12 Irresistible American Dishes You’d Fly Across the World to Taste
Visiting America for the first time? There’s no better way to experience the country’s diverse culture than through its food. Did you know that the U.S. is home to roughly 749,000 restaurants and has generated about $1.09 trillion in sales in the food service industry? (Statista)
American cuisine reflects foods that celebrate flavors, traditions, and history. Take a culinary tour with 12 iconic dishes food lovers wouldn’t mind traveling 1000s miles to savor.
New York-Style Pizza
New Yorkers will tell you there is nothing like a slice of their thin-crust pizza. New York-style pizza, cooked blistering hot in ovens, allows you to have a chewy crust, gooey mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce all in one bite.
Pizzerias originated from Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lombardi’s in Manhattan was the first pizzeria in the U.S. Fold it in half, no fork required, and eat it the local way.
Texas BBQ
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the flavor of their barbecue. Texas-style BBQ is about slow-smoking perfection if you prefer beef brisket, ribs, or sausage. Texas BBQ traces its origins to German and Czech immigrants who settled in the state in the mid-nineteenth century.
Different regions in the Lone Star State add their twist. From the tangy sauces of East Texas to the smoky, salt-and-pepper simplicity of Central Texas. The world-famous brisket at Franklin Barbecue in Austin is so good that fans line up for hours to savor it.
San Francisco Sourdough Bread
San Francisco sourdough tastes nothing like any bread in the world. This tangy delight owes its flavor to Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis, a local bacteria unique to the Bay Area.
The bread originated in the Gold Rush era of the 1840s and has stood the test of time. Pair a slice with a bowl of clam chowder at the legendary Boudin Bakery for an iconic Bay Area experience.
Buffalo Wings (Buffalo, New York)
Buffalo wings, originating from Buffalo, New York, are fried chicken wings coated in tangy, spicy sauce and often served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
Buffalo wings have become a national favorite, with Americans consuming 1.42 billion wings on Super Bowl Sunday alone. The chicken wing market is growing, valued at $1.55 million in 2023 and projected to reach $2257.8 million by 2031. Buffalo wings are not just a dish but a beloved American tradition.
Maine Lobster Roll
Take a bite of the ocean with the Maine lobster roll. Served in a butter-toasted bun and dressed with mayo or warm butter, the lobster’s natural sweetness shines. Red’s Eats in Wiscasset is legendary for this classic coastal dish, with a single sandwich containing over a whole lobster’s worth of meat.
Louisiana Gumbo
Few dishes carry as much cultural significance as gumbo. A rich stew combining influences from French, African, and Native American cuisines, gumbo is often thickened with a dark roux or filé powder.
If you try shrimp and sausage or chicken and okra, this Louisiana classic is full of bold flavor. Head to New Orleans’ Commander’s Palace for a gumbo experience steeped in tradition and flavor.
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
If pizza were a hearty meal, Chicago deep-dish would reign supreme. This sizable pie features a thick crust, layers of gooey cheese, savory toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked into a deep pan. One slice is usually enough, but the flavor might have you reaching for more.
Philadelphia Cheesesteak
Countless debates have been sparked about Philly cheesesteaks, mainly over the best place to order one. This sandwich combines thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and a crusty roll. Simple toppings such as peppers and caramelized onions take it to another level.
Key Lime Pie from Florida
Florida’s most famous dessert is a slice of tropical heaven. This pie has tangy key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust, so it’s a good balance of sweet and tart. Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami has been baking this dessert for decades. It is a destination spot for pie enthusiasts.
Hawaiian Poke
Visit Hawaii, where poke bowls are loaded with marinated fresh seafood such as tuna or salmon. Soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions are poured into a bowl and mixed to make it light and flavorful.
Trendy poke bars dot the islands but try Ono Seafood in Honolulu for an authentic taste straight from the source.
New England Clam Chowder
Excellent clam chowder is creamy and comforting and a true sign of coastal New England. Chock-full of clams, potatoes, and heavy cream, the sea best enjoys this dish. If you want to taste history, visit Union Oyster House in Boston, the oldest restaurant in the city.
Apple Pie from Anywhere, USA
What would an American food list be without apple pie? This dessert is synonymous with Americana: A flaky crust, sweet apple filling, and a hefty whack of the sternum. This is childhood comfort food made famous.
Regional takes range from cinnamon-spiced to cheddar-topped. One thing’s for sure: pick up that apple pie at a family-owned diner in the Midwest or a trendy café in Brooklyn, and you’ll always know you’re home.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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