMelt, a beef burger with creamy cheddar cheese and
grilled onions, flavored with soy sauce on a whole-wheat bun.
Banana-flavored pies are served in Brazilian McDonald's.
[72]

Chile[edit]
In Chile, cheese empanadas are sold at all McDonald's locations in Chile as side dishes. Also,
customers can add avocado paste to any sandwich, other than the McPalta (Chilean
Spanish for McAvocado),
[73]
whose basis is avocado paste along burger as current Cuarto
Palta (Avocado Quarter Pounder)
[74]
and McWrap Palta with Fuze Tea, sliced fried chicken with
lettuce, tomatoes and purple onion in a tortilla.
Celebrating the 200-year anniversary of the founding of Chilean republic, in 2010 McDonald's
offered Combo Bicentario,
[75]
a beef burger with pebre, a Chilean condiment made of coriander,
chopped onion, olive oil, garlic and ground spicy chili pepper, and merkn, a smoked chili pepper.
Recently, celebrating Chile's 2013 National Day on September, the fast food restaurant
served empanadas de pino
[76]
(stuffed with beef, olives, onions, raisins, and boiled eggs) as special
side dishes.
For breakfast, McDonald's serves croissants, also known in Chile as Medialuna and local versions
of two Chilean sandwiches: Barros Jarpa, whose basis is ham and molten cheese on bread,
and Lomo Palta,
[77]
a avocado paste along a slice pork.
Colombia[edit]
Colombian McDonald's restaurants serve the McCriollo breakfast combo, which includes a sausage
patty, two traditional Colombian arepas, scrambled eggs and sweetcorn, a hashbrown, coffee,
butter, and jam.
[78]

Ecuador[edit]
In Ecuador, McDonald's started selling cheese empanadas, burgers with cheese sausage or
guacamole, blackberry sundae and nuggets with spicy sausage in 2012 under the "Nuestros
sabores" campaign, aimed at providing a more local cuisine.
[79]

Peru[edit]
In Peru, McDonald's offers aj, a spicy sauce made from peppers, as a condiment.
[80]
Peruvian
locations also serve Pollo Crujiente ("crunchy chicken") and Inca Kola. Now, McDonalds offers
"Peruvian Foods" and blackberry Sundae.
Venezuela[edit]
In Venezuela, McDonalds offers arepas, empanadas and burritos for breakfast; these are traditional
breakfast foods. Venezuelan locations have also served fried yuca sticks.
[81]

Oceania[edit]
Australia[edit]
Previous products have included: Shaker Fries, similar to Japan's Shaka Shaka Chicken; the McOz,
a quarter-pound burger with lettuce, tomato, beetroot, cheese, mustard, ketchup, cooked onion
served on a sesame seed bun; a BLT; the McBeefsteak, promoted by country music singer Lee
Kernaghan;
[82]
the Big Kahuna Burger, served with pineapple; the Romano Burger, a chicken patty
with Italian sauce and mozzarella served on an herbed focaccia bun; the Tandoori Burger, a chicken
patty with lettuce and mint yogurt sauce served on flatbread; and a Chive Omelette Roll.
New Zealand[edit]


Kiwiburger
Many McDonald's menu items in New Zealand are similar to those in Australia. Some unique items
include the Kiwiburger, a beef patty with McMuffin egg, tomato, lettuce, cheese, onion, beetroot,
ketchup, and mustard.
[83]
In 2011, a special "Kiwi Menu" was featured to promote the country's
hosting of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
In April 2012, McDonald's re-released the El Maco, a variant of the product of the same name
offered in other markets, such as Scandinavia. El Maco had previously been sold in New Zealand in
the early 1990s.
[84]

In 1996, the New Zealand affiliate bought out failing local fast food chain Georgie Pie, which based
itself around Australian and New Zealand meat pies. Due to popular demand, McDonald's trialled a
partial relaunch of the Georgie Pie brand in May 2013 with one pie flavour (Steak Mince 'n' Cheese)
sold through eleven of its restaurants. In October 2013, the affiliate announced it would expand the
sale of Georgie Pie to 107 of its 161 restaurants by the end of 2013, and introduce two new flavours
in 2014.
[85]

