by Zach F

Created on: June 11, 2009

Fast food is a craze which is no longer limited to just the United States. In fact, fast food is becoming increasingly popular around the world, and is quite an interesting phenomenon.

One interesting factor is the way in which local cultures have adjusted their own cuisine to be "fast food." One great example is Spain, where lunch is traditionally the largest meal of the day. It used to be that the entire country had an afternoon siesta. This was basically a (heavily) expanded lunch break. For 2-4 hours in the afternoon, schools and offices closed. Children and spouses made their way home, and the whole family gathered around the table for a full lunch, followed by a nap and family time. Then everyone would head back to work or school until well into the evening.

The siesta is a victim of globalization. In order to coordinate more with international markets, many Spanish businesses shortened the "siesta" or got rid of it all together. One result is that Spaniards have found creative ways to enjoy their traditional foods on the fly. For example, many convenience stores offer open-faced, pre-prepared tortilla sandwiches. Although not quite as delicious as a Spanish tortilla fresh out of the oven, these sandwiches allow Spanish workers and students to enjoy their most typical food in a hurry.

The other interesting thing to note is the ways in which American fast food chains adjust to local culture. Obviously, the food needs to be adjusted. The most well-known example is probably McDonald's entry into India, where beef is not eaten. Obviously, a McDonald's menu in India looks quite different than one in the Big Mac hungry U.S.A.

More subtle, but just as interesting, is the difference in atmosphere. McDonald's in Spain, for example, are huge compared to their American counterparts. At first, it seems that they are just very, very busy. That is, of course, until you realize that if you are eating at an American pace, the same person who was in the middle of their meal arrived is still there when you leave, with some new company. Many European cultures are big on eating more slowly. Also, restaurants and bar are more important as social gathering spots in countries, like Spain, where the home is the last private retreat in an increasingly public world.

Students and young workers sit for sometimes over an hour at McDonald's, something which is likely to get you laughed at, or escorted out by security, at an American McDonald's. While sitting, they are likely texting their friends, and McDonald's suddenly becomes a popular gathering place. This explains why some European McDonald's have small kitchens and service counters, but huge dining rooms.

Not only can a fast-food addicted American find their fix overseas, but it can make an interesting experience. From local fast food to American chains, all fast food restaurants show us something about the local culture.

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