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Americans have created countless mouthwatering dishes! Does this list include your favorites, or did we miss something? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The United States is often called a “melting pot”—especially regarding food. With a diverse population, the country brings together a rich mix of flavors and culinary traditions worldwide. From Italian pasta and Mexican tacos to Chinese stir-fry and Indian curries, American cuisine blends global influences in a way that is truly one of a kind. This cultural fusion has given rise to distinctive, uniquely American dishes that people across the nation love.
The story of American cuisine is one of reinvention. Over time, influences from Native American, African, British, European, Asian, and Latin cultures have helped shape the flavors we enjoy today. And the evolution continues! As new influences arrive, they bring fresh tastes and ideas, keeping the American food scene vibrant and ever-changing.
People take classic dishes from different cultures, blend them, reinvent them, and create bold new American masterpieces. Some of these transformations happen over time, while others emerge in an instant. Many of these iconic American creations even make their way back across the globe, completing a delicious cycle of food innovation.
Travel’s Top 10 Picks for the Best American Food Dishes:
1. Barbecue
Barbecue is a beloved dish worldwide, but Americans have truly transformed their passion for slow-cooked meat into something extraordinary. The cooking method, introduced by Spanish conquistadors and originally used by Indigenous Caribbean tribes, made its way to North America. Today, barbecue is one of the most hotly debated foods in the U.S., much like the famous pizza rivalry.
There are four main regional BBQ styles across the U.S.: Carolinas, where pork takes center stage; Texas, where beef is king; Memphis, known for its ribs and dry rubs; and Kansas City, famous for its sweet, tomato-based sauce. But that’s just the beginning—each region boasts its variations and ongoing debates about the best BBQ methods.
In the South, BBQ styles can vary greatly. In North and South Carolina, there’s a clear divide over sauces. North Carolina has two distinct styles: the Eastern style, which uses whole hog and vinegar sauce, and the Western style, which is focused on pork shoulder with a tomato-vinegar sauce. South Carolina is known for its unique mustard-based sauce, a legacy from German immigrants, and in some areas, a lesser-known dish called “barbecue hash” is a local favorite. Meanwhile, Texas’s big city barbecue is gaining popularity across the nation.
2. Fried okra
Fried okra brings together two iconic American food traditions: Southern cooking and deep frying. This crispy dish has become a beloved favorite for its simple yet flavorful taste, combining these rich culinary practices into one delicious bite.
A key factor is how Americans embraced foods from Africa, which were introduced during the brutal transatlantic slave trade. Okra, thriving in hot and humid climates, became a staple in the South, enjoyed by people across all races and classes.
Another reason for its popularity is America’s deep-frying obsession. After all, the country is famous for its deep-fried Twinkies and other treats. This tradition pairs perfectly with the Southern classic of fried okra.
Okra appears in various dishes like gumbos and succotashes. While some enjoy it steamed or boiled, others prefer it pickled. However, breaded and fried okra is often the best way to introduce it to newcomers. The crispy coating and unique “grassy” flavor often win over even the most hesitant eaters.
Fried okra continues to be a staple in the South. In Irmo, South Carolina, a small town, there’s an annual Okra Strut to celebrate this fuzzy, cylindrical vegetable. Fried okra makes an excellent snack, side dish, or even a main ingredient in dishes like the Fried Shrimp and Okra Po’boy served at the Williamsburg Inn in Virginia.
3. Cobb salad
California has been at the forefront of food trends for decades. For instance, this state introduced the Cobb salad to the rest of the United States.
The Cobb salad is typically credited to Bob Cobb, the owner of the now-closed Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles. In 1937, he created this iconic salad for Sid Grauman of Grauman’s Theater, using ingredients from a late-night meal at their North Vine location.
Grauman was a fan of the Cobb salad, and soon, all of Los Angeles was too. It didn’t take long for the rest of America to follow—and it’s easy to see why!
A Cobb salad brings together a mouthwatering mix of crispy bacon, blue cheese, cold chicken breast, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and fresh lettuce—a combination that’s simply irresistible! Americans love getting creative with salads, which is why you’ll find countless variations, like a tropical Cobb with spiced chicken and mangoes.
4. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
Although the peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a beloved staple today, it was once considered a luxury treat for the elite in the early 20th century.
According to the National Peanut Board, peanut butter made its debut at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and was initially enjoyed in upscale tea rooms. Can you imagine peanut butter paired with watercress?
The first recorded peanut butter and jelly sandwich recipe appeared in the Boston Cooking School Magazine of Culinary Science in 1901, featuring currant or crab-apple jelly. By the early 1900s, mass production—and its use as a **military ration during World War II—**helped skyrocket its popularity. Soon after, parents made it a lunchbox favorite, packing this simple yet delicious combo for their kids—and even for themselves!
Today, the PB&J still has a devoted fan base, including some who enjoy gourmet versions of this classic sandwich.
5. Fry bread
How simple is it to mix flour, salt, baking powder, and sometimes sugar, then cook it in lard or oil? Yet, this dish carries a deep and powerful history.
This Native American creation was born out of necessity in the mid-1800s. When Indigenous tribes were forcibly removed from their lands and relocated to what is now New Mexico during “The Long Walk,” they lost access to their traditional fresh foods and had to survive on government-provided processed ingredients.
Since its creation, fry bread has become a cultural staple, passed down through generations and often sold to tourists visiting Native American lands. While undeniably delicious, it is not particularly nutritious. More than just food, fry bread stands as a symbol of both repression and resilience.
