One of the best things about visiting a new country is sampling the food. The US is no different, and visitors love trying out our cuisine when they visit. According to foreigners, the following 18 standard menu items are considered the tastiest American foods, so don’t take them for granted!
Biscuits and gravy
Biscuits are a completely different food outside the US, so visitors to the States are very intrigued by biscuits and gravy. The mouthwatering combination of different flavors and textures is the main element that makes this Southern dish a firm favorite with foreigners.
Fried chicken
The US is renowned for its fried chicken, with top chains such as KFC, Popeyes, and Wingstop taking over the world. However, fried chicken made in the US just tastes different. That Southern blend of delicious herbs and spices is what foreigners crave when they visit the US.
Gumbo
Gumbo is a true American dish that cannot be found anywhere else, so foreigners go crazy for it when they visit the US. This hearty Louisiana specialty is an iconic culinary dish in the US, showcasing the best flavor profile in the Bayou State.
Barbecue Food
The whole world loves barbeques, but Delish reminds us of how important barbecue food is to American culture. From ribs and wings to brisket and pulled pork, have you really experienced American food if you’ve not enjoyed the smokey delights of an al-fresco cookout?
Clam chowder
Many people turn their noses up at clam chowder, yet once they taste it, a whole world of flavor opens up to their taste buds. Chowder is one that only the bravest visitors to the US will try, but the ones who do find themselves in a love affair with it.
Corn Dogs
Corn dogs are uniquely American and an iconic food item that every visitor wants to try when they’re Stateside. Popular at state fairs and gas stations, they’re not the most common food for visitors to stumble across, but when they do, they can’t wait to try one and give rave reviews.
Pancakes with maple syrup and bacon
The combination of salty and sweet is very common in American dishes, but it perplexes tourists. USA Today claims that both pancakes and bacon are two of America’s favorite breakfast foods, but to many Europeans’ amazement, these are often served together with a generous portion of maple syrup. It’s delicious but an undeniably strange combo.
Fried chicken and waffles
Another example of America’s obsession with salty and sweet combos is fried chicken and waffles. Foreign tourists are obsessed with the novelty of this unusual pairing; it’s usually a dish they order out of pure curiosity but end up falling head over heels for.
Pastrami sandwich
Pastrami was first introduced to the US by Romania, where it was loved so much that it quickly became part of American food culture. Now, the pastrami sandwich is distinctly American, with New York-style deli sandwiches being particularly iconic examples.
Buffalo wings
Buffalo wings are another American classic, one that British visitors love in particular. Crispy and dripping with hot sauce, buffalo wings are a big hitter in both texture and flavor. Originating from Buffalo, New York, buffalo wings are the ultimate food challenge for foreigners who try to take on the heat.
Eggs Benedict
A dish featuring an English muffin and made famous worldwide by Gordon Ramsay, many don’t realize that Eggs Benedict is actually an American dish. Popularized in NYC, National Geographic considers Eggs Benedict to be a New York classic, with the city boasting some of the best variations in the world.
Philly cheesesteak
One of the most popular sandwiches in the US, the Philly cheesesteak is one foreigners can’t wait to try. Originating from Pennsylvania, the authentic taste of a classic Philly cheesesteak is uniquely American. This dish is wonderfully hearty and delicious, from the succulent and thinly sliced beefsteak to the perfectly melted cheese.
Burgers
Despite being one of the most common dishes in the world, the burger has US origins, and Americans really know how to cook it best. Not only does America make simple yet delicious hamburgers, but we also specialize in craft burgers, offering a wide variety of ingredients, fillings, toppings, and flavors.
Po’boy
A Creole classic that is particularly well-liked by visitors to New Orleans, the po’boy is a sandwich full of every flavorsome meat you can imagine. For the most authentic taste of Louisiana, it has to be a shrimp po’boy, a traditional filling that is not common in sandwiches outside of the US.
Beignets
While technically originating from France, the New Orleans-style beignets are extremely popular with foreigners. Cafe Du Monde in NOLA is renowned as the mecca for beignets, according to Time Out, with visitors to the city lining up around the block to sample the powdered sugar dough deliciousness.
Ranch dressing
One of America’s favorite dressings, ranch, is just that—American. Head overseas, and you will struggle to find it unless it is a highly inflated US import. This is bad news for foreigners who love ranch dressing. They commonly consider it the tastiest US condiment, believing it pairs well with just about anything savory.
Root beer float
Root beer is a classic American drink you just have to try as a foreigner visiting the States. However, the root beer float is a whole different story; not only is the soda itself unique to tourists, but they also get to indulge in the novelty of pairing it with ice cream.
S’mores
Last but not least, the very thought of a s’more immediately transports Americans back to sitting around a campfire, and that is the image every foreigner also has when they think of s’mores. S’mores are frequently mentioned in popular American cartoons and movies, so foreign tourists are keen to try them when they arrive.
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