Why? Because one time we were driving through Normandy on our way back from Mont St-Michel and just didn't feel like stopping for a real lunch. So we hit a McDo's near the gas station we also needed and had what turned out to be a pretty good meal.

"Please stay AWAY from that Burger King at Schiphol...it does NOT "taste like home" in any way, shape, or form."

Hmmm. Now I'm confused. That sounds like a good thing to me.

Do they have "Royale with cheese"? ;)

The cool thing is that you can get beer at the McDonalds in Europe...

Much to my great and everlasting shame, the first meal we had in Hong Kong was at MacDonalds. We had been in China for almost a month, and were just plain hungry for something American tasting, despite the fact that most of what we ate in China was delicious.

When I think of McDonalds, I think of 2 things:
1- my first meal in London, which was my first meal in Europe. My dad wanted to eat too late, thus, Filet O Fish for me.
2- Florence. Milkshake fraggio for my mom every day (but only after she loaded up on gelato). It was the only thing she felt like having the entire time. :D

I've seen the whole complement of American fast food places in Asia, which cracks me up. I've yet to make it over to the McDonald's near my other home in Taiwan as there's just so much good stuff to eat!

>> What's the point of going to Paris or London and eating Indian food?

Perhaps the person eating the food is a vegetarian/vegan?

I broke down and ate at McDonalds in Singapore after having been there for a few weeks. It was absolutely terrible and nothing like home. Ever heard of McSalmon? Yep, they've got it!

Some folks here have never traveled with picky eaters, have you? Especially when traveling with my children, sometimes it is not worth the fight and we stop at a McDonalds on our travels. I think they must use local ingredients when possible. I found that the coffee served in the French McDonalds' is European-brewed. In Switzerland, the shakes must have been made with local ingredients because they were outstanding - so much better than any McDonalds' shake in the States. Also, sometimes they even have food to suit the local tastes, such as the "Provencal" burger.

"What's the point of going to Paris or London and eating Indian food?"

Regarding eating Indian food in London, you've got to be kidding. Other than in India -- where else? It is the number one form of cooking in London by popularity.

And by the way, it's a pretty well known fact that the "most popular" single dish in London is Chicken Tikki Massala. Yep, more than fish and chips even.

There are all sorts of fast food places in Paris, but it might be interesting to know that the newest chain (but only 6 locations so far) is called Cojean and was started by someone who spent 15 years with McDonald's. It serves soups and organic dishes and sandwiches, including absolutely nothing that could be found at McDonald's.

McDonalds use local ingredients wherever possible. The potatoes used in fries will not be the same in Holland and the US, for example. They also adjust seasonings according to local taste.
And the French eat at McDonalds a lot; they could not live on tourist trade alone.

By the way, two Subways have just opened in Belgium.

One Subway has just opend across the street. I don't expect more than one single customer per day over there :-)
Do they sell fries and burgers?

logos...

Go into subway and ask for a foot long (probably called a large) cheese steak with provolone cheese...they will ask if you want it toasted and say yes...then tell them what you want on it..tomatoes, lettuce, onions, black olives, green peppers, and southwest sauce...yummy yummy yummy...you'll be hooked for life

O.K, I'll do so, thanks :-)

Spicy.. They've got to varieties of cheese steak 15cm and 30cm. Much like a Döner but the bread is too soft. Two (obviously) American couples were the only customers at the time. I won't be hooked, but it's something different on an Easter Monday. Now for a Schneider Weisse to wash it down :-)

..then there's the bmt....the various chicken sandwiches.....toasting the bread didn't harden it...actually subway in the US most have 4 or 5 different kinds of bread....I know I've eaten at some of the Subway restaurants in London and they were pretty much the same as the US...

It's not a bad chain (although Quiznos is better but I don't think they've gone the international franchise route quite just yet)!

>4 or 5 different kinds of bread.
Right, she said she only has wheat and rye bread left. So there must have been more varieties before. Interesting, anyway!

I will say that the McDonald's in Paris was using a very different tasting cheese or meat in its breakfast sandwiches. I did not like it very much at all. But I am also not a fan of different cheeses in general. Though I do fancy extra sharp chedder, gouda, and ricotta insalata!

I told myself I would not buy any fast food or american anything when I traveled but then reality set in...my breakfast of a croissant with ham and cheese and a cafe (espresso) just did not hit the spot. I had been walking for hours the previous day and had many more hours of walking ahead of me.....I did not feel satiated by the tiny little croissant (but it was very cute and tasty to say the least) and espresso. So I gave in to McDonalds.....:(

But, on my next trip I vow to keep my promise of not eating any American based food companies in my travels abroad!!