The internet’s favorite listicle, with the part the listicles skip: whether the items still exist. We checked every one against current menus in September 2026. Still real: India’s McAloo Tikki (₹79), Japan’s Teriyaki McBurger (¥400), Korea’s Bulgogi Burger (now ₩2,500 on the value menu), Canada’s poutine, the Philippines’ McSpaghetti, Germany’s permanent McRib, France’s McCafé macarons, Indonesia’s rice plates and Hong Kong’s breakfast noodle soup. Plus the newest entry: Australia’s world-first Birdie’s Brekkie Meal.
“Weird international McDonald’s items” articles are a genre, and most of them were written years ago about menus that moved on. This page is the checked version: every item below was verified against the chain’s own country menu or newsroom this month, with local prices where published. When something here disappears, this page will say so.
The verified board
| Country | Item | Status, September 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| India | McAloo Tikki | Current; the spiced-potato patty remains the cheapest burger on the menu at ₹79 (about US$0.95) |
| Japan | Teriyaki McBurger | Current and permanent at ¥400; running since 1991 |
| South Korea | Bulgogi Burger | Current; joined the value menu in August 2026 at ₩2,500 (about US$1.85) as Korean lunch prices climbed |
| Canada | Poutine | Current nationally, and Quebec/Atlantic stores tested a Breakfast Poutine in 2026 |
| Philippines | McSpaghetti | Current core-menu item, ₱75-105 solo; sweet-style sauce with hot dog slices |
| Germany | McRib | Current and permanent, unlike the US’s seasonal cameo; Germany never lets it leave |
| France | McCafé macarons | Current; supplied by a French bakery house at McCafé counters, alongside on-site-baked pastries |
| Indonesia | Rice menu | Current: Nasi Uduk coconut rice, fried-chicken-and-rice sets and chicken porridge |
| Hong Kong | Twisty Pasta breakfast | Current: macaroni in chicken or tonkotsu-style broth with egg and sausage or ham, at breakfast |
| Australia | Birdie’s Brekkie Meal | New, August 2026: the first meal fronted by the Birdie mascot anywhere, with pink Birdie sauce and a Strawberry Shortcake Frappé |
What the table teaches
The pattern behind the novelty: McDonald’s plays completely different roles by country. In India the menu is majority vegetarian and the McAloo Tikki is a value staple, not a stunt. In Japan the exclusives are permanent institutions older than most of the people ordering them (the full Japan menu gets its own page, especially in Tsukimi season). Korea’s bulgogi burger moving to the value menu is a cost-of-living story. And Hong Kong’s breakfast noodle soup exists because congee-and-noodle breakfasts are the local default, and a menu that ignored that would empty by 10am.
The other lesson is churn: half the items in classic listicles (various McCurry pans, seasonal shrimp burgers, the Netherlands’ McKroket’s various vacations) rotate on and off menus, which is why this page carries a date and gets re-checked. If you’re planning an eating itinerary around a specific item, check the country menu the week you fly; if it’s gone, its replacement is usually more interesting anyway.
The closest thing to a shortcut: McDonald’s Canada’s World Menu Heist, which returned in 2026, imports a rotating cast of international items for a limited run, and remains the only way to eat this page in one country.
FAQ
What is the most famous international McDonald’s item?
Japan’s Teriyaki McBurger and India’s McAloo Tikki lead on fame and longevity; Korea’s Bulgogi Burger and the Philippines’ McSpaghetti complete the canon. All four are current as of this check.
Does McDonald’s serve rice?
In several Asian markets, yes: Indonesia’s menu runs coconut-rice and chicken-rice plates and porridge, and the Philippines pairs fried chicken with rice as standard. No US rice items exist.
Is the McRib permanent anywhere?
Germany, where it has run continuously for decades as a standard menu item, while the US treats it as a seasonal event. German McDonald’s also lists it on its permanent online menu.
Can you get international McDonald’s items in the US?
Rarely and briefly, via promotions; the recurring exception is Canada’s World Menu Heist program, which imports a rotating international lineup. Otherwise the menu travels only as far as its home market.
Keep planning
- McDonald'sMcDonald's Japan Right Now: Tsukimi Season and the Permanent Exclusives
McDonald's Japan's current menu — the full 2026 Tsukimi moon-viewing lineup with prices and end dates, plus the permanent Japan-only items: Teriyaki McBurger, Ebi Filet-O, Samurai Mac. Checked September 9, 2026.
- What's New WorldwideWhat's New on the World's Menus: September 2026
September 2026's new menu items worldwide — Japan's Tsukimi season and sweet potato Starbucks drinks, the US fall menus, Korea's gochujang butter burgers and more. Updated through the month.
- StarbucksStarbucks Japan Right Now: The Sweet Potato Drinks and What Else Is Exclusive
What's on Starbucks Japan's menu right now — the Beniharuka sweet potato Frappuccino and mousse tea latte with prices, the autumn chilled cups, and the Japan-only regulars. Checked September 9, 2026.
- JollibeeJollibee, Explained: The Menu, the Hype and Where It's Opening Next
What Jollibee is, what to order first (Chickenjoy, Jolly Spaghetti, Peach Mango Pie), current US prices, and the expansion map — 109 North American stores heading for 500 by 2030.
- KFCKFC at Christmas in Japan: How the Ritual Works and How to Get a Barrel
Why Japan eats KFC for Christmas, how the reservation system works, what the Party Barrel costs, and the 2026 timeline — announcement expected late October, reservations from early November.
Prices, schedules and closures change. If you spot something stale, email us and we’ll check it.