style has to be the fried chicken option, made famous by KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken). Served in a box with fries and a drink this offering has also become a favourite fast food snack. Added to these delights are ranges of other fast food outlets that have evolved from the foods of other countries.

Spin the globe a little further and we reach the country with the world's largest population, China. In the west when we think of Chinese foods we tend to be considering rice or noodle based dishes with meats and vegetable content, such as chow mein's, stir fry's and special varieties of fried rice. Whilst these are found in China, amongst some of the most popular dishes with its indigenous populations are the noodle based dishes, which can be served as either meat or vegetarian style meals. In addition, some of the meats that are used within the fast food in China might be found unusual to the western palette. For example the 'seagull meat stew' is not a taste that many would be use to.

As with Chinese food, the fast food cuisine of one of the neighbouring countries a little way to its west, namely India, has also become well known and sought after in western nations. India is naturally considered the home of curry's of all sorts, be these meat, game or vegetarian based. However, within the country there is a range of other fast foods available within retail areas and street markets. These include samosas, which are wraps filled with delicious meats, chicken or vegetable in sources, paani, and poori dishes. In addition there is the Kati roll, which is a paratha stuffed with veggies or spicy potato, minced lamb or tandoori chicken chunks and spiced up with a mysterious sauce.

Next we will move across to the Mediterranean, where the fast food of two countries will make your mouth water. First of these is Italy, home of pasta dishes, pizza and spaghetti. Some pasta dishes are sold in vending machines in this country. In addition there is a fast food chain called Spizzico, which delivers amazing varieties of pizza and, if your preference is a Panini, which is an Italian version of the sandwich, these are also on offer throughout many fast food outlets.

Next stop in the Mediterranean area is Spain. Not widely known for its fast foods, Spain does have two fast foods which the tourist must try. The most popular of these is the easily prepared paella. This is a rice based dish that can contain either meats, game, such as rabbit, or fish. It often comprises of left-over foods from previous meals. However, Spain also has the Tapas, a snack food that can be eaten either in bars or as a take-away. Tapas are variety of different small dishes on display in glass cool cabinets placed around the bars. These can include fish, such as anchovies, olives, potato salads and other vegetable or meats. For an easy snack, the Spanish also like the Bocadillo, which can be compared to a more basic version of the subway.

As can be seen from the above, there is a veritable range of different and interesting fast foods available throughout the world. Due to space constraints, this article has only been able to cover a small fraction of its nearly 200 countries. However, even from this tiny selection the diversity of culinary delights available to the world traveller will be apparent.

Learn more about this author, Paul Lines.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

---

Add your voice

Know something about Fast food around the world?
We want to hear your view. Write now!