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Here's every song that won record of the year at the Grammys

Kendrick Lamar accepting the award for record of the year at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
Kendrick Lamar accepting the award for record of the year at the 2025 Grammys.

Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images

  • Every year, the Grammys celebrate the music industry's top artists and tracks.Β 
  • Record of the year is one of the four biggest Grammy Awards.
  • Musicians like Adele, Whitney Houston, and most recently, Kendrick Lamar, have all won this award.

The Grammy Awards honor some of the best songs and music videos of the past year, chosen by members of the Recording Academy.

Among all the awards given out during the show, categories like record of the year, album of the year, and song of the year often generate buzz.

The difference between record of the year and song of the yearΒ is that the former refers to "the artist's performance as well as the overall contributions of the producer(s), recording engineer(s) and/or mixer(s) if other than the artist" and the latter "recognizes the songwriter(s)."

Keep reading this list to see every track that won the Grammy for record of the year.

1959: "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare)" β€” Domenico Modugno
domenico modungo 1958
Domenico Modugno in 1958.

AP

Domenico Modugno's popular track was the first winner of the Grammy for record of the year.Β 

1960: "Mack the Knife" β€” Bobby Darin
bobby darin in 1965
Bobby Darin was also presented with the lifetime achievement award at the Grammys.

AP

The song was also nominated for best male vocal performance.

1961: "The Theme from 'A Summer Place'" β€” Percy Faith and His Orchestra
percy faith 1961
Percy Faith was a composer, bandleader, and conductor.

AP

Faith won his first Grammy in 1961. "The Theme from 'A Summer Place'" also earned two nominations for best arrangement and best performance by an orchestra.

1962: "Moon River" β€” Henry Mancini
herny mancini grammys 1980
Henry Mancini won more than 15 Grammys.

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

At the fourth Grammys, Mancini won awards for record of the year, song of the year, and best arrangement with "Moon River." He won two additional awards for the "Breakfast at Tiffany's" soundtrack.

1963: "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" β€” Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett won more than 10 Grammys.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for NARAS

Tony Bennett won his first of many Grammys in 1963, beginning with the awards for record of the year and best male solo vocal performance for "I Left My Heart in San Francisco."

1964: "Days of Wine and Roses" β€” Henry Mancini
henry mancini
Henry Mancini also received a lifetime achievement award from the Grammys.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Henry Mancini won three awards at the sixth Grammys for "Days of Wine and Roses": record of the year, song of the year, and best background arrangement (behind vocalist or instrumentalist).

1965: "The Girl From Ipanema" β€” Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto
astrud gilberto 1981
Astrud Gilberto won a Grammy in 1965.

AP

In addition to winning record of the year, the two artists also won album of the year and best instrumental jazz performance (small group or soloist with small group) for "Getz/Gilberto."Β 

1966: "A Taste of Honey" β€” Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass
herb alpert march 2006
Herb Alpert has won eight Grammys.

Stuart Ramson/AP

"A Taste of Honey" won three awards at the eighth Grammys: record of the year, best non-jazz instrumental performance, and best instrumental arrangement.Β 

1967: "Strangers in the Night" β€” Frank Sinatra
frank sinatra mia farrow 1965
Frank Sinatra has won nine Grammys.

AP

Sinatra won three awards that year: record of the year for "Strangers in the Night," album of the year for "A Man and His Music," and best male vocal performance for "Strangers in the Night."

1968: "Up, Up, and Away" β€” 5th Dimension
5th dimension may 1969
Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Billy Davis, Jr., LaMonte McLemore, and Ron Townson of 5th Dimension in May 1969.

PoPsie Randolph/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

"Up, Up, and Away" won four awards at the 10th Grammys: best performance by a vocal group, best contemporary single, best contemporary group performance (vocal or instrumental), and record of the year. Β 

1969: "Mrs. Robinson" β€” Simon and Garfunkel
simon and garfunkel july 2004
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel have won several Grammys throughout their career.

Pier Paolo Cito/AP

The award-winning track is from the duo's 1968 album "The Graduate."

