The USA truly is a melting point of cuisine. Many dishes were brought to the US by immigrants from across the world which eventually became adapted to become American classics themselves. Read on for some of our favourite dishes to try in the USA:
It’s gotta be Chicago Deep Dish, otherwise known as pizza pie. This pizza has a thick base filled to the brim with cheese, meat, vegetables and sauce. Make sure you come hungry! The competition with the ‘New York Slice’ is cutthroat. Pick your side!
Head to the Florida Keys and try and slice of delicious Key Lime Pie. Floridians love it so much they even have an annual festival dedicated to it!
They know how to cook low’n’slow in the South where the smell of sizzling meat tempts you from every street corner. Tuck into delicious tender barbeque beef brisket, pulled pork, or fall-off-the-bone ribs often combined with delicious creamy slaw, mac n’ cheese, smoky baked beans and buttery corn – delish!
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N’awlins most famous sandwich is the Po’boy. Made on New Orleans French bread stuffed with smoked pork, meatballs or seafood on lettuce and mayonnaise. You can pretty much add whatever you want!
The variety of bagels in New York feels almost infinite! From classic bagels to rainbow coloured, filled with an array of different fillings such as cream cheese, avocado, smoked salmon, bacon, peanut butter – the list is endless. A great on the go option.
After savouring a bagel for breakfast, why not grab a quintessential New York hot dog for lunch – a great option if you’re eating on a budget. Grab a dog from one of the local street vendors and pile it high with onions, mustard and ketchup and a big dollop of sauerkraut.
This classic Creole dish has many variations but the base is normally made by stewing tomatoes, peppers, onion, okra, celery and lots of seasoning which can vary from town to town. Traditionally served over a mound of rice and topped with any type of meat such as shellfish, chicken or sausage.
Forget Kentucky Fried Chicken and seek out some delicious Nashville Hot Chicken. Ultra-crispy fiery fried chicken with a cayenne-infused glaze - the hotter the better! Chicken lovers will be in their element.
In-N-Out is known as one of THE best fast-food restaurants out there! Originating in California and now only found in a few western states, In-N-Out has acquired something of a cult following over the years. If you’re feeling up for a challenge pick up one of their four beef patty cheeseburgers.
Stop at any roadside diner and grab a slice of authentic American apple pie, celebrated for its sweet filling and flaky crust. Whilst apple is the most popular flavour you can choose from a range of fillings such as cherry, pecan, blueberry or peach served à la mode (with ice cream!). Wash it down with big refillable cup of hot Joe.
A more recent trend – the poke bowl consists of cubes of raw ahi tuna or other seafood such as shrimp or octopus and goes back centuries in Hawaii. This dish is an amalgamation of Japanese and Chinese influence and can be served with salad, rice or seaweed.
Whilst there’s some discussion about whether it’s pronounced chow-dah or chow-der, it’s all about the clams! The New England version with its creamy base and delicious tender clams is the most iconic version of this dish.
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Lanie Shand
Product Assistant
Lanie is a Product Assistant in our Kensington head office. Lanie has worked at Trailfinders since 2008 and has travelled to 62 countries. Her favourite destinations include Greece, Patagonia and Mexico.
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