See also[edit]



Versatilitatea McDonalds
Posted by Nastase Oana-Raluca on March 25th, 2010

Pentru un brand cu o personalitate bine conturat, o dovad de adaptabilitate i versatilitate reprezint totodat i o dovad de
inteligen. Dac brandul are o imagine bine ntiprit n mentalul colectiv, cu valori puternice i o filosofie uor de recunoscut,
atunci cu att mai mult este de apreciat o ncercare ndrznea de a sparge barierele.
S lum exemplul McDonalds, unul dintre cele mai mari branduri ale lumii, care are curajul s-i schimbe o parte important
din identitate pentru a fi adecvat n cadrul unui eveniment pe care-l sponsorizeaz. La prima vedere, asocierea dintre McDonalds
i Fashion Week 2010 pare exagerat, dar ea funcioneaz de ani buni deja. n 2010, McDonalds s-a hotrt s-i adapteze
imaginea n acord cu evenimentul, plin de stil i mod, pe care-l sponsorizeaz.
McFancy
Special pentru evenimentul Fashion Week 2010, McDonalds a creat un restaurant-concept, denumit McFancyi conceput n aa
fel nct s fie n stilul glamorous al evenimentului. n cadrul restaurantului exist separeuri private, iar mncrurile sunt servite
de chelneri mbrcai n smoching.

Produsele McFancy
Cu adevrat uimitor este faptul c McDonalds i-a adaptat packaging-ul produselor, realizndu-le n colaborare cu celebre case
de mod, prezente i ele la Fashion Week 2010. Poate c o s v surprind, dar cartofii Gucci i burger-ul Burberry nu sunt rodul
unei ficiuni, ci pur realitate o realitate care arat nu numai stil, elegan i sofisticare, ci i o putere incredibil de
adaptabilitate de care McDonalds d dovad ntr-o lume n care consumatorii ateapt din ce n ce mai mult de la brandurile
mari.
Iat cum arat produsele McDonalds care sunt servite n cadrul evenimentului Fashion Week, desfurat n mari capitale ale
modei, ca New York, Paris, Milano i Hong Kong.










David Zanoni, Startbuildingit.com (288 clicks)
Research analyst, value, growth at reasonable price
Profile| Send Message| Follow (868)
McDonald's: Cultural Adaptability To Bring
Continued Success
Sep. 9, 2012 9:08 AM ET | About: McDonald's Corporation (MCD)
Disclosure: I am long MCD. (More...)
The McDonald's (MCD) of the United States is much different than the McDonald's in Japan,
China, and India. The company has committed to understanding the preferred foods in specific
cultures. It has adapted the menu to include foods that are popular in specific countries. This has
allowed McDonald's to be successful in international market growth.
According to the company's 10-Q report for Q2 2012, McDonald's derives 67.6% of its business
from outside the U.S. The long-term effect of the falling value of the dollar is paramount for the
company to ensure its success outside the United States.
In China, McDonald's features an all chicken burger using thigh meat as opposed to the standard
breast meat. The thigh meat is preferred in China over breast meat. There is also a Chinese New
Year meal which includes the Grilled Chicken Burger, curly fries, and a horoscope of the 12
animals of Chinese astrology. China also has walk-up express windows known as McExpress
which sells drinks and ice cream. The company plans to add 225 to 250 new restaurants in China
in 2012 with a goal of reaching 2,000 restaurants by the end of 2013.
Japan features a Teriyaki burger, shrimp nuggets, shrimp burgers, green tea flavored milk
shakes, and more. The Japanese prefer to have their hot dogs served for breakfast with relish,
ketchup, and mustard. McDonald's opened new multi-floored restaurants in 2011 in Japan where
it features a caf atmosphere on the first floor and the traditional fast-food experience on the
second floor. The company plans to eventually expand this concept to over 300 restaurants.
page 1 / 2
|Next
McDonald around the world has achieved success by embracing globalization. It thinks globally and
acts locally. For instance its advertising campaign I'm Lovin' It has been advertised globally but the
characters and the background setting has been adapted in accordance with the local culture and
customs.
Similar is the case with its food offerings. It offers customers taste and appearance variations
according to their culture and religious customs. For instance to establish itself in India where Hindus
do not eat beef and Muslims do not eat pork, it has introduced Vegetable Mc Nuggets and a mutton-
based Maharaja Mac. These kinds of innovations are necessary to stay ahead of competition
.Furthermore Paneer Salsa and fish items such as Filet-O-Fish have been presented to the
consumers.