1970: "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)" β€” 5th Dimension
walt frazier fifth dimension november 1974
Walt Frazier with 5th Dimension in November 1974.

Marty Lederhandler/AP

In addition to winning record of the year, the song also won the Grammy for best contemporary vocal performance by a group.

1971: "Bridge Over Troubled Water" β€” Simon and Garfunkel
simon and garfunkel 1971 grammys
Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon holding five of the six Grammy Awards they received in March 1971.

AP

The duo, comprised of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, won record of the year and album of the year.

1972: "It's Too Late" β€” Carole King
carole king november 2019
Carole King is a four-time Grammy winner.

Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

King was a big winner at the 14th Grammys, snagging four total awards: record of the year, album of the year, song of the year, and best female pop vocal performance.Β Β 

1973: "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" β€” Roberta Flack
roberta flack grammys 2010
Roberta Flack at the 2010 Grammys.

Mark J. Terrill/AP

The original track was actually written by Ewan MacColl and appeared on Flack's "First Take" album.

1974: "Killing Me Softly With His Song" β€” Roberta Flack
roberta flack grammys 1974
Roberta Flack with her Grammy award in March 1974.

Harold Filan/AP

At the 16th Grammys, Flack's "Killing Me Softly With His Song" won awards for record of the year and best female pop vocal performance.

1975: "I Honestly Love You" β€” Olivia Newton-John
olivia newton john performing 2005
Olivia Newton-John performing in 2005.

Scott Gries/Getty Images

At the 17th Grammys, Olivia Newton-John's "I Honestly Love You" received awards for record of the year and best female pop vocal performance.Β 

1976: "Love Will Keep Us Together" β€” Captain & Tennille
Captain Daryl Dragon and Toni Tennille
"Captain" Daryl Dragon and Toni Tennille.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

"Love Will Keep Us Together" was released by American duo Captain & Tennille in 1975. The song won a Grammy for record of the year in 1976 and also received a nomination for best pop vocal performance by a duo, group, or chorus.

1977: "This Masquerade" β€” George Benson
george benson
George Benson performing at the Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Vocals Competition in California in 2015.

Rachel Murray/Getty Images

George Benson won his first Grammy awards in 1977 for record of the year, best pop instrumental performance, and best R&B instrumental performance.Β 

1978: "Hotel California" β€” Eagles
eagles band
The Eagles have six total Grammy awards.

Rick Diamond/Getty Images

In a book written by Marc Eliot, the band discussed the inspiration behind the Grammy award-winning track.

"The concept had to do with taking a look at all the band had gone through, personally and professionally, while it was still happening to them," Don Henley.

1979: "Just the Way You Are" β€” Billy Joel
billy joel madison square garden
Billy Joel performing at Madison Square Garden in May 2014.

Scott Roth/Invision/AP

"Just the Way You Are" earned Billy Joel two Grammys in 1979Β β€” one for record of the year and one for song of the year. He has five Grammy wins, three Hall of Fame awards, and received the Grammy Legend award in 1991.Β 

1980: "What A Fool Believes" β€” The Doobie Brothers
the doobie brothers Tom Johnston Patrick Simmons John McFee
The group consists of Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, and John McFee.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

At the 22nd Grammys, The Doobie Brothers won awards for record of the year and best pop vocal performance by a duo, group, or chorus.

1981: "Sailing" β€” Christopher Cross
christopher cross
Christopher Cross at the Grammys in New York City in 1981.

AP Photo

In 1981, Christopher Cross received Grammy awards for record of the year, album of the year, song of the year, best new artist, and best arrangement accompanying vocalist(s).

Cross was also the first artist in Grammy history to win all four general categories on the same night.

1982: "Bette Davis Eyes" β€” Kim Carnes
kim carnes
Kim Carnes also won a Grammy in 1984 for best album of original score written for a motion picture or a television special for "Flashdance."

Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMHOF

Kim Carnes won a Grammy for record of the year in 1982 with her popular track "Bette Davis Eyes."Β In 1981, "Bette Davis Eyes " also peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

1983: "Rosanna"β€” Toto
toto grammys 1983
Toto released an album titled "40 Trips Around the Sun," consisting of their greatest hits.

