Not Made in America: 16 International Fast-Food Chains
Max Hamburgers, Sweden and Norway
If you wanted to visit a Swedish restaurant chain dedicated to burgers in 1968, you had to go to Max Hamburgers. Curt Bergfors and Britta Andersson opened their first restaurant in Gâllivare, in the northern part of Sweden, that year. The soaring popularity led to more restaurants. Today the company is still family-owned. Max Hamburgers is quite a success story in Sweden, where it's the most profitable restaurant chain, outperforming even McDonald's and Burger King. A franchised location in Norway opened in May 2011.
Hoka Hoka Bento, Indonesia
Craving Japanese food in Indonesia? Head to Hoka Hoka Bento. Based in Jakarta, this chain is also in Java and Bali. As you might guess, the bento box is a staple on the menu, including the bento special (pictured).
Chicken Licken, South Africa and Botswana
Chicken Licken started small — just one location in 1981 — but now it's a star player in the fast food world. The chain reports that it's the biggest non-American fried chicken franchise in the world. The menu, which entirely meets Halaal standards, includes wings, burgers, and "slyders." They recommend trying the Soulfire Chicken.
MOS Burger, Japan
When a restaurant chain's motto is "making people happy through food," you expect it will develop a loyal customer base. That's certainly the case for MOS Burger, which makes burgers by the order. One of the chain's staples in the MOS Rice Burger, which has a bun made out of rice mixed with barley and millet. MOS Burger first crafted a rice bun in 1987, when it served the Tsukune Rice Burger. Although that particular menu item is no longer available, the rice bun is still an ingredient that's unique to MOS in Japan.
Brioche Dorée, France
The creators of Brioche Dorée wanted to combine the superior taste of French cuisine with the convenience of fast-casual dining. The eatery now serves more than 200,000 customers every day. Diners come for the fresh bread, toasted sandwiches, and more.
Noodle Box, Australia
Australia's Noodle Box chain stir fries more than 2 million pounds of noodles per year. The relatively young chain was founded by Josh James and David Milne in 1996. Today 78 Noodle Box stores serve boxes of Asian-inspired cuisine.
Steers, South Africa
If you're in South Africa and you need a juicy, grilled burger in a jiffy, you will probably head to Steers. The chain has 480 locations in South Africa and 16 other African countries. Steers claims that it's received honors for best burger from Leisure Options in South Africa 15 years running.
Wimpy, UK and South Africa
The food at Wimpy's is anything but, well, wimpy. The name of the chain was inspired by the character J. Wellington Wimpy from "Popeye." While Wimpy began as a special fast-food section in Lyons Corner House restaurants in the 1950s, it turned into its own burger-making establishment later. Today Wimpy is a well-known brand in the UK and South Africa. Some sample burgers include the Bender in a Bun with Cheese (all pork bender served with cheese, tomato, onions, and ketchup), the Wimpy Spicy Bean Burger (canellini and red kidney beans with vegetables, spices, tomatoe, cheese, and ketchup), and the Double Mushroom Sauce Burger.
Toast Box, Singapore
Started as a single food stall in Singapore in 2005, the Toast Box brand has spread across Singapore and into Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and China. As stated on the restaurant's website, "Toast Box is a reflection of the coffee shops from the 60s and 70s, where the common practice for breakfast was a fragrant cup of Nanyang Coffee accompanied by freshly toasted bread." Some of the menu items that stand out: Peanut Butter Thick Toast, Laksa, Curry Chicken, and Ice Cream Thick Toast.
Kaati Zone, India
The Kati roll may have been born as a street food, but Kaati Zone is one of India's fast-food establishments that brought it indoors. The eatery offers a wide variety of the rolls that inspired its name, including six with vegetarian fillings and five non-vegetarian options. You can also opt to buy a "cheeseria" or "paratha meal."
Supermac's, Ireland
Supermac's made its first appearance in Galway, Ireland, in 1978. Today's it's a recognizble chain that claims it pioneered two Irish delicacies: curry chips and the snack box. Supermac's menu includes burgers, chicken, cod, fries, and Irish dairy ice cream.
Nordsee, Europe, Russia, and Dubai
Diners looking for a quick seafood meal often turn to Nordsee, which has more than 410 locations in Europe, Russia, and Dubai in three forms: seafood buffets, restaurants, and snack shops. Nordsee's menu includes fish entrées and even sushi.
Hesburger, Finland, Baltics, Russia, and Germany
Hesburger is Finland's largest food chain, with 240 locations. The chain also has 80 locations in the Baltic countries, four in Russia, and three in Germany. The menu contains typical fast-food fare: burgers, fries, salads, ice cream, and milkshakes.
Cook Door, Egypt
Cook Door first opened in Safir Heliopolis in 1988 as a family-owned business. By 2008, as part of the International Company for Food Industries, it had 37 locations in five countries. The menu pays homage to the sub (known in parts of the world as a grinder or hoagie as well). One standout item is the Bikini, small pieces of grilled sausage with spicy grilled veggies and BBQ sauce.
Chicken Cottage, UK
Chicken Cottage was born in 1994 when the first restaurant opened in Wembley, North London. Now diners can enjoy the fast-food chain's chicken-centered offerings across the UK. The menu includes burgers, wraps, grilled chicken, and BBQ.
Bembos, Peru
The food at Bembos has a distinctly Peruvian flavor. Spices liven up the chain's meat offerings. Have a taste of the hot chips or yuquitas on the side. Today Bembos is holding its own against competition from international chains.
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