Classics That Don't Originate From America
We all know America is a mix of cultures, but did you know its food reflects that diversity too? Throughout this great country, flavors from various cuisines are combined with local favorites to create new and exciting dishes. Whether it's the bold taste of Tex-Mex or familiar foods like spaghetti and meatballs, each of these tell important stories of people coming together to create something amazing.
1. Pizza
We know New York City might have some of the best pizza slices in the world, but don't forget this beloved dish didn't originate in the United States. Originating from Naples, Italy, it's evolved since its initial creation, honoring the classic while adding a new touch. And the result today? Thicker crusts, more cheese, and an endless variety of toppings to choose from.
2. Tex-Mex Cuisine
Given it's unique name, you should probably already know that Tex-Mex is a beautiful culinary fusion that combines Mexican and American cuisine. Originating in the Texas-Mexico border region, you have the creative minds there to thank for nachos, burritos, and chili con carne. It's the perfect blend of two cultures coming together.
3. California Roll
California might be in the name of this popular sushi roll, but there's a bit of debate as to where it actually originated. Some say it's from Los Angeles (hence the name), but others claim it was first made in Canada. Regardless of where though, this dish takes the Japanese classic and transforms it into something that fits American taste buds. Imitation crab and avocado make this roll so much more accessible!
4. General Tso's Chicken
A staple in Chinese-American cuisine, General Tso's Chicken is a dish you can find in almost every Chinese restaurant in the country. Inspired by China's bold flavors, this is the perfect example of a dish that reflects the American palate while still honoring other cuisines.
5. Spaghetti and Meatballs
We all know Italy is known for their amazing pasta dishes, but spaghetti and meatballs is one dish in particular that got its unique identity in America. Thanks to Italian immigrants who found meat more affordable in the US, the result was the addition of hearty meatballs that perfectly soaked up the sauce. It's now a staple in every household across the country.
6. Cuban Sandwich
While there's a lot of debate regarding where this sandwich came from, you can't deny it's a beautiful blend of various cultures. Made iconic in Florida, this delicious sandwich showcases the influence of Cuban culture alongside American classics. The combination of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all served between two slices of Cuban bread, is simply life-changing.
7. Chop Suey
Although Chop Suey is often considered a Chinese dish, this is actually an American creation. By throwing togethering leftover ingredients and transforming it into something truly tasty, this stir-fry is now an iconic piece of American-Chinese cuisine history.
8. Philly Cheesesteak
If you love a good Philly Cheesesteak, you have the Italian-American community in Philadelphia to thank! This beautiful creation is so simple, but is a testament to both of these lovely cultures. Thinly sliced beef, melty cheese, and a long crusty roll all come together to build this sandwich that's loved across the country.
9. Korean Tacos
It's all in the name! Brilliantly blending together the best of Korean and Mexican cuisines, Korean tacos are a growing fad, specifically in Los Angeles. Who knew Korean-style marinated meats would work so well in a classic Mexican taco format?
10. Egg Foo Young
This Chinese-American creation puts a fun spin on the classic omelette. After all, they're basically the same thing! Egg Foo Young takes beaten eggs, mixes it with vegetables and sometimes meat or seafood, and is then fried until it's perfectly golden and crispy. Pair with a delicious sauce and it'll open your eyes to all an omelette can be.
11. Bagel and Lox
A breakfast favorite found all across New York, this dish combination is a Jewish staple that features a warm, chewy bagel and lox, a delicious type of smoked salmon. Throw in some cream cheese, capers, and onions, and each bite will be packed with so much flavor.
12. Fortune Cookies
Though fortune cookies are served at the end of most meals at Chinese restaurants, these little goodies aren't traditionally Chinese. Made in California, they've become quirky staples beloved for their slips of paper holding hilarious fortunes.
13. Gumbo
This hearty stew is a quintessential Louisiana dish, but its roots are inspired from several different cultures including African, French, and Native American. Full of meat, seafood, vegetables, and a strong stock at the base of it all, it's a heartwarming dish you can never turn away.
14. Bánh Mì
Though sandwiches might feel American, Bánh Mìs are from Vietnam and were influenced by French colonialism hence the use of the baguette. It's filled with a variety of ingredients you might not see in typical American sandwiches, including cilantro, pate, cucumber, and pickled carrots.
15. Chicken Tikka Masala
Though this beloved dish has its roots in Indian cuisine, you might be surprised to learn that Chicken Tikka Masala was actually popularized in the UK before making its way to America. It's hard not to love with its creamy, tomato-based curry that pairs so beautifully with some fluffy rice.
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16. Gyros
While the pronunciation of this Greek dish always confuses people, what's not up for debate is how tasty it is. A popular street food in the U.S., gyros bring Mediterranean flair with its thin slices of meat, tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, and onions.
17. Tandoori Chicken Pizza
Bringing the best of American, Italian, and Indian cuisine into one dish, tandoori chicken pizza is simply a delightful fusion of flavors and culture. You can find this concoction often in pizza stores, capitalizing on the beautiful flavors of the chicken combined with the amazing texture of the dough.
18. Sushi Burrito
Nothing screams fusion food better than the sushi burrito, a trendy new item that blends together the East and the West. It's got the convenience of a Mexican burrito for on the go eating, but the fresh and vibrant flavors of sushi from Japan. It's truly brilliant! Some Americans might even prefer this format over the regular sushi roll.
19. Fajita
Maybe not where you expected, but fajitas actually originate from Texas which evolved cooking practices from Mexican ranch workers. And what's not to love about it? Grilled meat is tossed on a flour or corn tortilla that's loaded up with toppings that help the dish come together. It's a nod to Mexican tradition, but with a fun Texan twist.
20. Baklava Cheesecake
Just imagine the smooth, creaminess of cheesecake mixed with the nutty and honey-flavored goodness of baklava. This unique combination results in a truly decadent dessert that marries these two cuisines together in a surprisingly harmonious way. It really does give you the best of both worlds.
21. Jambalaya
Another staple dish in Louisiana Creole and Cajun cuisine is Jambalaya. This flavorful mix of rice, meat, seafood, and vegetables is so comforting and heartwarming, it tastes like it's always made with so much love. And with influences from Spanish, French, and African cooking, it'll appeal to a wide variety of taste buds.
22. Pad Thai Pizza
No, we're not talking about throwing noodles on a pizza, but rather taking the delicious flavors from this Thai dish and combining it with a food we all know and love, pizza. Bean sprouts, peanuts, chicken, and a tamarind-based sauce work in unexpected ways with the dough and cheese to create a surprising combination that pleases the senses. Who knew Thai, Italian, and American cuisines could work so well together?
23. Falafel Burger
Falafels are already popular and beloved Middle Eastern fare, but when you put an American twist on it, like turning it into a burger, it becomes even tastier. By creating a spiced chickpea patty that's so flavorful, it pairs well with typical ingredients like lettuce and tomato, all combined with a creamy tahini or yogurt sauce.
24. Ramen Burger
One of the more recent trendy inventions, the ramen burger cleverly uses fried noodles as buns for holding the classic beef patty, cheese, lettuce, and so on all together. It's a creative and quirky bit of fusion food that brings together Asian and American flavors we all know and love.
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25. Hawaiian Pizza
Hawaiian pizza might be one of the most controversial dishes around, but did you know it doesn't come from the States but actually originated in Canada? This polarizing combination of pineapple and pizza has created much tension for people, but it's a sweet and savory combination some can enjoy. Turns out we can thank our neighbor up North for creating all this discourse.
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