As necessary as it is to try foreign delicacies when traveling to Europe, I think it's also fun to see what the fast food scene is like worldwide. Starting this trip, I said that trying European  McDonald’s restaurants was a stupid idea and a waste of money— and let me tell you I would’ve been pretty disappointed to see that I caved. 

This week I was with the Brits in London. I, of course, had my share of traditional fish and chips, but I also had myself an authentic plate of Nando’s. Nando’s is a fast food chain, albeit on the fancier side, that is pretty popular in London. It was delicious. It’s not something that I could taste in the United States, making it special, despite it being quick and cheap.

Now, I’m not one to pass up a trip through those golden arches here just because it’s a chain we have at home. The menu is entirely different, basically making it an entirely new restaurant that I needed to try. It did not disappoint. You think you enjoy a McFlurry now…yeah right, you don’t have a clue. The flurries are top-notch, like nothing I’ve ever had before. Thick, creamy, vanilla ice cream. Thick, hot fudge poured inside the flurry AND on top. Unheard of varieties of toppings. How much better does it get— a lot better. The sauce options are special too. The classic fry sauce is like a tartar sauce…but for fries. YUM! They don’t have barbeque…but beggars can’t be choosers. 

The list continues: Five Guys in Paris, Taco Bell in London, and Subway in Amsterdam. I’ve spent my valuable time and money at these fine dining establishments and I don’t regret it a bit. I came here looking to immerse myself in the culture of all the different places I visit. Who is to say that fast food isn’t a part of the culture as much, if not more, than actual sit-down restaurants?

As much as you want to hate it, fast food is everywhere, and what I’ve noticed is that different menus represent the different countries and what people want to eat there. Even though McDonald’s doesn’t have its version of a national delicacy doesn’t mean that its unique food doesn’t teach a foreigner a little bit about the city they’re in. I personally think that visiting fast food chains around the world is the BEST way to immerse yourself in new places. 

I’m kidding (kinda). 

It's fun to go to real restaurants and try authentic food from different countries, but I’m not going to be that guy that shits on fast food anymore. I eat it at home, like most of my friends, and would say a vital part of New Jersey culture is a Wawa. I would send a tourist there if it was their first time in my hometown, so I’m taking that mindset into Europe. Stepping into the shoes of a lazy European student on the go; what better place to do that than by quickly shoveling french fries in my mouth as I walk down the street?

Hope you’re not too hungry now.

Love, 

Isabella

Photograph: Pinterest