10 American Foods Non-Americans Are Weirded Out By & 10 They Absolutely Love


10 American Foods Non-Americans Are Weirded Out By & 10 They Absolutely Love


Not All American Food Is Sought After

When it comes to American food, there are definitely some massive hits and some more questionable options. Fried Oreos? Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows? Those probably aren't the American foods we'd introduce to someone visiting the country. But if you really want to wow them, there are plenty of great recommendations we'd like to give you. Here are 10 American foods that foreigners are totally weirded out by, and 10 American foods that they all love and would travel for.

File:Twinkies (4577789974).jpgChristian Cable from Canterbury, United Kingdom on Wikimedia


1. Twinkies

Twinkies are probably the most iconic American snack out there; while many Americans have fond memories and sweet nostalgia attached to these treats, we can't say the same for others out there. Non-Americans generally express surprise and confusion when it comes to Twinkies not only are they too sweet, but they don't understand the hype or the exceptionally long shelf life. The amount of preservatives doesn't exactly scream "try me"! to them.

File:Hostess-Twinkies.jpgEvan-Amos on Wikimedia

2. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

While sweet and salty is a food combination applied across the globe in numerous different cuisines, this is definitely a bizarre one. This dish, often served during American Thanksgiving, combines sweet potatoes with a topping of toasted marshmallows. Not only are foreigners confused by the idea of mixing vegetables with something as sweet as marshmallows, but they just can't wrap their heads around why something that seems like a dessert, is actually served as a side.

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David-Trinks-Rbbgoxelp0C-UnsplashPhoto by David Trinks on Unsplash

3. Root Beer

What do you mean root beer doesn't have any beer in it? This beloved sweet carbonated drink isn't as loved by others around the world. Many foreigners find its taste strange and rather medicinal, with a lot of them comparing it to cough syrup. And when you describe something like that, it's easy for it to sound off-putting.

Jayson HinrichsenJayson Hinrichsen on Pexels

4. Corn Dogs

Corn dogs are a baffling snack to many non-Americans around the world. These hot dogs are coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter and deep-fried until the exterior is nice and crispy. It's a popular American fair food that the rest of the world doesn't seem to understand. Many have stated they find the combination of flavors and textures to be unusual. Does everything have to be deep fried in this country?

Blake-Guidry-2Kgcckeef2G-UnsplashPhoto by Blake Guidry on Unsplash

5. Biscuits and Gravy

This classic Southern breakfast dish is a spectacular one it's so comforting and warm to eat! Soft dough biscuits are smothered in a creamy, white, sausage gravy, which sounds pretty delicious, but for the rest of the world, it's a bit confusing. For one, many countries consider "biscuits" to be "cookies", which when explained like that, makes sense as to why there's so much confusion. On the other hand, its simply an unfamiliar combination most people haven't tried and they need to taste it before they can understand.

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1024Px-Biscuits And Sausage Gravy (6340833792) (1)jeffreyw on Wikimedia Commons

6. Deep-Fried Butter

Okay, deep-fried butter is an incredibly American dish that you shouldn't be surprised to learn is a bit of a shock for foreigners. Originating from state fairs, deep-fried butter involves freezing butter, coating it in batter, and then deep-frying it until crispy and golden. Most non-Americans typically scratch their heads and are appalled by the indulgence and unhealthiness of this dish, confused as to how it came to be to begin with.

1024Px-Deep-Fried Butter At State Fair Of Texas 2009ACollin Harvey from Grand Prairie, Texas, USA on Wikimedia Commons

7. Jell-O Salad

Jell-O salad is admittedly a dish that confuses us too. Often a mix of flavored gelatin and various ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and sometimes even cottage cheese, it's definitely a unique dish that only America's got. Many people from other countries find this idea of savory ingredients suspended in sweet gelatin to be beyond peculiar and downright unappetizing.

Congealed Salad CranberryShadle on Wikimedia Commons

8. Cheese Whiz

Cheese Whiz is a processed cheese spread that's popular in the U.S., but don't expect the same reception when shared with others from across the globe. The bright orange color and artificial taste just doesn't sit right with people who didn't grow up with it. Cheese in a jar also doesn't sound great from the get-go.

File:2021-08-12 17 18 17 A jar of Kraft Cheez Whiz in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia.jpgFamartin on Wikimedia

9. Chicken and Waffles

While pairing crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles just makes sense for citizens of this country, it can feel a bit overwhelming for foreigners who learn it's a breakfast dish.

