If you love fast food but are looking for something beyond the usual burgers and fries, it’s time to take your taste buds on a journey around the world. Thanks to the rise of global cuisine and the increasing demand for more diverse, exciting fast-food options, many international chains have now made their way to cities across the U.S. These fast-casual restaurants bring unique, globally inspired flavors and dishes to the fast-food format, offering quick meals that are as delicious as they are innovative.
Whether you’re craving sushi burritos, Greek souvlaki, or savory ramen bowls, here are some of the best international fast food chains you need to try for a fresh and flavorful twist on your typical fast-food experience.
1. Gong Cha (Taiwan) – The Bubble Tea Revolution
Best For: Sweet, refreshing bubble tea with endless customization options.
Why It’s Special: Originating in Taiwan, Gong Cha has become a worldwide phenomenon, known for its high-quality, customizable bubble tea (or boba). This popular chain offers a variety of teas, from traditional milk tea to fruity flavors, all customizable with toppings like chewy tapioca pearls, fruit jelly, or aloe vera. Gong Cha serves up the perfect drink for when you want something quick, refreshing, and fun, making it a great international fast-food treat.
What to Try: The Royal Milk Tea with chewy tapioca pearls is a classic choice, or go for the Mango Green Tea with mango cubes for a fruity twist.
Why Go: If you’re craving something sweet, refreshing, and uniquely international, Gong Cha is your go-to spot. It’s the perfect quick treat that packs tons of flavor and customizable options.
2. Sushirrito (U.S., Inspired by Japan) – Sushi Burritos
Best For: Sushi burritos—a delicious fusion of sushi and burrito.
Why It’s Special: Sushirrito takes the classic sushi roll to a whole new level by turning it into a burrito-sized masterpiece. This innovative fast-casual chain blends the flavors of sushi with the portability and convenience of a burrito. You can choose from a variety of fillings, from fresh fish to veggies, all wrapped in a seaweed sheet and filled with sushi rice, avocado, and flavorful sauces. It’s an easy-to-eat meal that’s both fresh and satisfying.
What to Try: The Spicy Tuna Sushirrito, with tuna, spicy mayo, cucumber, avocado, and a touch of sesame. Or for something a bit different, try the Kaisen Sushirrito with salmon, yellowtail, and tuna.
Why Go: For sushi lovers who need something quick but crave a twist on the traditional, Sushirrito offers a satisfying, fusion-style meal that’s delicious and fun to eat.
3. Wagas (China) – Healthy Asian Bowls and Wraps
Best For: Asian-inspired bowls and wraps with fresh, healthy ingredients.
Why It’s Special: Wagas is a popular chain in China, known for its focus on fresh, healthy, and high-quality ingredients. The restaurant serves an assortment of bowls, wraps, salads, and sandwiches inspired by Asian cuisine. Each dish is made with wholesome ingredients like grilled chicken, tofu, rice, vegetables, and flavorful sauces. With a focus on balancing nutrition and taste, Wagas is perfect for a quick, healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
What to Try: The Veggie Wrap with tofu, avocado, and miso dressing is a great vegetarian option, or try the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl with brown rice and roasted vegetables.
Why Go: If you’re looking for a fast-casual meal that’s light, healthy, and packed with Asian flavors, Wagas provides the perfect balance of fresh and delicious in every dish.
4. Mikasa Sushi (Japan) – Conveyor Belt Sushi
Best For: Quick sushi with a fun, interactive conveyor belt experience.
Why It’s Special: Originally from Japan, Mikasa Sushi brings the iconic conveyor belt sushi experience to the fast-casual scene. At these restaurants, sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese snacks travel around on a conveyor belt, allowing customers to pick and choose dishes as they go by. This is a fun and interactive way to enjoy sushi quickly, while also getting the freshest options available.
What to Try: Grab a plate of fresh Salmon Nigiri or the California Roll as they pass by. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some Ebi Tempura or Spicy Tuna Rolls.
