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McDonald's has become a global phenomenon by adapting its menu to local tastes and preferences around the world
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This tastebud localization strategy has led to a wide array of unique and sometimes shocking menu items
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that are very different from the stuff you'd find at a Mickey D's in America
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Today, we're perusing the menu for the best McDonald's food you can't get in America
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McDonald's began localizing its menus in the 1970s. As it expanded internationally, the practice started with the introduction of the Filet-O-Fish
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sandwich in 1965, created by a franchisee in Cincinnati to cater to the predominantly
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Roman Catholic community, who avoided eating red meat on Fridays during the 40 days of
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Lent, right before the Easter holiday. McDonald's Japan has been a significant player in the country's fast food industry since
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its establishment in 1971, when the first McDonald's outlet opened in Ginza, Tokyo
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Shaka Shaka Chicken is a unique menu item offered by McDonald's in Japan
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It's a hands-on dining experience that combines a fried chicken patty with customizable seasoning
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Here's what makes it special. The chicken is served in a paper pouch with a packet of powdered
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seasoning. Customers add the seasoning to the pouch containing the chicken patty. Then they
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vigorously shake the pouch to coat the chicken with the seasoning. Hence the name Shaka Shaka
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Across the sea of Japan McDonald has done a great job adapting to India unique tastes and cultural preferences They set up separate kitchens and utensils for vegetarian and non food
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making it easier for strict vegetarians to dine there. Since beef and pork are off limits for religious reasons, you won't find them on the menu
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Plus, they've embraced India's love for bold, spicy flavors, adding a local twist to their offerings
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Mikalu Tikki Burger is one of McDonald's most popular and iconic menu items in India
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It was created specifically for the Indian market, where vegetarian options are in high demand
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Over in Europe, McDonald's established its presence in Spain on March 10, 1981
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with the inauguration of its first restaurant on Madrid's Gran Villa. Since then, the brand has expanded significantly across the country
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offering both global favorites and items tailored to local tastes. McDonald's Spain embraces local dining traditions like offering tostadas with olive oil and tomato
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a staple of Spanish breakfasts. The restaurant's layouts are designed to be more spacious
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catering to family gatherings and social events. Okay, but what if you can't make it to Chicago
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and you don't want to buy an international round-trip flight? Will you ever get the opportunity to taste the McDonald's bounty from faraway lands
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Yes! Sort of. Occasionally, McDonald's introduces popular international items to U.S. menus for a limited time
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The worldwide favorites menu promotion brought the Netherlands Stroopwafel McFlurry, Australia's cheesy bacon fries, and Spain's Grand McStream Bacon Burger to restaurants across the U.S