AP

Toto's "Rosanna" won the Grammy for record of the year in 1983. The song also won Grammys for best instrumental arrangement accompanying vocals and best vocal arrangement for two or more voices.Β 

1984: "Beat It" β€” Michael Jackson
michael jackson quincy jones grammys 1984
Michael Jackson, seen in this photo with Quincy Jones, has more than 10 Grammy awards.

Doug Pizac/AP

At the 26th Grammys, Michael Jackson received awards for record of the year, album of the year, best male pop vocal performance, best male rock vocal performance, best male R&B vocal performance, and best rhythm and blues song.

1985: "What's Love Got to Do With It" β€” Tina Turner
tina turner
Tina Turner received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1986.

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

In 1985, Tina Turner received Grammy awards for record of the year, best female pop vocal performance, and best female rock vocal performance.

1986: "We Are the World" β€” USA For Africa (Various Artists)
we are the world michael jackson memorial service july 2009
"We Are the World" was performed at Michael Jackson's public memorial service in 2009.

Mario Anzuoni-Pool/Getty Images

"We Are the World" was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones. A new version of the song was also recorded in 2010 to benefit relief efforts following the earthquake in Haiti.Β 

1987: "Higher Love" β€” Steve Winwood
steve winwood 1994
Steve Winwood performing in 1984.

Pizzello/AP Photo

At the 29th Grammys, Steve Winwood's "Higher Love" received awards for record of the year and best male pop vocal performance.

1988: "Graceland" β€” Paul Simon
paul simon benefit concert lincoln center 2015
Paul Simon performing in New York City in 2015.

Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images

Paul Simon received his first Grammys in 1969. He also won the award for record of the year.

1989: "Don't Worry Be Happy" β€” Bobby McFerrin
bobby mcferrin lincoln center new york city 2015
The late Robin Williams appears in the music video for this song.

Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images

In 1989, Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry Be Happy" won Grammys for record of the year, song of the year, and best male pop vocal performance.

1990: "Wind Beneath My Wings" β€” Bette Midler
Bette Midler and Arif Mardin Grammys 1990
Bette Midler and Arif Mardin at the ceremony in 1990.

Wikimedia Commons

Bette Midler won her first Grammy in 1974 for best new artist. In 1990, "Wind Beneath My Wings won the award for record of the year and peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

1991: "Another Day in Paradise" β€” Phil Collins
phil collins performing florida 2016
Phil Collins has also received one Oscar and two Golden Globes.

Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

Phil Collins received his first award at the 27th Grammys and has scored a total of eight awards over the years.Β 

1992: "Unforgettable" β€” Natalie Cole (With Nat "King" Cole)
Natalie Cole 34th Annual Grammy Awards(1991) on 2:25:92
Natalie Cole posing with her Grammy in 1992.

Gershoff/ MediaPunch/AP

In addition to winning record of the year, Natalie Cole won Grammys for album of the year and best traditional pop performance.

1993: "Tears in Heaven" β€” Eric Clapton
Erick Clapton 35th Annual Grammy Awards (1992) on 2:24:1993
Eric Clapton with his six Grammys at the ceremony in 1993.

Douglas C. Pizac/AP

At the 35th Grammys, Eric Clapton received awards for record of the year, album of the year, song of the year, best male pop vocal performance, best male rock vocal performance, and best rock song.

1994: "I Will Always Love You" β€” Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston won her first Grammy in 1986.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" received two Grammys in 1994Β β€” one for record of the year and another for best female pop vocal performance.

1995: "All I Wanna Do" β€” Sheryl Crow
sheryl crow
Sheryl Crow's debut solo album was released in 1993.

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

At the 37th Grammys, Sheryl Crow won her first awards for record of the year, best new artist, and best female pop vocal performance.

1996: "Kiss From a Rose" β€” Seal
seal grammys 1996
Seal at the 1996 Grammys.

