KANSAS CITY — Dishes inspired by global cuisine are trending on restaurant menus as foodservice operators offer their own twists on foods and beverages from Mexico, Italy, Hawaii, Taiwan and more.

Baskin-Robbins is paying tribute to a traditional Mexican frozen beverage with its new Mangonada, made with mango puree and chamoy and topped with Tajin Clasico Seasoning, which combines mild chili peppers, lime and sea salt.

The brand’s R&D team worked on the offering for more than two years, testing dozens of iterations while learning from experts who had served mangonadas for generations, Baskin-Robbins said.

“As a brand rooted in flavor innovation, our team is constantly looking for ways to bring bold, exciting new flavors to our guests,” said Shannon Blakely, vice president of marketing and culinary for Baskin-Robbins, a subsidiary of Inspire Brands, Inc. “We are excited to share the Mangonada with all of our guests and honor the culture of many of the communities we serve.”

Firehouse Subs is combining two Italian American staples in its new Pepperoni Pizza Meatball Sub. The sandwich features Italian meatballs in marinara with a double portion of melted provolone cheese, pepperoni and Italian seasoning all nestled in a toasted garlic bread sub roll.

“As many of our guests continue to choose to pick up their Firehouse Subs to-go, I wanted to create a sub that brought the warm experience they know from our restaurants home with them,” said Jay Miller, director of product development for Firehouse Subs. “By taking the popular Firehouse Meatball and adding familiar, comforting flavors, the new sub provides guests with a delicious twist on the craveable subs they know and love us for.”

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is introducing its Tropic Hits menu, featuring two smoothies, a wrap and two new sides that pay homage to Hawaii. The lineup includes the Dragon Fruit Smoothie, Starfruit Smoothie, Citrus Hawaiian Wrap, Jalapeño Corn and Maple-Kissed Sweet Potatoes.

“There’s something special about the arrival of spring that makes tropical flavors taste that much better,” said Charles Watson, chief executive officer of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC. “At Tropical Smoothie Cafe, our favorite way to celebrate a new season is by introducing fresh new menu items that instantly transport our guests to the tropics. We're excited to bring back the fan favorite Dragon Fruit Smoothie and introduce the brand new Starfruit Smoothie, which both feature the bold and bright flavors we're known for.”

Latin American flavors flourish in the new Street Taco Pizza from Round Table Pizza. The pie is made with charred corn, chorizo, tomatoes, crema, crispy tortilla strips, green onions, salsa roja sauce and a three-cheese blend, all served with lime wedges.

“Our new Street Taco Pizza features everything Round Table is known for — our homemade dough, proprietary three cheese blend, generous hand cut toppings and unparalleled quality all with a fun twist,” said Annica Conrad, chief marketing officer for Global Franchise Group, the parent company of Round Table Pizza. “Our culinary innovation team worked hard to blend authentic Latin American flavors with our famous pizza, and they delivered.”

Del Taco Restaurants, Inc. is celebrating the tastes of Taiwan with its new Lemonade Poppers and Mini Shake Poppers beverages, which include flavored popping boba that originated in Taiwan. The boba consist of colorful encapsulated blueberry or peach juice that burst when biting into them.

View slideshow of new menu items.