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"“If a thing loves, it is infinite.”"
(set 1 day ago)
Location: Great Britain
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There are lots of regional variations in the US, from New England with it's sea food through to NYC which is famous for it's Pizza, Sandwiches, Bagels, Hot Dog etc down to Philadelphia which is home to the Philly Cheese Steak,. Down in the south you have cajun and a lot more french influence, and of course on parts of the West Coast and places such as Texas there is Mexican and Spanish influence.
Most cities and region in the US have their own unique specialities, of which they are often very proud of.
Obviously some US Foods are universal though, such as pizza, burgers, fried chicken, bbq, man & cheese, apple pie etc etc.
US Food is often a fusion of European, South American and international influences due to the unique growth of the US through immigration as well as it's geography, with areas close to the sea utilising more seafood dishes etc.
I really like most US Food, and indeed North American food if you include Canada and Mexico as well. My only problem with it is it's too good, often contains a lot of calories and comes is very large portions, whilst refils of coffee and soft drinks are free. It's not the place to be if you are watvhing your weight.
Well, my poor husband just loves American breakfasts, eg pancakes with bacon, maple syrup, hash browns and other fattening things. He has a real sweet tooth and it is right up his alley and a change from his usual cereal or toast. But I have been on a diet since Christmas because of our upcoming six week American trip, lost 5 kilos (11 pounds) so I am somewhat dreading the battle we will have to resist all this type of food, which I rather like too.
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So Australian breakfasts are different, no bacon & eggs & pancakes?
To those from other countries, when visiting the USA which types of food do you like that is either unavailable or not as good, in your own country?
I guess the US in general, would be most known for:
- BBQ
- Soul Food/ Southern
- Tex-Mex/ Mexican
- fast foods (hamburgers, etc)
- steakhouses
- buffets
- iconic snacks (Hostess Twinkies, etc)
The first three are regional foods - southern, south western, western. New England and the Northeast are not known for those foods, neither is the midwest or the Pacific northwest.
Tex/Mex - you can get it in London, but it's not the same (like Fish'n'Chip's isn't over there either!). Also, in Magnolia in The Haight, SF, they had the best Pastrami sandwich I've ever had in my life! About fifteen years ago I might have mentioned the disparity in burger quality, but there are some equally great places in London now. Going back to the States v. soon, so may update this!
We can get good fish and chips over here but you have to look far and wide. When it's good (which is rare) it's equal to that in England. The chips are usually scratty but they're still tasty.
Much of our food tastes terrible because it is overly processed and contains all sorts of funny tasting preservatives. But if you can eat at someone's house, you could get really good food. Also, good (non chain) restaurants can have really good food.
Our foods are regional--I've never had some of the foods that have been described as being American. But what about corn on the cob? That's really an American stand by--we look forward to it all year long. FRESH only! You won't get it in a restaurant though.
Diner food is good, reliable American food. Real Italian food is good too, not from a chain. You get it in places like Massachusetts and Connecticut in the New England area. How about fresh, warm apple cider in autumn? With fresh apple turnovers. Lobster and lobster rolls are very popular too in this area.
You usually have to spend a bit of money here to get good food. Hint--When you eat in a restaurant and they give you those oversize portions, be sure and ask for a "doggie bag" so you can take it home. They will always wrap it up for you. Might be best to carry a styrofoam cooler in the car and stay at a place with a microwave so you can heat it up next day. Or get there early enough and order off the lunch menu and you'll get a normal sized portion of the same food.
(Call in advance to see how late they serve lunch.)
The first three are regional foods - southern, south western, western. New England and the Northeast are not known for those foods, neither is the midwest or the Pacific northwest.
I hope we aren't known for twinkies.
I disagree on New England food, but almost solely on the basis of clam chowders and corn chowders. People in East Asia go nuts over the chowder.
The first three are regional foods - southern, south western, western. New England and the Northeast are not known for those foods, neither is the midwest or the Pacific northwest.
I hope we aren't known for twinkies.
You are saying you can't find or there is no fondness for, Tex-Mex, bbq or Southern food in Ohio, Washington or New Jersey???
They are very much part of general US cuisine, and yes available across the nation.
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