Many of us are already familiar with typical American foods. That’s because there are many American fast-food chains like McDonald’s and KFC that can be found in various corners of the world, including Indonesia.
Now, let us take you on a journey to explore a wide range of iconic American foods! Don’t worry, you don’t need to travel far to the US as you can find them everywhere, at your nearest American fast food outlet.
Let’s check out the list of must-try American foods below!
American Fast Food
You’ve probably tried some of these American fast foods. Here are list of most popular American fast food:
1. Hamburger
A hamburger is a round sandwich consisting of a patty or ground meat (usually beef) that is flattened and grilled.
Each state in the U.S. has its own variation of the hamburger. Depending on the type, a hamburger usually includes extras like lettuce, cheese, tomato, and onions.
The most famous type of cheeseburger is from California. It is known for the combination of melted cheese, tender patty, and fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles, all wrapped with a special sauce.
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2. American Pizza
While pizza originated in Italy, the United States has its own variants that differ from the Italian version.
Two well-known American styles are the New York pizza with a thin crust and soft dough, and the Chicago pizza, a deep-dish style with a thick crust and layered toppings.
3. Hot Dog
A hot dog is a type of long bun filled with a sausage that is grilled, steamed, or boiled. It is typically served with condiments like pickles, onions, chili, grated cheese, as well as ketchup or mustard.
In the U.S., hot dogs are iconic and inseparable from baseball games. The name “hot dog” was coined by cartoonist Tad Dorgan, who once drew a dachshund sausage vendor at a baseball game. Struggling to spell “dachshund,” he simply labeled it “hot dog,” and the name stuck ever since.
4. Chicken Nugget
Chicken nuggets were first developed in the 1950s by a food science professor at Cornell University named Robert C. Baker, and were published as academic work without a patent.
Traditional American Food
Did you know the United States also has traditional foods? Let’s get to know some signature dishes from the United States!
5. Barbecue (BBQ)
Barbecue is one of the most iconic culinary traditions in the U.S., especially in southern regions like Texas, Carolina, and Tennessee.
This dish features slow-cooked meats over a low fire or smoked, such as beef ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. The distinct flavor comes from rich BBQ sauces, which combine sweet, spicy, or tangy tastes.
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6. Mac and Cheese
Though originally from Italy, this dish became popular in the U.S. and is now known as a favorite comfort food. Mac and cheese consists of pasta cooked with a thick, creamy cheese sauce, then baked until the top is melted or browned.
7. Southern Fried Chicken
This Southern-style fried chicken is famous for its crispy skin and juicy meat. The preparation involves marinating the chicken in buttermilk, coating it in seasoned flour, and deep-frying in hot oil.
American Desserts
After exploring the main dishes, it’s time to dive into America’s classic desserts. Here’s the list:
8. Apple Pie
Apple pie is a pastry filled with sweet apple slices seasoned with cinnamon. The top crust can be a solid layer or a lattice pattern. This classic dessert is often served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
9. Cheesecake
Though originally from Europe, the American version of cheesecake, especially New York-style, is the most popular. It has a dense yet smooth texture, a creamy and slightly tangy flavor, and is often served with strawberries, whipped cream, or fruit syrup.
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10. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are classic biscuits made from a dough of butter, sugar, flour, and chocolate chips. They were first created by American chef Ruth Graves Wakefield in 1938 in Massachusetts.
The outside is crunchy, while the inside remains soft and chewy. These cookies are beloved by all ages and are especially delicious when paired with cold milk.
From all these American foods above, which ones haven’t you tried yet? Or maybe some are already on your must-try list? Food is not just about taste—it’s also about the experience and stories behind it.
Curious about more than just food? Discover the rich culture and traditions of the United States by joining us at @america! We host a variety of exciting and absolutely free to enter events, you can check out what’s coming up here and be part of the experience!
