It's Time To Expand The American Food Scene
A lot of American food culture is already built around foods inspired by all over the world, but there are still so many undiscovered gems that deserve their time in the spotlight. Some of these that we're going to share with you are comforting, snackable, or just downright delicious. We just know Americans would love to try these 20 foreign foods we hope get talked about more soon.
1. Georgian Khachapuri
The sound of cheese bread already sounds delightful, doesn't it? If you love warm, rich, and comforting food, khachapuri (the Adjarian version) is enjoyed by tearing pieces from the edge and dipping the bread into the center, which is filled with melted cheese, butter, and egg. It’s surprising this dish hasn’t already become a full American restaurant craze!
2. Japanese Okonomiyaki
We love sweet pancakes in America already, so why wouldn't we love savory ones? Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake usually made with cabbage, batter, and toppings like pork, seafood, or scallions. The magic's all in the tangy sauce, which gives every bite so much flavor. Since Americans already love customizable foods, this one has plenty of room to catch on.
3. Peruvian Causa
This colorful Peruvian dish is made with seasoned mashed potatoes layered with fillings like chicken, tuna, avocado, or veggies. Honestly, causa already sounds right up many Americans' alley! We could see this dish could easily become popular as a stylish lunch option or party appetizer.
4. Turkish Lahmacun
Lahmacun is often described as a thin Turkish flatbread topped with seasoned minced meat, herbs, and veggies. As a country that loves pizza, there's no reason why Americans wouldn't adore this lighter, more herb-forward alternative! It’s the kind of food you could grab quickly and eat without any hassle, which is preferred here.
No machine-readable author provided. Rainer Zenz assumed (based on copyright claims). on Wikimedia
5. Nigerian Suya
This skewered grilled meat dish from Nigeria is coated in a spicy peanut-based seasoning that we know Americans would love. It has such a bold flavor that we know barbecue lovers would appreciate! The seasoning blend is what makes it stand out, especially when paired with sliced onions, tomatoes, and a little extra pepper. Suya would be a great addition to American food trucks and late-night menus.
6. Filipino Sisig
Always served sizzling, savory, and packed full of ingredients, sisig is a unique filipino meat dish that combines the best of crispy, tangy, and rich textures and flavors. It's the kind of dish people remember after ordering it just once. Honestly, it would fit right in at casual dining spots where bold shared plates are already popular.
7. Ethiopian Tibs
Tibs is an Ethiopian dish made with sautéed or grilled meat, onions, peppers, and aromatic spices. It’s often eaten with injera, a soft flatbread that also works as your utensil, which makes the meal interactive and special. The flavors can be mild or spicy depending on the preparation, so there’s room for different comfort levels, too.
Arnold Gatilao from Oakland, CA, USA on Wikimedia
8. Korean Hotteok
For something sweet, traditional hotteok is a Korean sweet pancake that's filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. When it’s cooked, the filling becomes warm and syrupy, making it a great street snack that's easy to hold and eat during cooler weather. This could easily become a huge hit at bakeries, cafés, or winter markets.
Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service on Wikimedia
9. Brazilian Pão De Queijo
Another delicious form of cheese bread, pão de queijo is made with tapioca flour, giving it a chewy texture that’s different from most American bread rolls. The outside is lightly crisp, while the inside stays soft and cheesy. It's got a familiar taste you'll know and love, just in different packaging that's worth trying.
10. Polish Zapiekanka
Zapiekanka is a Polish open-faced sandwich typically made on a long baguette with mushrooms, cheese, and ketchup. It sounds simple, but that’s part of its charm. It’s warm, filling, and easy to customize, three things Americans love about food.
11. Vietnamese Bánh Xèo
Everyone knows and loves pho, but there are plenty of underrated Vietnamese dishes that deserve more love too. Take bánh xèo for instance; it's a crispy Vietnamese crepe made with rice flour and turmeric, often filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs. It has the most delightful mix of crunch, freshness, and savory filling that keeps it lively without being too heavy.
12. South African Bunny Chow
Bunny chow is a South African dish made by hollowing out a loaf of bread and filling it with curry. It’s hearty, practical, and deeply satisfying, especially when the bread soaks up the sauce. It could easily become a favorite in America given everyone already loves curry, bread, and casual comfort foods.
13. Indonesian Martabak Manis
Another delicious sweet treat that needs to shop up in more American dessert shops, martabak manis is a thick Indonesian sweet pancake filled with toppings such as chocolate, peanuts, cheese, condensed milk, or sprinkles. The texture is soft and slightly chewy, which helps it stand apart from regular pancakes in a satisfying way.
14. Mexican Tlayuda
You know tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, but have you had tlayuda before? This large, crisp tortilla from Oaxaca is usually topped with refried beans, cheese, meat, avocado, salsa, and vegetables. The combination of smoky, creamy, crunchy, and fresh toppings gives it wide appeal and deserves so much more attention.
15. Swedish Smörgåstårta
Yes, it's a mouthful to say, but it's a fancy dish that deserves the effort! Smörgåstårta is a Swedish sandwich cake made with layers of bread, creamy fillings, seafood, meats, vegetables, and garnishes. It looks like a celebration cake, but just know that it's savory instead of sweet.
Johan Jönsson (Julle) on Wikimedia
16. Malaysian Nasi Lemak
Nasi lemak is a Malaysian dish centered around fragrant coconut rice, usually served with sambal, fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and egg. It's absolutely delicious, bringing together spicy, creamy, crunchy, and savory elements in one balanced plate. It's one we think American diners should embrace more widely.
17. German Currywurst
What's not to love about sliced sausage covered in curry ketchup? That description alone makes it sound like something that belongs in the American food truck scene! Currywurst is casual, affordable, and exactly the sort of snack that works well at sports events, food halls, and festivals.
Richard Mischau, Britta Mischau on Wikimedia
18. Thai Khanom Buang
This Thai crispy pancake can be made sweet or savory depending on the toppings. The shell is thin and delicate, and it's not just visually appealing, but it's also easy to eat and different from the usual dessert options found in American cafés. This is the kind of treat that could become trendy quickly if more people had a chance to try it.
19. Lebanese Manakish
Manakish is a Lebanese flatbread commonly topped with za’atar, cheese, or ground meat. It’s often eaten for breakfast or as a quick snack, but it’s satisfying enough for any time of day! With America’s love of flatbreads and bakery-style meals, manakish feels perfectly designed to fit in with the American food scene.
20. Argentine Fugazzeta
You had us at stuffed pizza. Fugazzeta is an Argentine stuffed pizza filled with cheese and topped with plenty of onions. It’s rich, bold, and built for people who love a hearty pizza slice. If this dish became easier to find in America, we're certain pizza lovers would have something new to get excited about.
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