13 Hidden Gem Fast Food Chains You Need to Try Around the World

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Fast food doesn’t just have to be fries and burgers. There’s a treasure trove of lesser-known fast-food joints churning out unique flavors and unforgettable eats.

From daring foodies to serious travelers or even those just looking for a good meal (and who isn’t), these unique spots could easily be the highlight of your next culinary adventure. Learn how you can upgrade your fast food game.

Whataburger (USA)

 Hidden Gem Fast Food Chains You Need to Try Around the World
Image credit: Mike Kalasnik/ wikimedia commons

If you’re a Texas burger chain, you’re known for your gigantic burgers that you can completely customize! Their menu is open around the clock and is great for a midnight breakfast (with items like taquitos).

Thanks to their orange and white striped buildings, they’re also great eye-catchers on your road trip. And the best part? Patty Melt or Avocado Bacon Burger is a true Texan treat!

Taco Time (USA)

 Hidden Gem Fast Food Chains You Need to Try Around the World
image credit: Ammaggio55/ Wikimedia commons

Best of all, Taco Time was founded in the beautiful Northwest. Its focus on fresh ingredients elevates your Mexican favorites to the next level.

Of all the things that pack out a crowd, the Crisp Bean Burrito is the best! It’s a tortilla lovingly filled with refried beans and fried until crispy. Trust me, their seasonal pumpkin seed burrito is unique and incredibly delicious!

Farmer Boys (USA)

 Hidden Gem Fast Food Chains You Need to Try Around the World
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Farmer Boys is found mainly across California and Nevada but manages to offer fresh, hearty food with a warm, friendly family business atmosphere.

They make breakfast burritos and burgers with farm-fresh ingredients and batter zucchini fries. That’s where you will leave happy and complete for your next adventure.

Runza (USA)

 Hidden Gem Fast Food Chains You Need to Try Around the World
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Warm and tasty, Runza is a Midwestern classic that belovedly features a bread pocket filled with seasoned ground beef, cabbage, and onions. You’re sure to crave it.

Pair it with their famous “frings” (a delightful combination of fries and onion rings), and you have the ideal meal! It’s not just food … Runza is a staple of Nebraska culture, stirring memories and eliciting smiles with every bite of a sandwich.

Hesburger (Finland)

Hidden Gem Fast Food Chains You Need to Try Around the World
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In addition to making your average burgers and fries, Hesburger has added a few vegetarian options, such as a Beyond Meat plant-based burger patty.

They also offer a vast breakfast menu of Finnish favorites—Karelian pies, meat-filled rye pastries, and many more. But if you’re a vegan, a vegetarian just interested in a quick bite, or someone simply looking for tasty vegan alternatives to classic fast food, this chain is a must-visit.

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Jollibee (Philippines)

 Hidden Gem Fast Food Chains You Need to Try Around the World
image credit: Elmer B. Domingo/wikimedia commons

This Filipino fast food chain has more than 1400 locations worldwide and has rapidly become one of the most talked about fast food chains in the world due to its unique mixture of Western and Southeast Asian flavors.

Their signature item is crispy fried chicken (Chickenjoy), which is juicy on the inside. Don’t forget their sweet-style spaghetti (yummy) or peach mango pies for a genuinely Filipino experience!

Nando’s (South Africa)

 Hidden Gem Fast Food Chains You Need to Try Around the World
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Visit Nando’s and get a burst of bold, zesty flavors! Developed in South Africa, it is becoming a world-renowned favorite for casual and lively dining experiences.

The show’s star is the PERi-PERi, or the African Bird’s Eye Chilli, which adds an extra kick to their flame-grilled peri-peri chicken.

The chicken is marinated full of love, lovingly with all our hearts, for at least 24 hours before grilling it to perfection. You decide on the spice, and don’t forget to order some peri-peri fries for a meal you won’t forget!

Pret A Manger (UK)

 Hidden Gem Fast Food Chains You Need to Try Around the World
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Since its opening in 1986, Pret A Manger (meaning “ready to eat”) has redefined fast food with its philosophy of freshness. All sandwiches, salads, and wraps are made fresh daily for urban professionals on the go.

They have a crowd-pleasing organic coffee, but what sets them apart is their sustainable business practices and use of natural ingredients.

Pita Pit (Canada)

 Hidden Gem Fast Food Chains You Need to Try Around the World
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Instead of fast food, Pita Pit offers a cheerful twist. Customers can choose what goes into pita sandwiches filled with nutritious, fresh ingredients.

This is great news for those who want a healthier lunch version because they can enjoy the same great taste—it’s now available in 500 locations worldwide, including the U.S. and Canada.

El Pollo Loco (USA)

 Hidden Gem Fast Food Chains You Need to Try Around the World
image credit: Jim Winstead/ wikimedia commons

El Pollo Loco serves fire-grilled chicken marinated in citrus and spices, with a big flavor and conscious eating. Chicken tostadas or street tacos are an easy, shareable meal to order from them.

All about fresh ingredients, people go crazy for this Southwest chain that serves up Mexican–inspired flavors.

Tim Hortons (Canada)

 Hidden Gem Fast Food Chains You Need to Try Around the World
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Tim Hortons didn’t feel like it belonged on a list of hidden gems. This coffee shop chain is famous for its Timbits, which are usually available in various snack packs all day.

Whether grabbing a creamy “Double Double” or indulging in a maple-glazed donut, Tim Hortons welcomes you with cozy flavors that define northern hospitality.

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Boulangerie Poilâne (France)

 Hidden Gem Fast Food Chains You Need to Try Around the World
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Paris specialty bakery Poilâne brings artisanal bread to fast dining. According to information on its official website, it has since 1932 been known for sourdough bread and its flaky, buttery pastries.

Quality and convenience are equally thought of at this bakery. A little more than a quick meal, though, being able to swing by for something as sweet and simple as a croissant and espresso is the essence of being Parisian.

Leon (UK)

 Hidden Gem Fast Food Chains You Need to Try Around the World
image credit: christ Holified/ wikimedia commons

For the healthy and fresh yet made-from-scratch fast food chain, Leon serves as the name to keep in mind. And their menu injects bold flavors, globally inspired dishes like Moroccan meatballs and Brazilian black beans and rice — by infusing them into almost every dish.

You can feel good about what you eat at any of Leon’s many locations around the UK, from breakfast to dinner.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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