Reed Saxon/AP

At the 38th Grammys, Seal scored awards for record of the year, song of the year, and best male pop vocal performance. "Kiss From A Rose" also peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1995.

1997: "Change the World" β€” Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton has been inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Clapton added to his Grammy wins in 1997 when he received awards for record of the year, best male pop vocal performance, and best rock instrumental performance.

1998: "Sunny Came Home" β€” Shawn Colvin
shawn colvin grammys 1998
Shawn Colvin won her first Grammy in 1991.

Richard Drew/AP

In an interview with The Huffington Post, Colvin explained that the Grammy award-winning track was inspired by the cover art for her 1996 album, "A Few Small Repairs."

1999: "My Heart Will Go On" (Love Theme From "Titanic") β€” CΓ©line Dion
celine dion grammys 1999
CΓ©line Dion first won a Grammy in 1993 for best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal for her "Beauty and the Beast" duet with Peabo Bryson.

Reed Saxon/AP

CΓ©line Dion's iconic track from "Titanic" earned her two Grammys in 1999 β€” one for record of the year and another for best female pop vocal performance.

2000: "Smooth" β€” Santana featuring Rob Thomas
rob thomas carlos santana clive davis grammys 2000
Rob Thomas, Carlos Santana, and Clive Davis at the 42nd Grammys.

Scott Gries/Getty

Rob Thomas cowrote "Smooth" after finishing a tour with Matchbox Twenty, and he initially wanted George Michael to sing it.

"Smooth" won awards for record of the year, best pop collaboration with vocals, and song of the year in 2000.

2001: "Beautiful Day" β€” U2
U2
U2 at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

U2 has accumulated more than 20 Grammys. In 2001, they won three Grammys for record of the year, song of the year, and best rock performance by a duo or group with vocal.

2002: "Walk On" β€” U2
U2 Halftime
U2 performing at the 2002 Super Bowl halftime show.

Al Bello/Getty Images

In addition to winning record of the year in 2002, they also won best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal, best rock performance by a duo or group with vocal, and best rock album.

2003: "Don't Know Why" β€” Norah Jones
norah jones grammys 2003
Norah Jones has won nine total Grammys.

Scott Gries/Getty Images

Norah Jones attended her first Grammy Awards show in 2003. That year, Jones won her first five Grammys for record of the year, best pop vocal album of the year, best female pop vocal performance, and album of the year.

2004: "Clocks" β€” Coldplay
Coldplay
Coldplay was formed in 1996 in England.

Getty Images for Anheuser-Busch

Coldplay won an award for record of the year at the 46th annual Grammys in February 2004.

2005: "Here We Go Again" β€” Ray Charles and Norah Jones
norah jones grammys 2005
Norah Jones accepting her award for best female pop vocal performance.

Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

After winning five Grammys in 2003, Norah Jones returned to the stage in 2005 to receive three more awards. She won awards for record of the year, best female pop vocal performance, and best pop collaboration with vocals.

2006: "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" β€” Green Day
green day grammys
Green Day members Mike Dirnt, Billie Joe Armstrong, and TrΓ© Cool at the Grammys in 2006.

"Boulevard of Broken Dreams" is from Green Day's "American Idiot" album, which won the award for best rock album at the 47th Grammys.

2007: "Not Ready to Make Nice" β€” Dixie Chicks
The Dixie Chicks.
The Dixie Chicks have won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album four times: in 1999, 2000, 2003, and 2007.

Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

At the 49th Grammys, the Dixie Chicks won awards for record of the year, album of the year, bet country performance by a duo or group with vocal, and best country album.

2008: "Rehab" β€” Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse released her debut album in 2003.

Getty

"Rehab" is from Amy Winehouse's sophomore album, "Back to Black." In addition to record of the year, the track also won the award for song of the year.

2009: "Please Read the Letter" β€” Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss grammys 2009
The duo at the Grammys in 2009.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss were the recipients of a combined five awards at the 51st Grammys β€” record of the year, album of the year, best country collaboration with vocals, best pop collaboration with vocals, and best contemporary folk/Americana album.

