1. Poutine
Costco food courts in the United States surprisingly do not offer fries, a quintessential side that complements nearly any meal. This omission is particularly notable given the variety of American Costco menu items, such as hot dogs and pizza. Many customers would likely enjoy fries on their own as a quick snack before embarking on a lengthy grocery shopping trip, making it seem like an oversight to exclude such a beloved food.
In contrast, Canada has not made this error. The food courts there not only serve plain fries but also offer poutine. Often referred to as disco fries in some parts of the U.S., poutine is Canada's signature dish. For just under five dollars, shoppers can enjoy a tray of hot fries topped with a savory, vegetable-based gravy and, of course, mozzarella curds to complete the dish. This makes for a great option for vegetarians looking to indulge in this popular delicacy, as most other poutines typically use meat-based gravy.
2. Bánh mì
For those outside of Australia, it may come as a surprise that the country's food courts serve bánh mì. However, locals know that this Vietnamese sandwich has become a beloved staple, thanks to the Vietnamese community that popularized it after the Vietnam War. Since the 1980s, it has remained a favorite in Australia, showing no signs of fading away.
Costco plays a role in its popularity, offering freshly made bánh mì for around seven Australian dollars, and you don’t even need a membership to purchase one. Customers can choose between chicken or pork, accompanied by traditional toppings like shredded carrots. Unfortunately, the quality of the offering has not met expectations. Online reviews have been largely negative, with one reviewer describing it as "a bit disappointing" due to dry meat and smaller portions. Food reviewers Nick and Helmi on TikTok echoed these sentiments, noting that the bread was also dry, and many commenters agreed that this menu item falls short.
3. Pork bake
Frequent visitors to Costco are likely well-acquainted with the iconic chicken bake. Available fresh at the food court and as a frozen grocery item, these rolls filled with bacon, ranch, and chicken have been a staple of the wholesale chain for decades. Unsurprisingly, Korean Costcos have their own unique version of this Kirkland Signature dish, which appears to be garnering even more enthusiasm than its American counterpart.
Instead of chicken, the Korean iteration originally featured bulgogi beef—thinly sliced, marinated meat that has become a hallmark of Korean cuisine. This sweet variation was warmly embraced by shoppers in Korea and quickly became a beloved favorite. However, like many items at Costco, the bulgogi beef bake was ultimately discontinued in 2021. It has since been replaced by a larger bake that uses pork, Swiss cheese, and scallions, all encased in a crispy, doughy exterior. This new product is reportedly lighter and less creamy than the chicken bake. Notably, some customers have taken to social media to express their preference for it over the American version. One TikToker even declared, "Chicken bakes suck. Pork bakes are where it's at," giving it a perfect 10 out of 10 rating.
4. Fish and chips
In some countries, Costco locations typically serve a combination of chicken tenders and fries, while in others, fish and chips are the standard fare. For instance, in France, both options are available. This compensates for the absence of fish and chips at Costco locations in neighboring Britain, where the dish originated and is a quintessential street food. However, Costco France has included it on their menu for just five euros, offering customers a serving of two large fish filets accompanied by a generous portion of golden fries. A lemon wedge and a side of tartar sauce are also provided for added flavor.
Fish and chips aren't the only international dishes featured at Costco in France. The menu boasts a distinctly American selection as well, including chicken tenders and fries, pizza, burgers, and ice cream sundaes. If you're craving fish and chips but can't find them at your local food court, consider exploring the deli section of your store. Costco previously offered a Kirkland Signature fish and chips meal kit there, which included fish, fries, a coleslaw mix, and a lemon. If you're fortunate, you might discover that this product has made a comeback.
5. Clam chowder
Clam chowder is a cozy and satisfying dish that is a staple for many in the Northeast, including states like Maine, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, among others. However, its popularity has spread to other regions around the globe. Taiwan, for instance, deserves a mention, as Costco food courts there offer cups of this delicious soup for about three dollars. This price is quite reasonable, especially given the generous portions of ingredients packed into each serving. Moreover, social media users rave about its rich flavor and taste.
Wayne Dang, a popular food reviewer on TikTok, recently shared a video where he sampled a cup of clam chowder. With each stir of his spoon, he showcased the soup's hearty texture and rich, liquid base filled with ingredients. Dang commended the dish, noting that the "flavor is spot on," with a "generous amount of clams" and a "good amount of potatoes." He described it as "nice and tender," highlighting its "very creamy" consistency and clean seafood flavor. What more could one desire from a bowl of clam chowder?
