When you think about the food culture of the USA the first thing that comes to your mind is fast-food, and that primarily comes down to the fact that America is the central hub for the likes of McDonalds, KFC, Burger King and other popular fast food chains. Aside from quick food there are also other dishes that you can expect to see when you visit the land of opportunity, all of which are gut-busting but very, very tasty.
In today’s article we wanted to take a closer look at the foods that have come out of America, some of which we eat in other countries now due to franchises, but some that haven’t made it out of the USA. Either way the dishes we are about to talk you through are what make America, America. These are rich cultural foods that we just love to get our teeth stuck into.
Since the 1950’s and the spate of fast food diners that opened up throughout the States, hamburger and chips has been a part of every American persons menu during the last 60 – 70 years. Why? These are usually part of quick fix dishes for busy Americans who either don’t have the time or the expense to eat from home.
The beauty of hamburger and chips at popular fast-food stores is easy to see, not only are you getting a meal but you are getting a meal that can be ordered and in your hands within minutes, and of course the price you are paying is next to nothing.
It doesn’t matter where you are up and down the country this traditional culture food is a staple in many peoples diets and since the 1950’s it’s become a popular success in many places across the world.
If you were a fan of 90’s American teen dramas then this food will have popped up on a number of occasions throughout the programs. If you didn’t you would have almost certainly spotted these at local fairs throughout the country.
A corn dog is simple a regular sausage that is then covered in a thick layer of cornmeal batter, then a wooden stick is places lengthways through the centre of the sausage ready to be eaten. Usually ketchup and mustard are popular sauces that are used with this dish and despite them not being talk about as much nowadays there are still plenty of corn dog vendors about, from fairs to sports games.
If you do go to the States, this culture food won’t be hard to find.
This dish comprises of Russian or Thousand Island dressing to give it that rich taste. The sandwich is cooked using corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, and the bread (which is generally Rye Bread, is grilled each side).
As it’s an American delicacy the sandwich is literally crammed with the meat and cheese, and makes for a very hearty snack, especially in the fall and winter periods.
The one thing you will find with this sandwich is that over the years different variations have been brought out, so from New York to Texas, you are bound to spot different takes to this culture food.
You can’t get more American than a Taco Bell, and thanks to this company which is a complete American invention this fast food choice is eaten up and down the country by many Americans.
Taco’s originally from Mexico has been taken by the USA to provide an American food culture with fillings that range from beef, pork, chicken, cheese, vegetables and even seafood’s.
Again the best thing about this dish is that you can eat it on the move because its classed as a take-away food.
Finally the fifth and final food choice on our list is the food old bagel which isn’t originally an American food as it was first a big part of Jewish delicacy. However in the North American region this has become a huge part of cultural food choices and it’s not uncommon that people wake up for breakfast with bagels stuffed full of eggs, ham and Philadelphia cheeses.
The bagel can be toasted on either side to give it that crispy texture, and this American food culture has even made its way overseer’s where the likes of European countries have adopted the food as an alternative breakfast choice on their menus.
Best still, these can be eaten anytime of the day so they aren’t just left as part of a breakfast meal, they can also make great lunchtime snacks.
Next time you venture out to the USA don’t forget to give some of these cultural dishes a try as they could be a whole new experience for your taste buds!