Top 15 American Foods That Are Best Enjoyed In The U.S.A.
American cuisine is more than meets the eye. When thinking of the United States, you might think of the vast Grand Canyon, the breath taking natural wonders, the stunning views, the dramatic granite cliffs, snow-kissed mountain peaks, or even serene waterfalls. Yes, the United States has so much to offer, but don’t forget about the food. Some dishes are iconic and should really be eaten in the U.S. because that’s where the best version of it is.
American cuisine is as diverse as its landscape, and you’ll fall in love with it just as easily. Ready to find out what American foods are best enjoyed in their home? American eats that must be eaten there. Let’s go!
1. Key Lime Pie
Key Lime Pie is always a hit, and for good reason too. It’s delightful! The American dessert originated in Key West, Florida, in the late 19th century. It’s thought that Christopher Columbus brought the first key lime tree after his travels to Haiti (where the first key lime tree is thought to have been planted). Nowhere else makes key lime pie the way Florida does, that’s for absolute certain.
2. San Francisco Sourdough Bread
The city’s iconic sourdough bread has the 49ers mascot named after it. Sourdough Sam! That’s how much San Francisco loves its’ sourdough bread. The popular bread can be traced back to the Gold Rush of 1849 when men travelled to Northern California for gold and made bread at camp with sour fermented dough instead of store-bought yeast.
3. Twinkies
The legendary American treat got its’ start in Illinois. The soft, airy texture with a sweet cream interior made it a fan-favourite for the last several decades.
4. Banana Split
The official dessert of Pennsylvania, you can’t visit the United States without indulging in a banana split. Made with sliced banana halves, scoops of ice cream, chocolate sauce, and nuts, and frankly, it’s just so delicious.
5. Wild Alaskan Salmon
Wild Alaskan salmon is a showstopper dish. The heart-healthy benefits of eating it are huge, and wild Alaskan salmon doesn’t have the yucky stuff that store-bought seafood might. (You know, the chemicals, artificial colouring, preservatives, pesticides, growth hormones, antibiotics, or GMOs.)
6. New Mexican Flat Enchiladas
It’s “Christmas” year-round in New Mexico, and you’ll often hear the words “red or green” when ordering a New Mexican flat enchilada. This is because of their famous take on the enchilada, where it’s smothered in red or green (or, if you’re adventurous, BOTH) chili sauce!
7. Buffalo Wings
Chicken wings have been a Southern cooking staple for a long time. But cooking wings in a peppery hot sauce was born almost by accident. In 1964, a co-owner of a bar was making her son and his friends a late-night snack. She tossed some cooked wings together with hot sauce and pepper, and voila! The boys gobbled them up so fast and wanted more. She put them on the menu at the bar the very next day. And so we have—the iconic Buffalo wings—an American food that must be enjoyed in its home—Buffalo New York.
8. Chicago-Style Pizza
If you’re going through Chicago or anywhere in America, you must try yourself a Chicago-style pizza. The legendary pizza is unlike anything you’ve had before. Its crust is 2-3 inches tall, which leaves a ton of room for lots of cheese, meat, sauce, and whatever toppings you desire. A Chicago-style pizza is unbeatable!
9. Philly Cheese Steak
Developed in the early 20th century by what legend says, 2 brothers who ran a hotdog stand wanted to create a new sandwich, and thus the Philly cheese steak sandwich was born. It’s rich and satisfying. Thinly sliced sauteed beef bursting with juicy smoky flavour, topped with cheese that melts and gives the sandwich an indulgent creamy texture.
10. Reuben Sandwich
Arguably one of the best sandwiches in the world, the Reuben sandwich is so famous that Omaha has a National Reuben Sandwich Day, which is March 14th. The sandwich is made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing stacked between two slices of rye bread.
11. Thanksgiving Dinner
If you’re traveling through the United States during the fall, then you definitely need to have yourself a traditional Thanksgiving dinner! A savoury roast turkey is the star of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but its companions are just as fantastic. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, green bean casserole, cornbread, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie are often a part of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
12. Sweet Corn
If your travels take you through Iowa, then you best stop for some fresh sweet corn! For roughly 4-5 weeks during summer, you can enjoy some of the best sweet corn out there!
13. Cincinnati Chili
Mediterranean spiced meat is served atop spaghetti to make what is called Cincinnati chili. It’s a thinner consistency than traditional chili, but its’ spice blend is what really makes it stand out. The flavour profile is a good and irresistible part of American cuisine.
14. Peanut Soup
A stop in Virginia calls for a bowl of delicious Virginia peanut soup. The soup boasts flavours of onion, celery, chicken stock, and peanuts, of course. It’s made with Virginia peanuts and is very important in Virginia culture, festivals, and other celebratory events.
15. Boiled Maine Lobster
You can’t have boiled Maine lobster anywhere else besides Maine, so a stop there is a must. Maine lobster has noticeably whiter meat with a sweeter taste. Lobster is a huge part of Maine culture, and festivities are celebrating it annually. It’s a lobster-loving state!
American food enjoyed locally.
Ultimately, American cuisine culture is diverse. No matter what your flavour preferences are, the country has an epic dish that you’ll love. If you’re diving into a bucket of buffalo wings, enjoying a Philly cheese steak sandwich, craving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, or snacking on freshly picked sweet corn, America is the place to do it. So the next time you’re in the country, which one of these iconic American foods are you going to try?!
