America’s regions and cities boast their own unique signature dishes and flavors. Indulge in a delectable, gooey slice of Chicago deep-dish pizza or sink your teeth into a New England lobster roll. Join us on a culinary tour of the most authentic foods you can find stateside.
Philly Cheesesteak
Hailing from Philadelphia, the Philly cheesesteak is an iconic American sandwich consisting of thinly sliced sautéed ribeye beef and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. Often topped with sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms, it’s a hearty meal, known for its melt-in-your-mouth goodness and savory flavors.
Po’ Boy
A staple of New Orleans cuisine, the po’ boy is a traditional sandwich made with crisp, flaky French bread. Typically filled with fried seafood such as shrimp, oysters, or catfish, or roast beef with gravy, this sandwich is dressed with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo.
Apple Pie
The quintessential American dessert, apple pie offers a taste of nostalgic Americana. Its flaky crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling epitomize traditional baking. This dish is a staple at American celebrations like Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July.
Bagel and Lox
A staple of New York delis, bagels and lox is a must-try classic, featuring a hand-rolled bagel topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers. It reflects the Jewish influence on American cuisine.
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Characterized by its thick, buttery crust that lines a deep pie dish filled with cheese and chunky tomato sauce, this pizza is a hearty meal. It turns the traditional idea of pizza on its head, with toppings placed under the sauce to prevent burning during its longer cooking time. Originating in the 1940s in Chicago, this dish is a filling twist on the Italian classic.
Clam Chowder
New England clam chowder is a comforting bowl of soup made with potatoes, onions, clams, and sometimes bacon. Its rich, creamy texture and maritime flavors make it especially popular in the Northeastern United States. It’s traditionally served in a bread bowl or with oyster crackers.
Cornbread
A staple in Southern cooking, cornbread’s sweet, buttery flavor perfectly complements spicy chili or barbecue. This bread is made from cornmeal and baked in a skillet, giving it a distinctive crispy edge. Cornbread embodies the simplicity and soul of Southern cuisine.
Grits
Grits are a versatile Southern dish made from ground corn, often eaten with breakfast or as a side dish. They can be served creamy with butter and cheese or topped with shrimp for a savory twist known as shrimp and grits. This dish’s roots can be traced back to Native American cuisine.
Buffalo Wings
Originating from Buffalo, New York, Buffalo wings are a must-try for spicy food enthusiasts. These deep-fried chicken wings are coated in hot sauce and butter, usually served with blue cheese dressing. They’re a favorite in sports bars across the country.
Barbecue Ribs
Slow cooked to perfection, barbecue ribs are a staple of American cuisine, particularly in regions like Texas and the Carolinas. Each region boasts its own variation, from the dry rubs of Memphis to the vinegar-based sauces of North Carolina.
Tex-Mex
Tex-Mex combines Mexican and Texan influences into dishes such as nachos, fajitas, and enchiladas. Characterized by its heavy use of shredded cheese, meat, beans, and spices, Tex-Mex has spread in popularity across the entire United States.
Biscuits and Gravy
A Southern comfort food, biscuits, and gravy consists of soft dough biscuits covered in creamy sausage gravy. This hearty breakfast dish is beloved for its rich flavors and comforting qualities. It reflects the rustic, homestyle cooking of the American South.
Lobster Roll
A New England delicacy, the lobster roll features fresh lobster meat soaked in butter and served on a grilled hot dog bun. It’s a simple dish that lets the lobster shine, typically accompanied by a side of fries or coleslaw.
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie, a Southern dessert especially popular during the holidays, is made with a filling of eggs, butter, and sugar, topped with pecans. Its origins are often credited to the French settlers of New Orleans, who were introduced to the pecan nut by Native Americans.
Jambalaya
Originating from Louisiana, jambalaya is a vibrant concoction of rice, meat (usually sausage, chicken, and sometimes seafood), vegetables, and a blend of seasonings. This Creole and Cajun dish exemplifies the melting pot of cultures in the American South.
Cobb Salad
Cobb salad, invented at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, is an American garden salad that’s a meal in itself. It typically includes chopped green salads, tomato, bacon, chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, chives, Roquefort cheese, and a red wine vinaigrette.
Reuben Sandwich
The Reuben sandwich is stuffed with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread. It’s a flavorful combination of tangy, savory, and creamy elements pressed between slices of crisp rye. This sandwich is a filling, classic example of American deli cuisine.
S’mores
S’mores consist of a roasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers. This gooey dessert is a staple of American campouts, often associated with camping and fun family gatherings. The name “s’mores” comes from the phrase “some more,” which is fitting as it’s hard to eat just one.
Key Lime Pie
Native to the Florida Keys, key lime pie is made from Key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk in a pie crust, often topped with meringue. This pie is a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Originating in the Southern United States, fried green tomatoes are slices of unripe tomatoes coated in cornmeal and fried. This dish is a Southern staple, appreciated for its crunchy exterior and tangy interior.
Cincinnati Chili
A unique twist on chili, Cincinnati chili is a spiced, meaty sauce served over spaghetti or hot dogs, topped with a heaping mound of cheddar cheese. This dish reflects the influence of Greek immigrants on Midwestern cuisine.
Huckleberry Pie
Huckleberries are particularly popular in the Pacific Northwest. The berries’ slightly tart flavor makes for a delicious pie filling, often enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Huckleberry pie offers a taste of American wilderness, as these berries are typically foraged rather than cultivated.
Wild Alaskan Salmon
Caught in the cold, clear waters of Alaska, wild salmon can be prepared in numerous ways, from smoked to grilled. Eating wild Alaskan salmon is an experience that connects diners with the pristine natural environment of Alaska and the traditions of the people who fish there.