2010: "Use Somebody" β€” Kings of Leon
kings of leon
Kings of Leon performing in 2017.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartMedia

"Use Somebody" won awards for record of the year and best rock performance by a duo or group with vocals at the 52nd Grammy Awards.

2011: "Need You Now" β€” Lady Antebellum
lady antebellum grammys 2011
The group consists of Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood, and Charles Kelley.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

In addition to winning record of the year, Lady Antebellum also won Grammys for best country performance by a duo or group with vocals, best country album, song of the year, and best country song.

2012: "Rolling in the Deep" β€” Adele
Adele Grammys
Adele holding the six Grammy awards she received in the same year.

AP

"Rolling in the Deep" is one of the most-recognized songs from Adele's sophomore album, "21," and also won the award for song of the year at the 54th Grammy Awards.

2013: "Somebody That I Used to Know" β€” Gotye featuring Kimbra
Gotye Kimbra Grammys 2013
Gotye was born in Belgium and Kimbra was born in New Zealand.

AP

Gotye and Kimbra's "Somebody That I Used to Know" earned them Grammys for record of the year and best pop duo/group performance in 2013.

2014: "Get Lucky" β€” Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers
Pharrell hat Daft Punk Grammys bow down
Daft Punk consists of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Daft Punk received the award for record of the year in 2014. "Get Lucky" also peaked atΒ Β No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2013.

2015: "Stay With Me" (Darkchild Version) β€” Sam Smith
sam smith grammys 2015
In addition to multiple Grammy awards, Sam Smith has also won an Oscar and a Golden Globe.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

"Stay With Me" is from Sam Smith's debut album, 'The Lonely Hour." At the 57th Grammys, Smith won awards for record of the year, song of the year, and best pop vocal album.

2016: "Uptown Funk" β€” Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
bruno mars mark ronson grammys 2016
Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars accepting the award for record of the year.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

"Uptown Funk" was released as a single in November 2014, topped the music charts for weeks, and reached diamond status. The hit was also performed at the 2016 Super Bowl halftime show.

2017: "Hello" β€” Adele
adele 2016
Adele scored her first two Grammys in 2009.

Joern Pollex/Getty Images for September Managemen

"Hello" was the first track Adele released from her 2015 album, "25," and it smashed plenty of records. The music video also became one of the most-watched on YouTube, with over two billion views.

2018: "24K Magic" β€” Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars 60th Grammys
Bruno Mars holding his five Grammy awards.

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for NARAS

At the 60th Grammys, Mars received awards for record of the year, album of the year, song of the year, best R&B performance, and best R&B album.

2019: "This Is America" β€” Childish Gambino
childish gambino
Donald Glover's stage name is Childish Gambino.

John Salangsang/Invision/AP

At the 2019 Grammys, Childish Gambino's "This Is America" made history after winning song of the year and record of the year. The wins were also notable because they marked the first time a hip-hop song beat the competition in those major categories.Β 

2020: "Bad Guy" β€” Billie Eilish
billie eilish grammys january 2020
Billie Eilish with her five trophies at the 2020 Grammys.

Chris Pizzello/AP

Billie Eilish made history at the 2020 Grammys, becoming the second person ever to win awards in all four major categories during the same year.

Eilish won five of the six awards she was nominated for at the 62nd Grammys: best pop vocal album, best new artist, song of the year, album of the year, and record of the year.Β 

2021: "Everything I Wanted" β€” Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish posing with her two awards at the 2021 Grammys.
Eilish posing with her two awards at the 2021 Grammys.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Eilish won the same award again in 2021, this time for the track "Everything I Wanted," which was cowritten by her and her brother Finneas O'Connellβ€Ž.Β 

That year Eilish also won the award for best song written for visual media for the track "No Time to Die," from the James Bond movie of the same name.

2022: "Leave the Door Open" β€” Silk Sonic
Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars of Silk Sonic accepting the award for record of the year at the 2022 Grammys.
Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars of Silk Sonic accepting the award for record of the year at the 2022 Grammys.

Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Silk Sonic, the musical duo comprised of Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars, were delighted to take home the award at the 2022 Grammys.

"Leave the Door Open" is from their 2021 studio album titled "An Evening With Silk Sonic."

2023: "About Damn Time" β€” Lizzo
Lizzo on stage at the 2023 Grammys with her award for record of the year.
Lizzo at the 65th Grammy Awards.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Lizzo was shocked and overjoyed to win the award for record of the year for her upbeat track "About Damn Time" at the 65th Grammys.

Lizzo dedicated her award to the late legendary musician Prince and said that after his death, she "decided to dedicate my life to making positive music."

2024: "Flowers" β€” Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus accepting the award for record of the year for "Flowers" at the 2024 Grammys.
Miley Cyrus accepting the award for record of the year for "Flowers" at the 2024 Grammys.

Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

Cyrus' hit song "Flowers" from her album "Endless Summer Vacation" led her to win her first Grammys at the 2024 ceremony,Β for record of the year and best pop solo performance.Β 

"This award is amazing. But I really hope that it doesn't change anything because my life was beautiful yesterday. Not everyone in the world will get a Grammy, but everyone in this world is spectacular," she said while accepting the award for record of the year. "So please don't think that this is important, even though it's very important, right guys?"

2025: "Not Like Us" β€” Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar holding his five awards at the 2025 Grammys.
Kendrick Lamar holding his five awards at the 2025 Grammys.

CBS Photo Archive/CBS via Getty Images

Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us," aimed at Drake (and named the fourth-best song of 2024 by BI), had a clean sweep at the 2025 Grammys.

In addition to winning record of the year, the track also won song of the year, best rap performance, best rap song, and best music video.

Read the original article on Business Insider

We ate at Starbucks, Domino's, McDonald's, and Burger King in India and compared them to what we're used to in the US

jamie's son eating french fries at mcdonald's in india
I compared McDonald's, Starbucks, Domino's, and Burger King in India to the chains in the US.

Jamie Davis Smith

  • On a recent trip to India, I went to Starbucks, Domino's, McDonald's, and Burger King.
  • I would eat at Domino's and McDonald's more if they had similar menus in the US.
  • My Starbucks experience was similar to home, but it felt much more like a sit-down restaurant.

One of my favorite things about traveling is getting to try new foods.

However, I often travel with my kids, who aren't very adventurous eaters. That means I find myself frequenting popular fast-food chains around the world more often than I'd like.

On a recent trip to India, we ended up at Starbucks, Domino's, McDonald's, and Burger King. In a way, seeing how the country adopted these familiar concepts was its own kind of cultural experience.

Here's how the American fast-food chains' locations in India compared to ones we're used to in the US.

The first familiar chain we visited was Starbucks.
jamie posing with a cup of coffee from Starbucks
I ordered my regular latte at Starbucks in India.

Jamie Davis Smith

On my first morning in India, I desperately needed coffee, and I had a feeling Starbucks would be reliable and easy to navigate.

When I walked in, it looked similar to almost every other location I've been to. The menu had many US standards, with some Indian-inspired drinks and food items mixed in, which I appreciated.

I stuck to the basic latte I usually order at home. However, I was more adventurous when it came to my meal: a delicious masala potato puff.

Sitting down to eat at Starbucks isn't all that familiar to me.
jamie and her kids sitting at a Starbucks in India
Our food came out on real plates at Starbucks.

Jamie Davis Smith

After ordering, I quickly realized there was a key difference between this Starbucks and the one down the street from my house. Instead of waiting around for my name to be called, I was told to take a seat, and my order would be brought out to me.

Drinks were served in mugs and glasses rather than disposable cups, and meals came on dishes rather than in thin wrappers.

I liked that my Starbucks experience in India felt more like a sit-down restaurant than a quick-service coffee shop.

Another notable departure is that the Starbucks I visited in Delhi didn't open as early as I expected.

I assumed the chain accommodated morning caffeine fiends like myself everywhere in the world β€” many locations in the US open as early as 5 a.m. β€” but I had to wait for this Starbucks to open at 9 a.m.