In Middle East it has adapted to the needs of the locals and introduced Mc Arabia which is a chicken
grilled sandwich served on a flatbread as Arabs prefer. For Islamic countries such as Pakistan,
Malaysia and Morocco it has obtained the certification for halal food and has advertised it on all its
menus so Muslims and religious groups dont make an issue out of it. Ramadan is a sacred month
for Muslims and therefore the Moroccan menu offers dates, milk and cookies.
In tropical countries it has added guava juice to its menu for consumers to beat the heat while it
offers beer to its consumers in France and Germany as the local culture is to drink and party. In
China, Mc Nuggets are offered with chili garlic sauce (very much liked by Chinese).In Israel
McDonalds had to change its menu to respect the regulations of the Jewish Halakhic law framework
and kosher restaurants which does not allow eating a mixture of meat and milk and thus McDonalds
separated the diary product (cheese) and meat from its Big Macs after several protests.
Last but not the least, in Singapore McDonalds launched Kaisu Burger based on the popular comic
strip character Mr. Kaisu and later launched Kampung Burger which was based on a cartoon
character, Kampung Boy. It had launched the Kampung Burger to denote the customary values
associated with village life. Besides that it also offered desserts and beverages such as mango and
durian milkshakes to appeal to local taste.
In short, McDonalds have adapted globally to customers taste buds and choices but the structure of
its menu has remain standard; it offers sandwich/burger, fries and soft drink (Coca Cola) as its main
course. The main course (burger) may have variations but its the thin long crispy fries which is a
signature/hallmark of this reputed brand.
MacDonald's in Hong Kong provides yet another example of a two way
cultural adaptation. Unlike in China where for the past fifty years it was
an independent country under Communist rule, Hong Kong was a British
colony only recently returned to China. While mainland Chinese culture
has been tied to Chinese tradition in various ways, Hong Kong was a colony
largely built by immigrants from mainland China who felt they lived on
borrowed time--only in the 1980s did a new generation of Hong Kongers
seriously treat it as their real home. Therefore MacDonald's reception in
China and Hong Kong was quite different in several ways. Today, the
biggest difference is while it is still treated as a novelty in China, in Hong
Kong it is greeted paradoxically as both a restaurant that met the Hong
Kong need for speed and efficiency and a shelter from the very rapid
speed of Hong Kong life and from the crammed living space. Here we
continue with the question of whether there is an alternative to the
dominance/subordination/resistance model, through the example of
MacDonald's in Hong Kong.
1. An overview of Hong Kong.
NYT coverage of Hong Kong
Map of Hong Kong
Hong Kong has a population of 6 million, with a land area 422 sq mi
(compare with Rhode Island, the smallest state of the U.S., which is 1,214
sq mi, with a population of 1 million). The region comprises Hong Kong
island, ceded by China in 1842 under the Treaty of Nanjing; Kowloon
(Mandarin Jiulong ) peninsula, ceded (with Stonecutters Island) in 1860
under the Beijing Convention; and the New Territories, a mountainous
mainland area adjoining Kowloon, which, with Deep Bay on the west and
Mirs Bay on the east and some 235 offshore islands, was leased from
China in 1898 for 99 years. China regained sovereignty of the colony on
July 1, 1997.
Living on borrowed time, the Hong Kongers made their name as the