As Kevin Noble Maillard writes in his 2019 book Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story,
“Fry bread is us. It celebrates old and new, traditional and modern, similarity and difference.”
6. Red beans and rice
A great food partnership brings together flavors and ingredients to create something truly special. Take the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly—a duo that has stood the test of time. The creamy, nutty richness of peanut butter pairs perfectly with the sweet, fruity flavor of jelly, making it a beloved staple in many households.
Another timeless pairing is cheese and wine. The rich, creamy texture of cheese enhances the complex flavors of wine, elevating both in a delicious harmony. Successful food pairings don’t just complement each other—they enhance the entire dining experience.
Red Beans and Rice: A Flavorful Tradition
Rice has been a vital crop in the U.S. since colonial times, especially in the Carolinas and Georgia, where the climate was ideal for its cultivation. Growing rice was labor-intensive work, primarily done by enslaved people. By the 1800s, Louisiana also became a major rice producer as new machinery made farming more profitable.
Meanwhile, red beans were a staple food in Haiti. After the Haitian Revolution, refugees who settled in New Orleans brought their culinary traditions with them. The pairing of red beans and rice was a natural fit and quickly became a signature dish of Louisiana Creole cuisine.
Traditionally, red beans and rice are enjoyed on Mondays, but they’re a flavorful favorite any day of the week. The dish is often prepared with cayenne pepper, smoked andouille sausage, onions, celery, and bell pepper, creating a rich, smoky taste.
Beyond its bold flavor, this dish is also budget-friendly and nutritious, thanks to red beans, which belong to the protein-packed legume family. A true Southern classic, red beans and rice remain a comforting and satisfying meal for generations to enjoy.
7. Hamburger
Besides apple pie, no dish defines “American cuisine” quite like the hamburger.
Burger expert George Motz traces the roots of the modern hamburger back to 13th-century Mongolia. What started as a raw mutton dish in the Mongol Empire later transformed into cooked chopped beef in Hamburg, Germany. When German immigrants arrived in the United States, they introduced this beef preparation, which eventually became the hamburger served on a bun.
The Founding Fathers weren’t enjoying hamburgers while drafting historic documents in Philadelphia in the late 1700s. However, by the early 20th century, hamburgers had rapidly gained popularity across the United States. Following World War II, they became the cornerstone of the fast-food industry.
The hamburger’s juicy and versatile appeal is undeniable. It’s the perfect choice for Americans who love meat, are constantly on the go, enjoy hearty portions, seek great value, crave melty cheese, and love customizing their meals.
8. Apple pie
Apples originally came from Asia, but it was the English colonists who brought their love for pie to America. Over time, the United States made apple pie its own, turning it into a symbol of American culture.
During World War II, apple pie became a patriotic icon, with soldiers proudly saying they were fighting “for mom and apple pie.” Today, it remains a quintessential American dish.
Geography and climate played a key role in its popularity. Many U.S. regions have the ideal terrain and four-season climate for growing apples. The top apple-producing states include Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Virginia, North Carolina, Oregon, Ohio, and Idaho.
In 2022, Food & Wine highlighted 22 of its most popular pie recipes, featuring three apple pie varieties. As a bonus, a warm apple pie pairs perfectly with another American favorite: ice cream.
9. Poke
Hawaii, the last state to join the U.S., introduced one of America’s newest food trends: the poke bowl. Traditionally made with cubes of raw ahi tuna or other fresh seafood like shrimp or octopus, this dish has been a Hawaiian staple for centuries—long before Western contact.
In the 1990s, Chef Sam Choy, a pioneer of the Hawai’i regional cuisine movement, played a crucial role in bringing poke bowls beyond the islands and into the mainstream.
Like many iconic American dishes, poke (pronounced poh-kay) reflects a blend of cultural influences. Japanese and Chinese immigrants introduced shoyu (soy sauce) and sesame oil, adding depth to the dish.
Today, poke has countless variations. It can be served over rice, on seaweed or tossed into a fresh salad. Some even enjoy it in tacos, creating a unique Hawaiian-Latin fusion.
10. Chili
Tracing the origins of chili can be challenging, but one thing is clear—it became hugely popular in Texas. In the 1880s, Hispanic street vendors, known as “chili queens,” served it in San Antonio. By 1893, Texas-style chili made a splash at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and from there, it spread across the U.S., evolving into countless variations.
Even today, chili debates rage on. Should it have beans or not? Beef or turkey? Red or green chili peppers? And what’s the perfect pairing—oyster crackers or cornbread? Is it a Super Bowl must-have or an everyday comfort food? The possibilities are endless.
In Texas, many chili purists insist: no beans allowed. Red-meat lovers may reject turkey-based versions, while New Mexicans prefer green chili peppers. And in the South, cornbread is practically a required side.
Speaking of the Super Bowl and chili, here’s a fun fact—NFL star Jason Kelce once lost his Super Bowl ring in a pool of Cincinnati-style Skyline chili. Now that’s some serious dedication to the dish!
Conclusion
American cuisine is a vibrant blend of cultures, flavors, and regional specialties. From classic burgers and apple pie to modern poke bowls and chili, the nation’s diverse food scene reflects both its rich history and constant innovation. Whether it’s a simple PB&J sandwich or the smoky thrill of a Texas barbecue, American dishes continue to win hearts and satisfy taste buds worldwide.
These ten iconic dishes—each with its own unique story and evolution—serve as a testament to the incredible diversity and cultural influences that have shaped American food. Together, they make it a cherished part of the global culinary landscape.
