From the sizzling streets of New York City to the sun-drenched shores of California, the U.S. is home to an astonishing array of iconic dishes that have captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers worldwide.
In fact, a recent survey revealed that 95% of U.S. citizens are interested in having ‘some kind of unique food experience’ when they travel1.
So here are 18 must-try dishes that define the essence of American culinary culture. Get ready to add these delectable delights to your ultimate food bucket list!
1. Philly Cheesesteak
What is it? A sandwich made with thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and optional toppings like onions and peppers, served on a long roll.
Where to eat it? Visit Philadelphia for an authentic experience at Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s Steaks.
The Philly cheesesteak was invented in the 1930s by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor who decided to try something new. The sandwich quickly gained popularity among local cab drivers and eventually became a symbol of Philadelphia’s culinary identity.
2. New Orleans Beignets
What is it? A deep-fried pastry made from dough, typically served hot and dusted with powdered sugar.
Where to eat it? Indulge in the iconic Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
Beignets were brought to Louisiana in the 18th century by French colonists and Acadians, becoming a large part of home-style Creole cooking. These light and fluffy treats are now a staple of New Orleans cuisine.
3. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
What is it? A thick, pie-like pizza with a deep crust, generous amounts of cheese, and chunky tomato sauce.
Where to eat it? Head to Pizzeria Uno or Lou Malnati’s in Chicago for an authentic experience.
Invented in 1943, Chicago-style deep dish pizza quickly became a symbol of the city’s culinary pride. (ref) The inverted layers of cheese, toppings, and sauce create a unique and indulgent flavor profile.
4. Texas BBQ Brisket
What is it? Slow-smoked beef brisket, often served with a spicy, tangy barbecue sauce.
Where to eat it? Visit legendary BBQ joints like Franklin Barbecue in Austin or Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor.
Texas BBQ, particularly brisket, has a long history dating back to the 19th century cattle ranchers and European meat-smoking traditions. The low-and-slow cooking method results in incredibly tender, flavorful meat.
5. New England Clam Chowder
What is it? A thick, creamy soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and milk or cream.
Where to eat it? Savor a bowl at seafood restaurants along the New England coast.
New England clam chowder has been a regional favorite since the 18th century, with recipes evolving over time to include ingredients like milk, cream, and potatoes. This hearty soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
6. Southern Fried Chicken
What is it? Chicken pieces coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.
Where to eat it? Indulge in a plate at a Southern-style restaurant or try a recipe at home.
Fried chicken has a long history in the American South, with enslaved African Americans playing a significant role in the dish’s development and popularity. Today, it’s enjoyed across the country as a comforting and flavorful meal.
7. Buffalo Wings
What is it? Deep-fried chicken wings tossed in a spicy, tangy Buffalo sauce.
Where to eat it? Enjoy them at sports bars, pubs, or make your own for game day.
Buffalo wings were invented in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. (ref) Since then, they’ve become a beloved appetizer and snack, with countless variations and flavor combinations.
8. Cobb Salad
What is it? A salad featuring chopped greens, chicken, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and blue cheese.
Where to eat it? Order one at your favorite American restaurant or make it at home.
The Cobb salad was invented in the 1930s by Bob Cobb, the owner of the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood. The dish’s colorful presentation and satisfying mix of ingredients have made it a popular choice for lunch and dinner.
9. Reuben Sandwich
What is it? A sandwich made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread.
Where to eat it? Try one at a Jewish deli or your favorite sandwich shop.
The Reuben sandwich’s origin is disputed, with several stories claiming its invention in the early 20th century. (ref) Regardless of its beginnings, the sandwich has become a beloved classic, known for its bold flavors and satisfying crunch.
10. Jambalaya
What is it? A Creole and Cajun rice dish made with meat, seafood, vegetables, and spices.
Where to eat it? Dig into a plate at restaurants in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana.
Jambalaya’s history is closely tied to the cultural influences that shaped Louisiana cuisine, including Spanish, French, and West African traditions. The dish is known for its bold flavors and its ability to feed a crowd.
11. Lobster Roll
What is it? A sandwich featuring chunks of lobster meat mixed with mayonnaise and served on a toasted, buttered roll.
Where to eat it? Savor one at seafood shacks along the New England coast, particularly in Maine.
Lobster rolls gained popularity in the early 20th century as a way to use up excess lobster meat. Today, they’re a beloved summer staple and a must-try for seafood lovers visiting the Northeast.
12. Tex-Mex Fajitas
What is it? Grilled meat (usually beef or chicken) served with sautéed peppers and onions, accompanied by tortillas and various toppings.
Where to eat it? Enjoy them at Tex-Mex restaurants throughout Texas and the Southwest.
Fajitas originated in Texas in the 1930s, when Mexican ranch workers were given the less desirable cuts of beef as part of their pay. (ref) They grilled the meat and served it with tortillas, creating a dish that would eventually become a Tex-Mex staple.
13. Gumbo
What is it? A hearty stew originating in Louisiana, made with a dark roux, vegetables – often okra, meat or seafood, and served over rice.
Where to eat it? Enjoy a bowl at a Creole or Cajun restaurant in New Orleans or other parts of the South.
Gumbo’s roots can be traced back to the 18th century, with influences from African, Native American, and European cuisines. The dish is known for its rich, complex flavors and its ability to bring people together.
14. Key Lime Pie
What is it? A tart, creamy dessert made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.
Where to eat it? Indulge in a slice at restaurants and bakeries in the Florida Keys.
Key lime pie’s origins can be traced back to the late 19th century, when sweetened condensed milk became widely available in the Florida Keys. The dish’s bright, tangy flavor and creamy texture have made it a beloved dessert across the country.
15. Nashville Hot Chicken
What is it? A spicy variation of fried chicken, coated in a cayenne pepper-based sauce.
Where to eat it? Try it at hot chicken joints throughout Nashville, like Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack or Hattie B’s.
Nashville hot chicken was invented in the 1930s by Thornton Prince, a local entrepreneur and ladies’ man. (ref) Legend has it that a scorned lover served him extra-spicy chicken as revenge, but Prince ended up loving the dish and eventually opened a restaurant specializing in it.
16. Muffuletta Sandwich
What is it? A large, round sandwich filled with cured meats, cheeses, and olive salad, served on a soft, sesame-crusted bread.
Where to eat it? Visit Central Grocery in New Orleans, the birthplace of the muffuletta.
The muffuletta was invented in 1906 by Salvatore Lupo, the owner of Central Grocery in New Orleans. (ref) Lupo created the sandwich as a convenient way for Sicilian farmers to enjoy their lunch of cured meats, cheeses, and olive salad.
17. New York-Style Cheesecake
What is it? A dense, creamy cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, often served plain or with fruit toppings.
Where to eat it? Indulge in a slice at iconic New York City bakeries like Junior’s or Eileen’s Special Cheesecake.
New York-style cheesecake has its roots in the 1900s, when Jewish immigrants in New York began making a creamy, uncooked cheesecake using cream cheese. This style of cheesecake has become a beloved dessert across the country.
18. Chili Half-Smoke
What is it? A spicy, coarsely ground pork and beef sausage, served on a bun and topped with chili, onions, and mustard.
Where to eat it? Visit Ben’s Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C., a local institution famous for its half-smokes.
The chili half-smoke is a D.C. specialty that originated in the 1930s. The dish gained popularity at Ben’s Chili Bowl, which opened in 1958 and has since become a beloved local landmark.
Source:
1. https://www.jerseyislandholidays.com/food-tourism-statistics/
Disclaimer: Some images in this content was created with the help of AI.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