Domino's in India surprised me.
cheese volcano pizza from dominos in india
I got a cheese volcano pizza at Domino's.

Jamie Davis Smith

I find Domino's locations in the US to be mediocre, but my kids love the chain. I was intrigued when I saw the American pizza place scattered throughout India, and eventually, we stopped at one.

I had a hard time deciding between the peppy paneer, indi tandoor, and cheese volcano. I love cheese, though, so I went for the volcano, which included a huge cup of cheese in the center of a pizza topped with a variety of veggies.

I really enjoyed it β€” I wish Domino's would bring volcano pizzas to the US.

The tables were turned when it came to who enjoyed Domino's more.
kids' meal of margarita pizza  from domino's in India
My son didn't love his kids' meal from Domino's, but we were excited to have it as an option.

Jamie Davis Smith

My son ordered a kids' meal (which came with a drink and dessert) and stuck with his normal Margherita pizza.

He said it wasn't as good as Domino's at home because the crust didn't seem the same, but overall, he was happy. Domino's chains near us in the US don't even sell kids' meals, and he liked the novelty.

I wish McDonald's back home had some of the Indian offerings.
jamie's son posing in front of a mcdonald's in india
We ordered some specialty items at McDonald's in India.

Jamie Davis Smith

My family rarely eats at McDonald's in the US, but we went to two different locations in India. One was in an abandoned mall, and the other was in the upscale Connaught Place shopping area.

The ambiance at each was different, but the Indian-inspired menu was the same.

One of my biggest takeaways was that it felt odd to be at a McDonald's that didn't have hamburgers. Cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, the most common religion in India, so many places don't serve beef.

Instead, the chain had chicken, potato, and veggie burgers. My kids and I shared a few different types, all of which we enjoyed.

My favorite was the McAloo tikki burger, which consisted of a patty made out of potato, peas, and spices topped with a tangy tomato-mayo. I'd go to McDonald's more often if it had something similar back home.

My pizza-loving son tried a McPuff. The pizza puff looked promising, but we ultimately deemed it mediocre.

We got special drinks at McDonald's, too.
orange soda with vanilla ice cream from mcdonald's in india
My daughter got an orange soda with vanilla ice cream at McDonald's in India.

Jamie Davis Smith

My kids and I shared fries and sodas at McDonald's that were nearly identical to what we have in the US. However, we also had the option to add ice cream to our drinks, which was new and exciting.

My daughter really enjoyed her orange soda with vanilla ice cream.

Burger King had all sorts of unexpected menu items.
jamie's son in front of a buger king in India
I was surprised to see tacos on the Burger King menu in India.

Jamie Davis Smith

On our final night, my son and I got takeout from Burger King and met friends who were eating at a nearby KFC. It seemed like an odd last dinner to have in India, but it was convenient and quick.

Similar to McDonald's, Burger King had a menu full of chicken patties and veggie burgers. The chain also served mutton in place of beef.

The menu included some locally inspired dishes, like a paneer wrap, but I was more surprised to see tacos and an extensive selection of desserts for sale.

Our food was flavorful and good.
tray of food from burger king in India
I got a crispy vegetarian makhani burger at Burger King.

Jamie Davis Smith

I was tempted to try the tacos. However, my favorite curry in India was makhani dal, so I decided to try a crispy vegetarian makhani burger. It was very good.

I paired my burger with cheese fries and a side of Fiery Hell Dip, which luckily wasn't as spicy as it sounded.

I'm actually kind of glad my kids have made these fast-food visits a habit.
jamie posing at a mcdonald's in india
It's kind of fun to see how an American chain operates in other countries.

Jamie Davis Smith

I wouldn't want to eat every meal at American restaurants when I'm abroad. However, I have to admit occasional visits to familiar chains are fun.

It makes my kids happy, but more than that, I feel like paying attention to the little (or big) differences helps me learn a little more about our destination.

Plus, it's always fun to try specialty items we can't get back at home.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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