Say what you want about American food, but there are some dishes that are truly next-level. These 15 iconic eats have become part of the culture—and honestly, they’re reason enough to hop on a plane to the USA. From gooey comfort food to over-the-top classics, these American staples are as bold and unforgettable as the country itself. If you’re not from the U.S., you’re going to want a bite of this list. And if you are, well… lucky you!
Note: The content of this article does not reflect the Writer's personal beliefs.
Pizza
America makes great pizza. Whether it is thin-crust New York style pizza or deep-dish Chicago pizza, it is bound to be good. The sauce is good, the crust is good and Americans always use really good mozzarella. Plus, you can get so many different toppings! The possibilities are endless when it comes to American pizza and they are all incredible.
Burgers
Everyone in America knows how to make a good burger. They are thick and juicy with just the right amount of grilled char. Burgers are typically topped with fresh lettuce, crisp onions, and sometimes a flavorful pickle. Get cheese on your American burger for an even more authentic experience.
Apple Pie
When in America, you have to eat apple pie. Foreigners love American apple pie! It is one of the country's hallmarks, after all. Get apple pie with ice cream on top for an even more decadent experience. Be sure to eat your pie warm as most Americans do. It will just make you love it even more!
Jambalaya
Foreigners can’t get enough southern jambalaya. With so many flavorful ingredients all mixed into one dish, it is hard not to love. Jambalaya is a must-have food, especially if you are visiting the Southern US where the dish was invented. That creole flavor will shine through in every bite!
Fried Chicken
Speaking of Southern foods, everyone loves American fried chicken. Foreigners go nuts over buttermilk-battered, deep-fried chicken, and for good reason. It is so good! There is nothing quite as American as fried chicken, and it is a meal we are proud to call our own!
Cobb Salad
Order a Cobb Salad when you are visiting the US and you will be very pleased with your menu choice. Everyone adores Cobb salad because it has just about everything you would ever want in a salad. From lettuce to eggs to bacon and tomatoes, cobb salad is packed with toppings. Every bite is full of tasty mix-ins and we know that foreigners go home and make their own versions.
Lobster Rolls
People worldwide travel to the North Eastern United States to eat lobster rolls. They are simply incredible. The soft, salty lobster meat is tossed with a light mayonnaise, sometimes celery is added, and then the filling is stuffed onto a hot dog roll. Lobster rolls are one of the most uniquely American foods out there and one that everyone absolutely adores.
Smoked Brisket
Americans love to smoke their meats. From smoked pork to smoked brisket, the more smokey the flavor, the better. Foreigners find this fascinating and delicious. There is nothing quite as delicious or American as smoked brisket, and you really can’t get it anywhere else in the world.
Philly Cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak is unlike anything else in the world. That is why foreigners go crazy when they take a bite of their first cheesesteak. It is tender, sweet, and perfectly cheesy. Of course, you will have to travel to Pennsylvania to get a really authentic cheesesteak but it is definitely worth the trip!
Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is an often overlooked American dessert but it is one that foreigners go crazy for. The soft, moist cake is perfectly tender while the cream cheese frosting has just the right amount of sweetness. Some foreigners have described American carrot cake as the best dessert of their entire lives! Yes, carrot cake does “take the cake”!
Get the recipe: Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Mousse
Krispy Creme Doughnuts
Warm, perfectly glazed donuts are food that is straight from a dream. But in reality, it is food straight from America! Krispy Creme doughnuts are known worldwide, but you can only get them hot out of the fryer at a storefront in America. Tourists line up to watch their donuts be made on that iconic Krispy Creme conveyor belt. The gorgeous glaze is just too good to resist! This is one food that visitors always write home about.
Cornbread
Americans have cornbread down to a science. We know how to make the perfect, tender cornbread to go with any Southern-style meal. Cornbread may be a simple side dish but is it one that people can obsess over. If you visit the United States, you need to get yourself some cornbread ASAP.
Chicken and Waffles
You won't find this strange food combination anywhere else in the world! Chicken and waffles is a true American classic that is surprisingly delicious. Crispy fried chicken and sweet, syrupy waffles are an amazing American treat. This is one meal you NEED to have when visiting the US.
Banana Split
Americans sure do know how to make an ice cream sundae! The banana split is the ultimate American dessert. Fresh, ripe bananas are topped with multiple types of ice cream and then topped with chocolate, nuts, cherries, and whipped cream. Everyone loves banana splits. Everyone.
Smores
How can you ever go wrong with a s'more? All that melted chocolate, toasted marshmallow, and graham cracker goodness just can't be beaten. Plus, they are such a simple dessert to make! Once you experience the deliciousness that is a s'more, you will crave it all the time. Everyone loves s'mores!
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