Why Go: If you’re looking for an interactive and fun fast-food experience, Mikasa Sushi offers conveyor belt sushi that allows you to try a variety of dishes while enjoying the novelty of it all. It’s perfect for sushi lovers who want to get a quick, fresh bite.
5. Bonchon (South Korea) – Crispy Korean Fried Chicken
Best For: Crispy, double-fried Korean fried chicken with bold flavors.
Why It’s Special: Bonchon is a Korean fried chicken chain that’s been taking the world by storm with its crispy, flavorful, double-fried chicken. Known for its ultra-crispy skin and juicy, tender meat, Bonchon serves chicken that’s coated in their signature sauces—soy garlic or spicy. The fried chicken is served with sides like kimchi, pickled radishes, and steamed rice, making for a complete and satisfying meal.
What to Try: The Soy Garlic Fried Chicken—crispy, sticky, and perfectly savory. Pair it with some Kimchi Fried Rice or their famous Sweet Potato Fries for a full meal.
Why Go: If you’re in the mood for crispy, juicy fried chicken with an international twist, Bonchon offers a fast and flavorful dining experience that brings the best of Korean comfort food to your table.
6. Zizzi (Italy) – Italian-Inspired Fast Casual Dining
Best For: Quick, freshly made pizzas and pastas with an Italian flair.
Why It’s Special: Zizzi is an Italian chain that focuses on delivering high-quality, fast-casual pizza and pasta with a gourmet touch. Whether you’re craving a crisp wood-fired pizza or a rich, creamy pasta, Zizzi offers a menu full of delicious options. The emphasis is on using fresh, authentic Italian ingredients and flavors, bringing a bit of Italy’s culinary magic to a quick meal.
What to Try: The Rustica pizza, with a crispy thin crust, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes. Or go for the Crispy Mushroom Risotto, a rich and indulgent dish with creamy, cheesy goodness.
Why Go: If you’re looking for a fast and delicious Italian meal with fresh, high-quality ingredients, Zizzi offers all the classics in a fast-casual format, perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.
7. Oporto (Australia) – Grilled Chicken and Portugese-Inspired Fast Food
Best For: Portuguese-style chicken and sides with a fast-casual twist.
Why It’s Special: Oporto is an Australian chain that specializes in Portuguese-style grilled chicken, offering a healthier yet equally flavorful alternative to fried chicken. The chicken is marinated with a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, giving it a tender, smoky flavor. Pair it with sides like crispy fries, rice, or even a tangy peri-peri sauce, and you have a meal that’s full of flavor and easy to enjoy on the go.
What to Try: The Bondi Burger with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and their signature sauce, or go for a grilled chicken Pita Wrap with rice and spicy peri-peri sauce.
Why Go: For a healthy, grilled alternative to fried chicken that still packs plenty of bold flavors, Oporto is a fantastic fast-casual spot that brings Portuguese grilling to the fast food scene.
8. Choppaluna (Mexico) – Fresh Mexican Street Food
Best For: Fresh, Mexican-style street food with a twist.
Why It’s Special: Choppaluna brings the vibrant and flavorful world of Mexican street food to fast-casual dining with fresh, customizable bowls, tacos, and burritos. Inspired by the flavors of Mexico, the menu includes options like grilled chicken, carnitas, and even plant-based proteins, all served with fresh salsas, pickled vegetables, and savory sauces.
What to Try: The Burrito Bowl with grilled chicken, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo is a hearty and satisfying option. Alternatively, the Carnitas Tacos with fresh salsa and crema are bursting with flavor.
Why Go: If you’re craving fresh, flavorful Mexican street food in a fast-casual setting, Choppaluna brings vibrant flavors and quick service for an authentic taste of Mexico.
A World of Flavors at Your Fingertips
Whether you’re in the mood for Korean fried chicken, fresh sushi burritos, or something more Mediterranean, these international fast-food chains offer a taste of global flavors in a convenient and quick format. Perfect for busy lunches, casual dinners, or adventurous snack breaks, these spots make it easy to explore world cuisines without having to leave the city. Ready to try something new? Take your fast-food experience to the next level with these exciting international chains.