American cuisine sometimes gets a bad rap, having a reputation for being overly processed, unhealthy, and inelegant. But this fails to consider the huge variety of dishes that have become beloved worldwide and that many tourists long to try in their country of origin. Here are the 17 U.S. foods that foreigners consider the tastiest American creations.
Barbecue
American barbecue is a slow-cooking method that gives smoky flavor to meats like ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. Of course, there are huge regional differences, from tangy, vinegar-laden Carolina-style to the rich, molasses-based barbecue of the South. Wherever they try BBQ, foreigners often find the depth of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness to be delicious.
New York Cheesecake
European cheesecake is uncooked, so many foreigners want to try this quintessentially American take on the classic Italian dessert. Although there are alternatives elsewhere, the NY Times claims that the best cheesecake is found in New York, with every kind of eatery offering a variety. Many visitors love the dense creaminess, sweet biscuit, and choice of flavors or fruit toppings.
Chicken and Waffles
This combination of sweet and savory is a southern American staple that sounds odd but often delights foreigners curious enough to sample it. Crispy fried chicken is served on fluffy waffles, generally drizzled with sweet maple syrup with optional hot sauce on the side. The different flavors and textures work well together, creating a surprisingly well-loved dish.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
These gooey, warm cookies have made their way (in some form or another) to every country worldwide but are best enjoyed in their country of origin. American choc-chip cookies tend to be larger, softer, and chewier than store-bought alternatives around the globe, and most foreigners find them delicious, especially children, chocolate lovers, and those with a sweet tooth!
Deep Dish Pizza
Hailing from Chicago, deep dish pizza features a thicker, buttery crust with more generous toppings than Italian-influenced pies found in New York City. Foreigners often find the added dough and cheese to be more hearty, and they enjoy the unique texture, which tends to be softer and fluffier than traditional pizza. It’s definitely a must-try for anyone visiting Chicago.
Doughnuts
These fluffy, fried pastries come in many different varieties here in the U.S., and foreigners love sampling them all, from mini doughnuts with various toppings to glazed and frosted options. They are particularly unique for German and French visitors who are more used to pastries like croissants and jam or custard donuts, although some may find them a bit too sugary!
Gumbo
Serious Eats maintains, “Gumbo is closely associated with Louisiana and with Cajun cuisine,” although its true origins lie in Africa. Although they may be far from the African continent when visiting the southern states, many foreigners enjoy trying this rich, Creole-inspired stew, which typically involves okra and bell peppers with meat or seafood in a rich, dark gravy.
Hamburger
The all-American hamburger is a global icon, and almost everyone on the planet has tried one. Yet the all-American version is the original and the best, and many foreigners simply have to try one on U.S. soil. Although the options for customization are endless, a typical American burger is a ground beef patty served on a sesame bun with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and condiments.
Lobster Roll
This New England specialty features large chunks of freshly caught lobster meat tossed in mayonnaise or butter and served in a toasted hot dog bun. The dish’s simplicity allows the lobster’s fresh, sweet flavor to shine through, with a little lemon juice or mayonnaise enhancing its subtle flavor. Foreigners often find it to be a deliciously decadent indulgence.
Mac and Cheese
This comfort food classic is a childhood favorite for many Americans, yet visitors also often enjoy its cheesy, hearty, and simple tastes. It is almost always made with macaroni pasta in a creamy cheese sauce, sometimes baked with a crispy topping of breadcrumbs. Foreigners enjoy it on its own, with salad or vegetables, or as a satisfyingly creamy side dish.
Milkshakes
Thick, creamy, and sweet, American milkshakes are an iconic treat featured in many Hollywood movies, making visitors keen to try one when staying in the U.S. Burger Republic says a Walgreens employee named Ivan Coulson decided to add a scoop of ice cream to a standard milkshake in 1922, thus creating the extra rich version both foreigners and residents now enjoy.
Apple Pie
While this fruity dessert exists everywhere in Europe, including England and Germany, the U.S. version has a uniquely spiced topping and a flaky crust that is traditionally served warm with a frozen scoop of vanilla ice cream. Visitors often appreciate the comforting flavors, and it’s especially popular and delicious in apple-growing states after a good harvest.
BLT Sandwich
This simple yet satisfying sandwich combines cooked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on toasted white bread. While BLTs exist on menus worldwide, many foreigners want to sample one in the land that produced them. They enjoy the balance of salty, slightly chewy meat with fresh salad vegetables, soft bread, and creamy mayo, creating a unique texture and flavor combination.
Nachos
Nachos are technically Tex-Mex cuisine originating from the US-Mexico border, yet they’ve become a widely popular American bar food. Tortilla chips are layered with melted cheese, beans, jalapeños, and other toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. Foreigners often find the combination of salty chips, melted cheese, and various toppings to be hearty and delicious.
Philly Cheesesteak
According to YouGov, the original Philadelphia cheesesteak has increased in popularity recently, with 74% of Americans saying they enjoy the dish. This sub-style sandwich involves sliced ribeye steak, melted cheese (usually Cheez Whiz or provolone), and grilled onions on a long roll. Foreigners also find the hot and cold combo of savory flavors immensely satisfying.
Root Beer Float
This classic American beverage combines creamy vanilla ice cream with chilled root beer, creating a fizzy, sweet treat with a unique flavor. The sassafras root used to infuse the non-alcoholic beer has an unusual taste that outsiders find divisive, but many enjoy it. It’s especially delightful on a hot day and it’s certainly a culinary experience that’s difficult to find outside the U.S.
S’mores
Any visitor planning to go camping must try this classic campfire food: marshmallows and chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers, roasted over an open fire until hot and gooey. Many have seen s’mores in Hollywood movies and enjoy the fun and novelty of eating these sweet, all-American Boy Scout treats.
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