fastest and most efficient workers in the world. With its strategic
location, it also developed into one of the world's largest entrepots and
financial centers in the second half of the 20th century.
2. From exotic to an integral part of Hong Kong culture.
The beginning of MacDonald's in Hong Kong faced the challenge of
establishing a niche in a place where people were famous for their taste
for gourmet food. The Cantonese, of whom the Hong Kongers are a part,
are famous for the best cooking in China. Strategies: to uphold the
exotic nature of M: reflected in its Chinese transliteration, and avoidance
of any familiar menu (e.g., rice, fruit, soup noodles).
Conditions that facilitated M: the international nature of Hong Kong and
its foods.
Hamburgers were translated as "bao," a term that means "snack" in
Chinese, that coincided with Hong Kongers' tendency to snack on almost a
daily basis in dim sum shops.
By the 1980s, MacDonald's had trained a generation of Hong Kong youth
who preferred to identify with the international culture represented by
foreign restaurants and not the culture of their parents. To them,
MacDonald's becomes their culture. M has become just a fast food chain
with value meals.
Q: do you call these young Hong Kongers a generation that lost
their Chinese culture, or do you think the more international
identity they try to adopt is natural and intrinsic to their identity?
Compare that to the American identity, and your experience of
eating Italian, Mexican, and Chinese foods.
3. MacDonald's alterations to Hong Kong culture:
Besides raising a generation of consumers of hamburgers and fries,
MacDonalds also altered Hong Kong culture in various ways:
It raised consumers' expectations of toilets.
Macdonald's also introduced public queuing and "civilized order."
Introduced children's birthday parties.
4. MacDonald's adaptation to Hong Kong perceptions and
practices
How to interpret a smile: in Russia it is a sign of provocation, in
Hong Kong its meaning is shady. Not even a public concept of
friendliness, instead, emphasis on competence and directness.
Also conceding to customers refusing to bus their own trays and
clean up (low esteem for this line of labor).
Not allowing self-service of napkins because of consumer pocketing:
lack of consumer discipline, partly because of the lack of consumer
education, and the refugee mentality of living on borrowed time,
something the younger generation finds appalling.
5. Conditions for MacDonald's success in Hong Kong:
Emergence of a middle class of consumers in the 1970s.
Changes in child rearing values and practices: Children as consumers
and commanding their parents' full attention: a change from the
1970s (traditionally, children were to be seen but not to be heard)
MacDonald's as comfortable unwinding space for children after
school: Hong Kong's housing (e.g. a three bedroom apartment can
easily cost U.S. $400,000-700,000).
6. The idea of cultural borrowing:
Q: Does borrowed culture have a lasting impact on the host
culture? Is it a central or a peripheral influence?
Many cultural borrowings in China in the modern era. Most Chinese
terms referring to modern academic disciplines and cultural constructs
were borrowed from Japan, where these terms were artificially coined
by word combinations from classical Chinese works.
Q: When does cultural borrowing not constitute a threat of
dominance to the host country? Does Hong Kong present a
"success story" of cultural borrowing?
Hong Kong as a great consumer of international popular culture and
producer of it too (fashion, that dominates China, kong fu movies, e.g.
Jackie Chan)

