8 International Fast Food Restaurants You Have To Try

While some people travel purely to taste international versions of American fast food, a lot of travelers also want to eat foods that are more native to the country they're visiting. Sure, it's fun to eat McDonald's in Japan or see what European Burger King has to offer, but other countries have their own fast food chains.

When we think of American fast food, we think of mega chains with thousands of locations. This concept is still fairly new to other countries, but it is catching on!

We all can't dine inside of fine restaurants throughout the whole vacation, so fast food is eventually going to be the meal of choice. But it doesn't have to be McDonalds! Here are eight of the top fast food chains across the globe. If you're ever in any of these countries, they're definitely worth a shot.

8. Giraffas

Where can I find it? Brazil

Giraffas has risen in popularity since opening in 1981. Following older Brazilian traditions about not eating with your hands, this fast food restaurant offers open plates that are meant to be enjoyed with utensils. And unlike other fast food spots, Giraffas allows you to pick up your food at the counter to eat inside the location, not necessarily to take it on the go. The model seems to be working as there are now almost 400 Giraffas locations across Brazil.

7. Teremok

Where can I find it? Russia

Teremok (or Tepemok) was founded in 1998 and has grown to include over 100 locations and 80 street kiosks. This blini spot offers traditional triangular stuffed pancakes, as well as soups, salads, and porridges. Mostly in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Teremok is a staple for those traveling to Russia. You can even pair your blini with a low-alcohol malt beverage, or a honey beer.

6. Nordsee

Where can I find it? Germany

Catering to the German standard of healthy, sustainable food, Nordsee brings its customer base a selection of fish and vegetables. A typical plate at Nordsee provides steamed, fried, or grilled fish with your choice of sides, and the affordability of the chain has appealed to Europe as a whole. There are now more than 400 Nordsee locations across Europe and has risen to become the continent's largest seafood specialty.

5. Toast Box

Where can I find it? Singapore

Toast Box wasn't founded until 2005, but the chain quickly gained popularity and now has over 40 locations across South Asia and the Pacific - including Hong Kong and the Philippines. This breakfast and lunch quick-service spot offers service similar to an American coffee stand complete with small plates, drinks, and sandwiches. Toast Box employees also stand out among street vendors with snazzy blue and white striped uniforms.

4. Mr. Lee

Where can I find it? China

In this "East meets West" chain, Mr. Lee offers quick service soups with a variety of different spices, sauces, and meats. Founded in 1987 by Li Beiqi, this chain has exploded in popularity and Chinese patrons love the quick-service at over 400 locations. Beiqi went on to open Beef Noodle King in California, which is probably the closest you can get to Mr. Lee without going all the way to China. He even went on to receive the Colonel Sanders treatment, as Beiqi's face is now the chain's logo.

3. Steers

Where can I find it? South Africa

When South Africans first saw the Big Mac in 1995, they laughed at how small it looked in comparison to Steers. While McDonald's offers just three ounces of beef, a Big Steer Burger offers seven ounces of beef. This beloved South African burger chain has maintained its dominance on the country despite American chains moving into the country. With almost 500 locations, Steers offers the meats in ways that Americans can only imagine.

2. Albaik

Where can I find it? Saudi Arabia

Albaik was founded in 1974 and has risen to become one of the most beloved fast food chains in the entire Middle Eastern region of the globe. Its claim to fame is fried chicken, and the restaurant chain has grown to over 70 locations. It's not uncommon to see travelers on Emirates or Qatar Airways walking with Albaik food containers. The only catch, per Arabian customs, is only men are allowed to work behind the counters.

1. Kaati Zone

Where can I find it? India

While street food is a staple in India, some fast food chains have managed to break through the mold and become beloved among Indian citizens. On of the first to successfully compete with the street food market is Kaati Zone. Born in 2004, Kaati Zone's specialty of kaati rolls consists of a fried flatbread stuffed with meat or veggies and served with various sides and spices. This chain exists mostly in the city of Bangalore, but the word is catching on quick!