All About ‘Flavors From Abroad’

Have you ever ogled the ultra exclusive McDonald’s items exclusive to foreign countries you see all over Instagram, knowing that you might never get to try them? Yep, me too. Those of us foodies in Miami are lucky though. For the first time ever, McDonald’s has made a selection of their international items available in the U.S, and South Florida is the first area in the U.S to get to try them. 

Flavors from Abroad introduced four items to the typical McDonalds menu: the Grand McExtreme Bacon Burger from Spain, the BBQ McShaker Fries from Malaysia, the McSpicy Chicken Sandwich from Hong Kong, and the Stroopwafel McFlurry from the Netherlands.

Now, I’m not the biggest McDonald’s fan — I don’t think I go more than five times in a whole year. But I couldn’t help but be intrigued by these international items and visited about six McDonald’s over the course of the past month to try and find them. Unfortunately, they’re not available at all locations in Miami, but my empirical research has shown they are available at the McDonald’s across from the Engineering Campus at 10530 W Flagler St. Here’s a review on what’s hot or not when it comes to Flavors from Abroad.

1. Grand McExtreme Bacon Burger (Spain)

While at first glance, these burgers aren’t anything special, there’s certainly more than meets the eye. They offer a more deluxe version of what your typical McDonald’s fare, while also maintaining that “I am eating this because my options are very limited” kind of vibe. Still, this burger is indulgent in all the right ways, and definitely gets two thumbs up from me.

Delanie’s rating: 8.5/10

2) McSpicy Chicken Sandwich (Hong Kong)

If you’ve ever ordered a McChicken and thought to yourself: this is great, but I need it spicier — I have just the sandwich for you. The McSpicy chicken sandwich offers a new kick for fans of the McChicken. It’s spicy without being overpowering, and the perfect guilty pleasure after a night out.

Delanie’s rating: 9/10

3) BBQ McShaker Fries (Malaysia)

I was really excited to try these out — these fries are sent to you with a paper bag and a flavor packet. You place the fries and the seasoning into a paper bag and, as the name suggests, shake it. For fans of BBQ, these fries will be a winner. I am not a fan of BBQ.

Delanie’s rating: 6/10

4) Stroopwafel McFlurry (The Netherlands)

OK, guys. This was it. These were the entire reason I embarked on this journey in the first place. Those five times a year I mentioned earlier I go to McDonald’s? Yeah, they’re all made with the sole purpose of getting an Oreo McFlurry. So, a McFlurry with caramel and waffle cone? I was all in. I am overjoyed to report these McFlurries did NOT disappoint. If you like caramel, ice cream, or anything remotely pure and great in this world, these are for you.

Delanie’s rating: 5,000/10

All in all, if you’re ever looking for a unique experience from somewhere as commodified and routine as McDonald’s, now is the time. These temporary international items are fun, and taste even better coupled with the fact that they’re exclusive to us. If you need me, I’ll be on my way to get my Stroopwafel McFlurry before they take them away from me.