Cultural Differences: McDonalds in Japan
Posted on May 7, 2009 by Megan
When Ray Kroc established McDonalds in 1955 he founded the restaurant on the basis of providing customers
quality, service, cleanliness, and value. The McDonalds website still boasts these values as part of its core as well as
giving back to the communities in which they do business, celebrating achievements while striving to achieve new
heights, approaching all aspects of the business with honesty and integrity, and giving back to the system that
provides them their success. Along with the core values, McDonalds includes its guiding principles on the website a
commitment to exceeding customers expectations, belief in success from the three-legged stool (corporate,
franchisee partners, and supplier partners), a passion and responsibility for enhancing and protecting the McDonalds
brand, a belief in collaborative management approach, and a commitment to franchising and seizing every
opportunity to innovate and lead the industry. These values and principles make up the organizational culture of
McDonalds.
McDonalds is a prime example of Davis and Scotts corporate culture. Such organizations rely less on formalized
control systems than on the development of a set of common beliefs and norms that participants employ to orient and
govern their contributions. (Scott, 2007: 213) The culture of McDonalds is stable and well established. Hamburger
University, located in Oak Brook, Illinois, is a training center that is used in order to instill the principles of the
business to more than 5,000 employees each year. The university is used to develop the most committed individuals
in the industry.
Service with a smile, bright lights, fast food, predictability and cleanliness are all things that are associated with
McDonalds, not only by employees but with customers as well. It can be anticipated, no matter the location around
the globe, when a hamburger is ordered it will be delivered by a friendly associate and it will have the typical
McDonalds taste. Having such a strong organizational culture creates an environment in which employees know
what is expected of them and are eager to perform in such a way as to uphold the values of the company.
If any American were asked to sum up the organizational culture of McDonalds, they would respond with efficiency
and standardization. Americans eat McDonalds because the food comes fast and there is no skepticism over taste.
McDonalds restaurants are a sense of comfort when people travel abroad; there is no need to worry whether or not
the local cuisine will be suitable when there are McDonalds on every street corner. Surprisingly, these corporate
values were not the ones that created the most buzz in Asia. Easterners were not looking for a restaurant meal they
could eat in eleven minutes, the average time an American spends eating at McDonalds, nor were they looking for
an ordinary hamburger that tastes the same in Hong Kong and Beijing. Then, what was it that made the
organizational culture of McDonalds so adaptable to Asian culture or so powerful it was able to alter Asian culture to
agree with the organizations principles?
Before answering the question I wanted to first look at some general cultural differences that exist between
Americans and Asians. Harris (2002) includes a comparison of these cultural differences in a table in his
book Managing Cultural Difference. These divergent values Harris notes, shown in the table below, make it seem
nearly impossible for McDonalds to not only flourish in the East, but merely survive.

