Planning a vacation in the U.S.? Traveling for work? Whatever the case, U.S. cuisine is worth exploring. Beyond stereotypes, American gastronomy blends local traditions with flavors reflecting its diversity.
Here are 10 typical American dishes guaranteed to whet your appetite during your stay.
The United States is a country known for many things, one of them being its reputable online clothing stores. However, this country has a lot to offer, including a wide culinary repertoire full of contrasts.
And yes, America's cuisine is as diverse as its people. Its cuisine brings together influences from all over the world, although it also has its own dishes.
Some of them, in fact, mix native traditions and contributions from European, Asian, African and Latin American communities. Therefore, it is to be expected that many of the country's typical dishes have roots in other parts of the world. So, don't be surprised with this top 10.
We know that hamburgers and hot dogs are the first things that come to mind when talking about American food. And yes, they could easily enter this top, since the U.S. excels in the fast food industry.
But beyond these classics, there are other traditional dishes that also define the culinary identity of the country.
That's where we'll start in this list of 10 typical U.S. foods:
This is one of the most iconic dishes from the city of Chicago, also known as deep-dish pizza. Unlike traditional pizza, this version is baked in a deep pan, giving it a thick base and high edges, similar to a savory pie.
Between its layers, large portions of cheese, chunky tomato sauce, and other ingredients of your choice are added. As a result, you get a robust pizza, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, perfect for those looking for a heartier experience compared to classic Italian pizza.
Although they originated in Buffalo, New York, Buffalo wings have become an integral part of U.S. cuisine. These are fried chicken wings covered with a spicy sauce made from butter, vinegar, and spices.
They are usually served with celery sticks and a creamy blue cheese dip to balance the heat. This intense combination of flavors is what makes the wings addictive. Today, they're essential at bars, barbecues, or when watching a game on TV.
The sandwich is an essential part of everyday life in the U.S., with countless variations depending on region and occasion.
Here are the most popular:
Grilled Cheese: Prepared with bread toasted on a griddle and melted cheese inside.
Philly Cheesesteak: Made with thin slices of beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheese on a long hoagie-style bun.
Reuben Sandwich: A combination of pastrami or corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing between slices of rye bread.
This dish is highly versatile and adapts to all tastes.
Among the top 10 typical foods of the United States, macaroni and cheese is a favorite among children and young people. It’s made with elbow macaroni mixed with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, then baked until it forms a golden, crispy crust.
Although instant versions are available in supermarkets, homemade mac and cheese retains a more authentic and comforting taste.
Interesting fact: it is believed that Thomas Jefferson helped introduce mac and cheese after a trip to Europe.
Barbecue ribs are one of the tastiest and most classic dishes in American cuisine. Their preparation varies by region, but they all share slow cooking, resulting in tender and juicy meat that easily falls off the bone.
They're generously coated with layers of BBQ sauce, which can range from sweet to spicy. Cities like Kansas City, Memphis, or Austin have made this dish a local icon.
Fried chicken is a crispy delight and a classic in the southern United States. Although its roots lie in European and African recipes, it gained widespread popularity in the U.S.
Its secret lies in marinating and coating the chicken before frying it, ensuring it becomes golden brown on the outside without losing its juiciness inside. Of course, each region has its own version, some spicy and others milder.
This dish has strong Creole and Cajun roots and is typical in the southern U.S., especially Louisiana. Classic jambalaya consists of rice cooked with a mix of ingredients—usually chicken, smoked sausage (andouille), seafood, and peppers. Some versions replace sausage with diced ham.
Everything is cooked together in one pot with spices, giving it a deep flavor. The result reflects the southern U.S.'s cultural fusion with French, Spanish, and African influences.
While not as common in restaurants as hamburgers or wings, meatloaf is a household classic in the U.S. The dish is prepared with ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and spices.
The ingredients are shaped into a loaf and baked. Some cover it with a layer of caramelized tomato sauce or ketchup during cooking. Originally created as an economical way to stretch meat during tough times, it’s now popular for family dinners.
Pancakes are part of American cuisine, a classic breakfast and culinary icon. They’re made with flour, milk, eggs, and butter, cooked into golden discs.
They can be eaten alone or with toppings, though they’re usually served with fresh fruits, butter, and maple syrup. This dish brings families together at the table for breakfast or snacks.
Interesting fact: Pancakes have their own national day, January 28.
We finish our top 10 typical American dishes with an unmissable dessert: apple pie. Apple pie originated in England but became highly popular in the U.S.
This delicacy has a crispy pastry base filled with sliced apples. Usually seasoned with cinnamon and sugar and served warm, it’s often accompanied by vanilla ice cream.
As you can see, U.S. cuisine is more than hamburgers and hot dogs, partly thanks to the influence of immigrants from various parts of the world over the years.
The green card, in fact, is nothing new; this immigration process started decades ago, resulting in cultural blending and unique recipes, combining classic with modern, local with international.
As a bonus, we bring you 3 typical American drinks:
Bourbon is a type of 100% American whiskey, originally from Kentucky and considered the national drink. It can be served neat or on the rocks, and is also used as a base for several classic cocktails.
The United States has been the birthplace of some of the world's most famous cocktails. The Old Fashioned and the Manhattan are the most notable for their elegance and long tradition. They are typically prepared with vodka, whiskey, or vermouth.
Iced tea is one of the most consumed non-alcoholic beverages in the country. It's served cold, with or without sugar, and often with lemon or fruit, perfect for cooling off during the summer.
Despite the cultural differences between the United States and Mexico, for example, both share a strong attachment to celebrations. And many traditional U.S. recipes are tied to specific dates.
Here are some examples:
Independence Day is celebrated outdoors, with barbecues and simple meals. Hamburgers and grilled meats are not lacking, as are patriotic desserts, such as strawberry shortcake or apple pie.
Although, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, hot dogs are consumed quite a bit on this day. About 150 million, to be exact.
The Christmas menu often includes hearty dishes, including roast turkey or glazed ham. These dishes also come with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.
And if there's still room for dessert, pumpkin pie and classic gingerbread cookies will also be on the table.
On this holiday, sweets are the star. From candies and chocolates to cookies decorated with spooky themes.
So, if you ever visit the U.S. during this time, you already know what food awaits you.
If you do, we suggest using DolarCard, an international card that you can apply for through the DolarApp. It works with digital dollars and is accepted everywhere that accepts Mastercard.
You can also order your virtual DolarCard from home to buy in the US and receive in Mexico. Either way, you won't run into hidden fees, and you'll find a fair rate if you want to convert your money to pesos.
Los países tienen fronteras. Tus finanzas, ya no.
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Escanea el código y únete al movimiento global
