Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I don't think there is any REAL American food (American as what, Indian?). Just like the immigrant people who have made up the nation, the bountiful natural resources immigrants transformed into something new and shaped the food we enjoy today. This massive variation is in large part a result of the groupings and presence of different ethnic groups. Some of that became Americanized, underwent extreme changes, and is uniquely present only in the US.
I would say that peanut butter and jelly is something that, to me, is an American signature food.
BBQ, the way how is prepared - with sauces, rubs, and varied cooking methods - is definitely taken to new and unique levels. Pure deliciousness I had only in the US.
Clam chowder is another example. I love soups, but never saw clam chowder outside the US. And, I think - pies. That for sure is typical American.
Where I live now, there are literally hundreds of different pastries and cakes, but no pies as we know them in the US.
I would say Cheeseburger & corn on the cob. ( not at the same meal )
The problem with hamburgers, as a quintessentially American food, is contained within the name - "Hamburg".
Hamburgers are just an Americanized version of "Frickadellen", which is a pan fried German meat patty that my grandmother made frequently for her grandchildren. We didn't eat it on a roll and it had other ingredients besides beef, but it is a patty made of chopped meat.
So, personally, I don't think hamburgers are "quintessentially American" any more that "Frankfurters" "hot dogs" or "wieners".
A strong case can be made for corn on the cob though, and any dish made with corn.
Coastal New England and Southern food both utilize corn quite a bit, as well as lobster and shrimp - both of which would be shunned in most of Europe. Chowders, clam and corn and Johnny Cakes and Indian Pudding from New England. Cornbread, biscuits and gravy, and Brunswick stew from the South. Beans are eaten in both regions. Maple Syrup for the North, Molasses and pecans in the south.
I think those two cuisines are pretty "American" and also have influences from Native Americans.
"Soul Food" is influenced by African cuisine, and is also unique to the US. As is "Low Country" and "Gullah" cooking.
I don't think there is any REAL American food (American as what, Indian?).
Squash and corn stews, roasted and dried game and fish, masa corn cakes, pemmican, etc., if the focus is historical accuracy... if the focus is on widely eaten contemporary cuisine, then obviously no.
Last edited by TabulaRasa; 11-06-2019 at 08:53 PM..
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