In 1971, Den Fujita opened the first McDonalds establishment in Japan. In order to understand what he was up
against I would like to examine the significance of obents in Japan. Obents are boxed lunches Japanese mothers
make for their nursery school children. Following Japanese code for food preparation, the lunches are intricately
arranged and have cultural order and meaning. The lunches are prepared daily by mothers and must be consumed
quickly and entirely by the child in the company of classmates. The message surrounding the obent is that the world
is constructed very precisely and the role of any Japanese citizen is to be carried out with similar precision. The lunch
represents many ideals of the Japanese state: women are responsible for sustaining a child through food and
providing support for the ideas of culture the food embeds; a childs duty is to education, which is made possible by
mothers who make their lunches; and men, who have no presence in the lunches, are identified by their place of
work and are accountable for supporting the family by monetary means. (Allison, 2008)

Obento Box Lunch
The Japanese ideals, exemplified through the obent, touch on almost all of the points Harris lists about Asian
culture. Allison continues on Japanese culture and says, To be Japanese is to eat Japanese food. Rice is so
symbolically central to Japanese culture that Japanese say they can never feel full until they have consumed their
rice at a particular meal or at least once during the day. (Allison, 2008:225) And yet, Fujita thought he had something
when he decided to open the first McDonalds in Japan.
Food preferences, in the past, were considered culturally oriented. With the globalization and success of franchises
abroad, McDonalds has proven that tastes can change. The corporate culture of the organization affected how the
organization coped with competition and changed. When the first franchise opened in Japan, the menu consisted
mostly of items similar to those in the United States. In effort to increase sales, McDonalds restaurants
experimented with different food items such as Chinese fried rice, curried rice with chicken, and fried egg burgers.
(Ohnuki-Tierney, 2007) The menu adjustments are examples of McDonalds playing to one of its guiding principles: a
commitment to exceeding customer expectations.
Consumer taste was not the only challenge McDonalds had to deal with in Japan. Commensality, eating together at
one table, is central to the Japanese. One of the most important roles of food is bringing people together and creating
a sense of community. Rice, which is delivered to the table in a common container and served to everyone at the
table, is the essence of a food that bonds families and creates social relationships. McDonalds hamburgers,
conversely, are meant to be eaten individually and cannot be shared. Not only does the food in McDonalds
restaurants fail to encompass the characteristic of commensality, but the physical arrangement of the restaurants in
Japan further de-emphasize this feature. The original franchise in Ginza, Japan had neither tables nor seats; there
were counters in which customers were expected to eat their meals on the go. As McDonalds expanded in Japan,
restaurants gradually included tables in the layout. Usually on the first floor of restaurants there is a small space for
ordering food and seating areas are on the second and third floors. Still, restaurants have more counters with stools
facing walls than they do tables with chairs.
The final obstacle the Japanese posed for the expansion of McDonalds was their perception of the food as snacks.
Any food that consists of bread is not deemed filling, and hamburgers have become a snack that is consumed
between meals. McDonalds diversion from commensality and its supply of non-traditional Japanese food coupled
with the consumers perception of the food as a snack has created an environment suitable for young people to come
and hang out.
In Japan, the national culture seems to have had a greater impact on the organizational culture than the reverse.
They have not conceded to the traditional tastes of American hamburgers, but instead prefer rice burgers, a slice of
meat between bun-shaped rice patties. Though it has become progressively more acceptable by the Japanese to eat
at McDonalds, it has not become a place where lunches or dinner by the masses is consumed. Den Fujita concedes:
McDonalds has gained ample recognition among Japanese consumers. However, our image is that of a light-meal
restaurant for young people. We are not regarded as a place for adults to have dinner. (Ohnuki-Tierney, 2007:164)

McDonalds Rice Burger
Erik GermanAugust 26, 2009 06:15Updated May 30, 2010 13:06
Morocco loving the McArabia
McDonald's is part of trend to localize recipes in international franchises.

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58



The McArabia Tagine, a cumin-spiced flatbread creation. (Erik German/GlobalPost)
RABAT, Morocco Walk into a McDonald's in Morocco and you'll find a sandwich you cant get
anywhere else in the world: a cumin-spiced flatbread creation called the McArabia Tagine.
The McArabia was launched across the Middle East in 2003, but this year the 23 McDonald's franchises
in Morocco further localized the recipe by tweaking the seasoning and sauce.
Honestly it tastes Moroccan, said Noor El Ghoumari, 34, a man who had just paid 53 dirhams, or about
$6.60, for a meal with one of the ground beef sandwiches in Rabat on a recent afternoon. This is a local
McDonalds and obviously they have to adapt.
McDonalds is far from the only fast-food giant to embrace an expanding trend of localization, nor is the
Arab world alone in inspiring new dishes. Dominos pizzas come topped with squid in Taiwan, black
beans in Guatemala and feta cheese in Greece. In China, Kentucky Fried Chicken sells rice congee,
while Col. Sanders in India woos vegetarians with offerings like the Chana Snacker, a chickpea burger
topped with Thousand Island sauce. Theyve all adopted this strategy, said Tom Miner, a principal
at Technomic, a Chicago-based international food industry consulting firm. Its accelerating because the
number of brands going international is accelerating. Now instead of two or three brands going global in
their menus, now youve got two or three dozen. Miner said his company has helped dozens of global
chains tailor their recipes to local tastes. He said the necessary flavor adjustments tend to follow a pattern
mapped out by a pair of Cornell University biologists in 1998.

