Immigrants from all over the world, who arrived in the USA looking for a better life, brought with them the customs and traditions of the “old continent”, with food being no exception. American gastronomy combines the cuisines of immigrants, who brought valuable family recipes in battered suitcases. Today, American gastronomy is an institution – from street food and filtered coffee meals in cheap diners to contemporary restaurants, the choice is incredible. This is especially the case in large metropolises such as New York, which also represent the real world in miniature in the gastronomic sense. But some dishes have maintained their status as flagships of American cuisine. In the text below, you can find out more about some classic American meals.
The one and only American pie
No, not the movie although it can be counted as a classic by now, but rather the old-school American apple pie. The idyllic scene of a suburban mother putting a hot pie by the window to cool down is a quintessentially American symbol. The association is immediate, as the pie has fed lost travelers and hungover adults countless times. This simple treat is popular throughout the USA and is considered a staple of American culture. Although it is originally made from simple shortcrust pastry and apples, this pie is so popular that entire festivals and numerous competitions across the country are dedicated to it, and it is a must-have on any diner’s menu. The pie is so iconic that a saying has been coined: “American like apple pie”.
It was first popularized during WWI, and later on, commercialized during the 50s with the expansion of diners across the country. All in all, if you ever visit the “promised land”, trying this delicacy should be at the top of your “ to-do” list.
The Hot Dog
Nothing looks more American than a local street vendor selling delicious and affordable hot dogs on the street of the “big apple”. The hot dog has a long history of being America’s number one street food, with multiple variations of this meal popping up across many states. From the chili cheese dog to the corn dog of baseball stadiums, this iconic dish has had its ups and downs throughout the decades yet remained a favorite for most.
Unfortunately, because of the shady practices of the meat industry in the past (when regulations and inspections weren’t as rigorous as today), the hot dog has been long regarded as an unhealthy dish. For most, it is an unappealing and distasteful treat, yet we assure you that the meat you eat is in fact real meat, and the hot dog is a convenient “ to-go” bite when you’re hungry. Maybe at some point, the hot dog has been the meal of the poor (brought to America by German immigrants, who used leftover meats). It is by now a staple and more than healthy to consume. Even though we don’t recommend basing your whole diet entirely on hot dogs alone, the occasional one can actually do you good. For people on keto diets and those avoiding certain foods, hot dog calories amount to around 150 per serving, not counting the various toppings you can put on them, which is more than sufficient to keep you going for a while. Don’t worry, the meat, due to the tightened regulations, is always fresh and does not contain a bunch of harmful chemicals as some think (or at least not more than your usual store apple).
The only “skeptical” thing might be the practices of the vendor selling them, which is why we recommend always eating them in safe restaurants with proven vendors. With all this said, the only thing left is to go around the corner and treat yourself to this delicacy.
Hamburger
Hamburgers are another favorite food in the USA. Many large and small chains are known for their own combinations, original sauces, and secret ingredients that make their hamburgers “the best in the country”. Double, with cheese, from five types of meat, with bacon and extra hot sauce, or in an XXL portion with numerous side dishes, every American will explain to you like a cannon what his idea of a perfect hamburger is. Today they are sold in large generic chains, on small gourmet street stalls, but also in expensive restaurants with Michelin stars. There are variants for everyone’s taste and pocket.
Clam chowder
The most famous specialty of the northeastern part of the USA (New England) is clam chowder. Some of the best places to taste this aromatic soup are located in Boston. At first glance, the soup is white and sad looking, but the combination of clams, soft-boiled potatoes, salted pork, cream, and spices is a real gastronomic sensation. The version of the soup served in a bun is especially popular.
Salmon Buns
New York is a place where you can find food from literally every corner of the world. But aside from the popular hotdogs and Italian specialties, the weekend morning coffee favorite is a tribute to the city’s large Jewish community. “Bagel and lox” is a bagel with salmon fillet (lox) and cream cheese, often with the addition of tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and capers. New York buns are an institution unto themselves, and with salmon, they become a real morning delicacy. There are also variants with caviar and various types of smoked fish, as well as with different cheeses.
Pizza in a pan
Pizza in Chicago has a different look and taste than in the rest of the US. Deep dish pizza, as the name suggests, is made in a deep pan, which allows the dough to rise more, but the filling of cheese and tomato sauce is many times richer than elsewhere in the country. This unconventional twist on a classic Italian dish is what makes it truly American. The pizza is a must-try and a Chicago symbol.
We hope you’ll find some time one day to visit this extraordinary and culturally rich country and treat yourself to some of the delicacies we mentioned above. America is a “melting pot”, a mosaic of cultures and nations, with each contributing something to enrich the country’s heritage, with food being no exception. Enjoy and take a bite from each of the many meals.