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Toss on syrup and butter and suddenly it feels way too rich for the morning! It's an unconventional meal that they won't understand until they get their first bite.

pasta with chocolate syrup on white ceramic plateTim Toomey on Unsplash

10. Deep Fried Oreos

Deep fried Oreos are a quintessential American fair food, created by coating Oreo cookies in a sweet batter and deep-frying them until golden. It's a familiar sight for Americans, but for foreigners, we can understand their bewilderment. Deep-frying an already sweet snack? It's an example of excess in American cuisine that other countries can't get on board with. 

Deep Fried OreoCla1402group4 on Wikimedia Commons

1. New York Style Pizza

When you think of America, one of the foods that instantly comes to mind is probably pizza. But for tourists, it's not just pizza, it's New York-style pizza. New York-style pizza is famous worldwide, known for its thin, hand-tossed crust and variety of toppings. Non-Americans love traveling to this beautiful city just to try a slice! After all, the amount of Tik Toks and Reels we see online revolving around these deliciously large, foldable slices would draw anyone in.

Sasha PSasha P on Pexels

2. Texas Barbecue

You simply can't go to America without trying Texas barbecue; and if you're a meat lover, it should be your number one stop! For many visitors, the slow-cooked brisket is an absolute must-try. This style of barbecue, with its unique blend of spices and smoking techniques, is an American special, offering a flavor you can't find anywhere else.

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Luis-Santoyo-Dgr5S1Xhqa0-UnsplashPhoto by Luis Santoyo on Unsplash

3. Maine Lobster Roll

The Maine lobster roll, a sandwich bursting with fresh lobster meat soaked in butter or mayonnaise, is a culinary treat tourists flock to Maine for. Just one look at it and you get the urge to try it! Foreigners love visiting Maine to get a taste of this luxurious yet simple seafood dish, especially if they're already a seafood lover to begin with.

Alexander-Grey-Myansb4 8Cc-UnsplashPhoto by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

4. Chicago-Style Hot Dog

Completely different from your classic, regular hot dog, the Chicago-style hot dog is another regional favorite that tourists love talking about. It's typically topped with yellow mustard, green relish, chopped onions, tomato slices, pickled peppers, a dill pickle spear, and a dash of celery salt, all nestled in a poppy seed bun. It's so different from what you'd expect, which makes sense as to why foreigners feel a need to try it.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog 2arnold inuyaki / Arnold Gatilao on Wikimedia Commons

5. San Francisco Sourdough Bread

San Francisco is known for its delicious sourdough bread, a result of the unique yeast cultures found within the area. Tourists often visit just to get a taste of this tangy, crusty bread, enjoying the product that has followed centuries-old baking traditions. And hey, you get to stop by the stunning Golden Gate Bridge while you're there!

1024Px-Bread In BoudinEdward Z. Yang on Wikimedia Commons

6. Key Lime Pie

Originating from the Florida Keys, key lime pie is a must-try American dessert that's beloved for its tart and creamy filling paired with a graham cracker crust.

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It's a great option in the summer heat with its refreshing taste that appeals to a variety of taste buds.

Nathan-Lemon-Jkcoi3W2Uko-UnsplashPhoto by Nathan Lemon on Unsplash

7. Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich from Philadelphia and consists of thinly sliced beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. It's simple, but incredibly rich and satisfying to devour. It’s a sought-after food experience for tourists who often debate between trying it with Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American cheese. Just how close to the original do you want it to be?

Cheesesteak (19386149993) (1)jeffreyw on Wikimedia Commons

8. Clam Chowder in New England

New England clam chowder, known for its creamy consistency and use of fresh clams, potatoes, and onions, is a classic American dish. Tourists often seek out this hearty and comforting soup, particularly in Boston and coastal New England towns where it's more commonly found. And for foreigners who don't get to enjoy fresh seafood as often, we just know they always fall in love with this dish.

Kevin-Lanceplaine-Wxxcfdhfelc-UnsplashPhoto by Kevin Lanceplaine on Unsplash

9. Cajun and Creole Cuisine in New Orleans

New Orleans is often noted as America's number one state for the best food. And it's not hard to see why! Famous for its Cajun and Creole cuisines, including dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and étouffée, tourists often travel to this vibrant city specifically to experience its unique culinary culture, which reflects a blend of French, African, Spanish, and Native American influences. The comforting and warm soul food that's cooked here will easily become a favorite for any foodie that visits.

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File:Gumbo - 8831284354.jpgWilliam Andrus on Wikimedia

10. Southern Fried Chicken

Everyone knows Americans love fried chicken, so what better place to try some of the best out there than the South? Known for its crispy, well-seasoned coating with juicy meat on the inside, it's a staple dish in American Southern cuisine. This alone draws foodies to states like Georgia and Kentucky which frying chicken has been mastered by chefs throughout the city.

Food-3271156 1280Image by christian rosero from Pixabay