After surveying more than 4,500 meat recipes from 36 countries, the scientists found that cultures in
hotter climates overwhelmingly favored recipes with higher concentrations of anti-microbial spices like
garlic, cumin and pepper. The biologists posited that developing a taste for spice gave people in hot
climates an evolutionary boost by making them less likely to eat contaminated food.
The culinary preferences are similar in concentric bands around and parallel to the equator, Miner
explained. When youre on the equator you need a different kind of spice to make those proteins last
longer in heat, a fact that hardwired the genetic food preferences.
Profiting from those preferences is now easier than ever, said Joseph Lampel, a professor of corporate
strategy at Cass Business School in London. Fast food kitchens and the methods used to supply them
have advanced to the point that a totally standardized menu is no longer a necessity, he said.
McDonalds can now afford to sell Shrimp Burgers in Hong King, lemon pepper Shaka Shaka Chicken
patties in Japan and chili-spiced SingaPorridge breakfast dishes in Singapore and in some ways it
cant afford not to.
Everybody is racing not only to be cheaper but to have more variety, Lampel said. Theyre
beginning to see it as an advantage and not a compromise.
The McArabia was launched across the Middle East just after the United States invasion of Iraq
a troubled time when both American policy and consumer brands sought footholds in a newly
hostile region.
For the Morrocan version, McDonald's scrapped the McArabia's garlic-based tahini sauce and
seasoned the meat with spices Moroccans use for stews made in traditional cone-lidded pots
called tagines. Elongated Quarter Pounder patties are first spiked with cumin, coriander and
other flavors. Then theyre fried, slathered with a piquant tomato sauce, sprinkled with bell
peppers and wrapped in soft, pita-style bread. McDonalds officials here said the effort has been
a success so far. Sixty percent of the countrys regular McDonalds customers have tried the
sandwich this year, according to a regional marketing and communication director, Abdellah
Bniaiche, who said harder sales figures werent available.
I don't really make a habit of going to McDonald's in Thailand. I know a lot of
tourists do. I usually stay away, partly because the price is a little expensive
and also because there is so much good Thai food here at a fraction of the
price. It is funny really, because back home McDonald's is somewhere you go
for a cheap meal when you go out. However, in Thailand it is almost the
opposite. As it costs more, it is prestigious to be seen in McDonalds! Actually,
KFC is a lot more popular here in Thailand compared to McDonalds. But still,
you will quite often see the place packed.
When I was backpacking across Asia, I made a note in my diary of the price of
a cheeseburger in every country that I visited. I thought it would be interesting
to compare. So, I did a bit of a McDonalds Tour of the World! From Pushkin
Square in Moscow and on to Beijing and finally Bangkok. That was back in the
early 1990's when there wasn't many around. But, now there are hundreds in
each country.
I know we get quite a few students visiting our blogs who are doing projects
on comparing cost of living and lifestyles between two different countries. So,
today I will give you a rundown of a menu at McDonalds so that you can
compare to your homecountry. However, the size of portions might vary. I
believe the Big Mac here is a lot bigger than the one in the UK for some
reason. Anyway, at present, US$1 is about 40 baht.

Cheeseburger (29 baht), hamburger (19 baht), Pork Burger (19 baht), Pepper
Chicken burger (19 baht), Big Mac (60 baht), Filet-O-Fish (48 baht),
McChicken (48 baht), Samurai Pork Burger (48 baht), Double Cheeseburger
(60 baht), Crispy McD 2pcs (63 baht), Spicy McD 2 (63 baht), McNugget 6
pieces (39 baht), McSalad Shaker (32 baht), McFries regular size (19 baht),
Coke small size (19 baht), McFloat (19 baht), Cone (9 baht), Pies (19
baht)and Sundae (19 baht).
If you are learning Thai, you might be interested in the conversations my
students wrote a year or so ago:
http://www.learningthai.com/mcdonalds.htm
You will find menus, conversations and a lot more!
Don't forget to visit the forums to discuss Thai food!