6. Seafood pizza
Costco's discontinued combo pizza, featuring sausage, pepperoni, and a generous helping of vegetables, is the item that fans most want to see return. It vanished from U.S. locations during the COVID-19 pandemic, only making a comeback as a take-and-bake option in early 2024 due to an online petition. For members craving a freshly made version, their best bet is to travel to other parts of the world, including China. The East Asian country not only continues to offer the beloved combo pizza but also has a unique seafood pizza on the menu.
China's seafood pizza is inspired by Japan's okonomiyaki, a pan-fried dish that resembles a hearty, savory pancake. It features a fried batter topped with a variety of customizable ingredients, which can include anything from meats and dried seaweed to pickled ginger and cabbage. The seafood pizza available at Chinese Costcos showcases a delightful assortment of toppings, including octopus, fish flakes, green peppers, corn, and Kewpie mayo, served in slices or whole pies.
7. Croquetas
From paella and churros to patatas bravas and leche frita, Spain is brimming with dishes that have captured the hearts of food lovers around the world. Among the many culinary delights to discover, be sure to try croquetas. Luckily, if you find yourself in Spain and craving some popular street food, Costco is a reliable option.
At Costco locations in Spain, you'll find a diverse array of croquetas, allowing you to sample various versions of this beloved snack. Start your culinary adventure at the food court, where you can enjoy them fresh. These deep-fried morsels can be filled with a variety of ingredients, and the ones prepared on-site typically feature ham. Additionally, the store's aisles offer a wide range of other filling options. After indulging, if you decide to take some home, don’t miss the frozen croquetas available at Costco, which include unique fillings like fruit, cream cheese, and seafood.
8. Shrimp katsu burger
You may recall the cheeseburgers that Costco removed from its American food courts a few years back, but have you heard about its more popular alternative in Japan? The Land of the Rising Sun boasts the shrimp katsu burger, also referred to as the ebi katsu burger. In Japan, chopped shrimp is a common ingredient in fast food burgers, making it a natural choice for a major chain like Costco to incorporate this beloved protein into its offerings.
Priced at around five dollars, the shrimp katsu burger truly stands out thanks to its thick, crispy patty, which reveals a generous amount of shrimp pieces with just one bite. Accompanying the burger are some fresh leafy greens and a layer of zesty coleslaw. In this instance, you can indeed judge a book by its cover, as the combination of ingredients results in a burger that is as delicious and visually appealing as the image displayed on Costco's food court menu billboard.
9. Cottage pie
When it comes to comfort food, the U.K. truly excels. Its food courts offer a delightful array of treats, including ice cream, gelato, and baked potatoes adorned with comforting toppings like baked beans and beef chili. Among these offerings is the classic Aberdeen Angus Cottage Pie, a dish that hails from England itself. Cottage pie bears resemblance to shepherd's pie, with subtle distinctions primarily in the choice of meat, and it is a hearty, satisfying meal. This dish features ground beef (or lamb, in the traditional version) smothered in gravy, accompanied by vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, peas, corn, and onions, all topped with a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes and cheese. Once baked, these ingredients meld together to create a rich and flavorful experience.
The Costco version of this pie has garnered positive feedback from those who have sampled it. One YouTuber showcased the pie's foil pan packaging and its appealingly crusted edges, praising its inviting aroma and substantial size. After examining its components, he noted that while the cottage pie is "nothing to write home about" due to the mashed potatoes lacking fluffiness, it remains delicious and offers excellent value for just over three pounds.
10. Gelato
Navigating the towering aisles and bustling cart traffic at Costco can be a tiring experience, but there's no better way to treat yourself after a successful grocery trip than with a delicious dessert from the food court. Luckily, Iceland's sole Costco location has plenty of sweet options to choose from. Shoppers can recharge with the store's classic ice cream cups, and for something truly special, there are also gelatos available.
Garðabær makes up for being Iceland's only Costco by offering not just one, but four delightful gelato flavors. This Italian frozen treat differs from ice cream in that it has less butterfat and air, resulting in a bolder, creamier taste. Customers can indulge in a rich flavor experience with options like chocolate, mint chocolate chip, Stracciatella (a white cream with dark chocolate shavings), and Amarena cherry. Each scoop of gelato is served in a crispy waffle cone, creating a delightful combination of textures.
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