Most Americans think their food choices are ordinary until an outsider points out they’re not. In fact, there are several American foods that tourists think are bizarre or even disgusting.
1. Pineapple on Pizza
One of the world’s great debates is whether pineapple goes on pizza. Although pineapple on pizza, or a Hawaiian pizza, is available worldwide, some non-Americans think it’s a bizarre U.S. ritual.
2. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
This peanut butter and fruit preserve spread on bread is a cheap, easy snack/ meal many Americans eat regularly. Peanut butter isn’t as popular elsewhere in the world, however, and many non-Americans prefer to avoid this particular sandwich.
3. Big Portions
It’s a common idea that standard American food sizes are larger than those in other parts of the world. Some travelers are even put off by the large portions and find them disgusting.
4. Cheese in a Can
Cheese in a can, also known as Easy Cheese, is a pressurized soft cheese. You have an aerosol can, press the nozzle, and a string of cheese sprays out. It’s extra salty and often used on nachos.
5. Grits
Grits are ground corn, usually made from the less sweet varieties known as dent corn, or field corn. They’re cooked in liquids like milk, broth, or water and have a thick, creamy, porridge-type consistency. Grits are most popular in the Southeastern U.S., although they’re gaining fame elsewhere. Some people eat them with sugar or cane syrup, while others consider sweetened grits sacrilege. In any case, many
6. Chicken and Waffles
This sweet and savory dish may have originated in Harlem, New York, in the 1930s. Although waffles began as primarily a Pennsylvania Dutch food, the dish has always been associated with the African-American community. It’s basically fried chicken portions served with waffles. It was perfect for weary jazz musicians who had played in a club until 4 a.m. and wanted something that included elements of breakfast and dinner. Now, it’s on hipster menus nationwide.
7. Sloppy Joes
A basic sloppy joe is made from ground beef, onions, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and seasonings served on a hamburger roll. However, most Americans have their own recipes, and they can range from something like chili, to ground beef in barbecue sauce. Non-Americans don’t seem to be a fan of this delicacy.
8. Biscuits and gravy
American biscuits are quick breads that mostly closely resemble a savory version of a British scone. White gravy is made from cooked pork sausage fat, flour, milk, and sometimes bits of bacon, ground beef, or sausage poured over the top. This is another dish popular in the Southeast, but that has made its way across the country.
9. Pumpkin Pie
Many travelers hail from areas where pumpkin is a savory dish, not a dessert, and eating pumpkin pie doesn’t appeal to them. In America, pumpkin pie is a dessert pie spiced and served during fall and winter. Pumpkins were a staple of the early American diet, and pies were a natural progression.
10. Twinkies
One food choice that international visitors don’t care for is Twinkies. The “golden sponge cakes with a creamy filling” are otherwise known as snack cakes, and they’re dear to the hearts of many Americans.
11. Tacos
Some non-Americans aren’t impressed by American tacos, as compared to Mexican or “real” tacos. They think “real” tacos should be soft and not crunchy. Taco Bell would disagree, as would the millions of Americans hooked on Tex-Mex food.
12. Poutine
Poutine originated in the 1950s in Quebec, Canada, and many restaurants along the Canadian-U.S. border serve it. It’s made from crispy fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy. Americans know it’s not the healthiest dish on the menu. In fact, some have called it “a heart attack on a plate.” That doesn’t stop them from ordering it, though.
13. Butter on a Stick
Many non-Americans are shocked by this American snack. A stick of butter is dipped in a batter of cinnamon honey, deep-fried on a stick, then coated in a sugar glaze. It’s most often found at fairs and festivals and isn’t common in restaurants.
14. Green bean casserole
Green bean casserole consists of cream of mushroom soup, green beans, and a french fried onion topping. It’s an iconic dish often served as a side with Thanksgiving dinner.
15. Corn Dogs
This popular fast food generally consists of a hot dog wiener deep-fried in a cornmeal batter and skewered on a stick. It originated from German immigrants in Texas, who found their sausages were an easier sell if they were battered and fried. They’re a ubiquitous American snack now, and are found in fast food restaurants, fairs, festivals, and frozen in grocery stores.
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