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Countries without
McDonald's
Published August 08, 2013
FoxNews.com
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Reuters
McDonald's Corp. is the world's largest restaurant chain, with 34,480 restaurants
in 119 countries.
The burger chain has famously gone where few fast-food chains have gone
before as a symbolfor better or worse of capitalism. Now a whole new global
generation of burger-chomping people are growing up with the chains food in
their diet. Even Vietnam is soon to have its very own provider of the Big Mac.
But there are still many countries that do not host even a single McDonald's
restaurant. While this isnt an exhaustive list, it shows it doesnt always boil down
to dollars and cents.
Heres a look at some:
1. North Korea
Despite the penchant of the now-deceased Dear Leader and his son for Western
things, McDonalds effectively cant do business in North Korea that is unless
they want to be sanction busters. But Kim Jong-il looks as though he may have
gotten one last taste of a McDonalds burger before he passed away, when
officials of the regime made headlines for using the state airline to deliver
burgers to their homes. But I bet the starving citizens would have loved to get a
bite of a Big Mac.
2. Bolivia
McDonald's restaurants operated in Bolivia for 14 years, but they shut down
following a fairly unorganized political movement to prevent the company from
turning a profit. The Bolivian President Evo Morales stepped up pressure on the
fast food chain, citing the companys desire for global dominance. They are not
interested in the health of human beings, only in their earnings and corporate
profits, said Morales.
3. Ghana
McDonalds was reportedly considering opening up branches in Ghana by
early 2011. But plans were put on hold when it appeared that the citizens of the
African nation wouldnt have enough income to become regular customers.
4. Macedonia
Until May, McDonald's operated seven fast food restaurants in Macedonia for
about 16 years. But a dispute between McDonalds European head office and
Macedonian company that runs the franchises has apparently led to the
termination of their agreement. No telling is McDonalds has plans to continue
operating in Macedonia.
5. Bermuda
In 1999, construction of the first McDonalds stopped due to protest and the
subsequent passage of a government law that bans franchised restaurants in the
country. During the fight to pass the law, one person spearheading the drive
against McDonald's wrote in the local press: "It is not Bermudian. McDonald's
cheapens wherever it goes."
6. Zimbabwe
In 2010, there was talk about opening up the first-ever chain in the country that is
led by President Robert Mugabe one of Africas longest-serving
dictators. McDonalds says its still looking for the right company to run its
franchise someone of high integrity, and business experience. Thats good,
because the country is enjoying a rebound in its economy from its illegal trade in
blood diamondsamong other things.
7. Iceland
McDonalds closed in Iceland due to the collapse of the Icelandic krona in 2009.
Citing prohibitive costs of importing foreign food products as required by
McDonald's, Jon Gardar Ogmundsson, who owned one of three McDonald's
restaurants in the country, said he was forced to shut his doors.
McDonalds Closed All Its Restaurants In Bolivia As The
Nation Rejected Fast Food
by JacobSloan on November 25, 2013 in News
Earlier this year Fox News Latino notes that McDonalds
closed all of its restaurants in Bolivia after years of failing dismally to attract a customer base:
Its hard to go anywhere in the world without seeing those Golden Arches, beckoning hungry
patrons to chow down on a Big Mac or some Chicken Nuggets. But [in] Bolivia the last McDonalds
restaurant closed its doors in 2002 and, since then, the Andean nation has been fiercely independent
about what fast food it serves its citizens.
Bolivia has become the first Latin American country to not have a McDonalds (Cuba, which has one
on the American-controlled Guantanamo Bay, doesnt count). Bolivians love hamburgers, but they
prefer to buy them from the thousands of indigenous women selling on the streets than from a
global company.
When Bolivia rewrote its constitution in 2008, the country made sure to take steps to protect its food
sovereignty, or local control, from foreign interest. Not only were 12 articles added to the
constitution regarding local control over food, but in the following five years, Bolivia also added two
laws in resistance to industrial agriculture and an economy too heavily weighted toward commodity
crops.
Morales, for his part, has railed publicly against U.S. fast food chains and their control over the
global market, going as far as taking his complaints to the United Nations General Assembly. They
seek profit and to merely standardize food, produced on a massive scale, according to the same
formula and with ingredients which cause cancers and other diseases, he told the UN General
Assembly about American fast foods.
The end of McDonalds reign in Bolivia puts the Andean nation on a select list of countries without
the Golden Arches, which includes North Korea, Libya, Vietnam, Kazakhstan and Vatican City.
- See more at: http://disinfo.com/2013/11/mcdonalds-closed-restaurants-bolivia-nation-rejected-fast-
food/#sthash.cgz6Qx9w.dpuf