American cuisine is a melting pot of flavors and influences worldwide. From Mexican tacos to New Orleans beignets, there are plenty of foods you can only find in America. Even if you’re a local, you might be surprised by some dishes on this list. So, next time you’re hungry, why not try one of these eight must-try foods from across America?
East Coast
1. York-Style Pizza
Named for its city of origin, New York-style pizza is characterized by its thin crust and large, floppy slices. The dough is typically boiled before it’s baked, giving the crust a chewy texture.
2. Boston Cream Pie
This is another iconic American dessert that originated in Boston. The most famous place to get a slice of this pie is probably Bova’s Bakery, which has locations all over the city. If you’re looking for something more upscale, try Flour on Cambridge Street or Modern Pastry. Many other bakeries in Boston also offer their own delicious takes on this classic dessert.
3. Philly Cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak is one of the most famous dishes to come out of the city, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a versatile food choice that you can eat for lunch or dinner, and it’s perfect for those on the go. Although there are many places in Philadelphia where you can get a great cheesesteak, Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks are two popular options. If you’re looking for something more upscale or unique, try Dalessandro’s Steaks by the Slice.
West Coast
4. San Francisco Sourdough Bread
San Francisco is known for many things, but one of the most iconic is sourdough bread. This type of bread is unique to the Bay Area and has a slightly sour flavor thanks to the natural yeasts in the dough. Boudin Bakery is one of the most famous places to get sourdough bread, but there are many other great bakeries in the city, such as Acme Bread Company and Tartine Bakery. Also, be sure to try a sourdough grilled cheese sandwich while you’re in town!
Southern
5. Chinese Dumplings
You might not think of Chinese food when you think of the American South, but there are actually a lot of great Chinese restaurants in the region. One dish you definitely have to try while you’re down south is Chinese dumplings. You can find them at almost any Chinese restaurant, but Tropical Chinese is a notable place to try them. This is one of the Chinese restaurants that offer dumplings that are considered authentic Hong Kong cuisine. With that in mind, what sets them apart is that the dumplings are made with fresh ingredients and no MSG.
6. Beignets
These fried doughnuts originated in New Orleans and are a must-try when you’re in the city. They’re often served with powdered sugar, and Café du Monde is one of the most popular places to get them. However, there are many other great places to try beignets in New Orleans, such as Café Beignet and Morning Call. Furthermore, if you’re not in the mood for beignets, you can always get a king cake, which is another iconic New Orleans dessert.
7. Fajitas
While fajitas originated in Mexico, they have become popular in the United States as a local dish, particularly in the American Southwest. Some great places to try fajitas in the Southwest are Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q in Texas, Pueblo Viejo Grill in Arizona, and El Farolito in California. These restaurants are popular because they offer a taste of the Southwest, and the fajitas are served with all the fixings, such as tortillas, sour cream, salsa, and cheese.
Midwestern
8. Tater tots
Tater tots are a type of potato dish that originated in the United States, and they’re popular in the Midwest. They’re often served as a side dish or appetizer. Still, they can also be used as toppings for salads, burgers, or even pizzas. Some great places to get tater tots in the Midwest are Culver’s, which has locations all over America, such as in Illinois and Wisconsin. White Castle is another chain offering tater tots on its menu.
The above are just a few examples of popular American foods that people worldwide love to eat. If you’re traveling within the U.S. states, such as the East Coast, you can’t go wrong by ordering one of these dishes at a local restaurant or fast food chain. You’ll be sure to find a favorite that satisfies your appetite. Even as a local, you’ll want to try at least one dish from each country region because they are all unique. You may find that you have a favorite or like them all equally well.
