15 American Restaurants You Can Find Abroad
Chain restaurants have been venturing into international markets for decades. While the branding and menus look familiar, there are usually some distinct differences from country to country. Here are 15 overseas eateries with U.S. roots but chameleon flavors!
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut stuffs its crust with all sorts of things, including bacon, hot dogs, and pepperoni.
If you’re an adventurous eater/world traveler, you can sample Chee-Zee Marmite crust in New Zealand, Fish Roe and Cream Cheese crust in Japan, or Tangy Sauce squirting crust in Malaysia.
Dunkin' Donuts
If you like a little savory with your sweet, Dunkin’ Donuts in Indonesia features Cheese Topping and Black Cheese Topping donuts.
These shaggy creations are glazed or chocolate iced and generously topped with shredded cheese.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
When you’re in Indonesia, consider a local taste at the familiar Krispy Kreme.
You’ll find everything you’re used to, plus a Green Tea Cake option.
Pizza Inn
Pizza Inn expanded into the international market in the 1970s. It now has a strong presence in the Middle East.
With items like Chicken Tandouri pizza, menus from Bahrain and Saudia Arabia include traditional and local ingredients.
Hardee's
Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim country, so restaurants must adhere to religious mandates regarding food preparation and selection.
Hardee’s is still a crowd favorite, but doesn’t serve bacon or other pork. Plus, all of the meat is certified halal.
KFC
KFC started in Kentucky, but it enjoys an international presence today. Around the world, you can find local flavors among the chain’s traditional offerings.
In Thailand, for example, you can order a Green Curry Chicken Rice Bowl or try a creamy Egg Tart for dessert.
Subway
In Japan, Subway has all the foods it’s famous for and then some.
The next time you’re in Tokyo, try one of the 12 items you can only find in Japan. The Sausage Roll, Cold Smoked Raw Ham and Mascarpone, Basil Oven Potatoes, and Coffee Float are just a few creations.
McDonald's
McDonald’s locations in India don’t serve beef or pork due to religious beliefs. If you’re craving a Big Mac, try the McVeggie or McAloo Tiki.
Sink your teeth into a sesame seed bun and a patty made from potatoes, carrots, peas, onions, peppers, and spices.
Burger King
A fall favorite, pumpkin can be found in everything from lattes to ice cream. Burger King has taken this craze to a new level in Japan with its BK Pumpkin Burger.
Sandwiched between a pumpkin-shaped bun, you’ll find flame-grilled beef, bacon, lettuce, tomato, creamy nut sauce, and two slices of kabocha (a Japanese gourd).
Starbucks
Summer in Peru brings local fruit flavors to the Starbucks menu. If you find yourself in this South American country in el verano, check out the cool and refreshing Lúcuma Crème Frappuccino.
Called “Gold of the Incas” and similar to mango, the tropical lúcuma is a Peruvian favorite.
Wendy's
Lobster and caviar on a burger? When you’re surrounded by water, anything goes!
Wendy’s in Japan transcends the Baconator, turning fancy food into everyday offerings with its premium line.
Taco Bell
The Kimchi Quesadilla at Taco Bell in South Korea has familiar quesadilla flavors—chicken and cheese—along with kimchi (fermented cabbage).
Kimchi is an excellent source of probiotics, making this fast-food indulgence a little healthier.
Shake Shack
Originating as a hot dog stand in New York City’s Madison Square Park, Shake Shack has a large international presence today. In the U.S. and abroad, each menu has frozen custard concoctions that represent the local culture.
Baklava in Istanbul, brownie and brown-sugar biscuit in London, and honey-almond cake in Dubai are just a few examples.
Denny's
This self-proclaimed America’s Diner looks the same around the world, but open the menu and you’ll know you’re not in Kansas anymore.
At Denny’s in New Zealand, you can order Bangers & Mash and a steak and eggs dish called Kiwi Slam.
Domino's Pizza
The Domino’s Pizza chain has more than 1,000 locations in India, and the menu has plenty of vegetarian and chicken pies.
Toppings like golden corn kernels, baby corn, and paneer set the Indian franchise apart from its American roots.
