Where to Get the Best American Foods: 10 Must-Try American Foods

Are you trying to figure out where to get the best American foods? Read this article to learn must-try American foods in America.

When it comes to American foods, apple pie steals the show. With its buttery, flaky crust and warm gooey filling, it's no wonder the dessert is a famous national institution.

But there are other equally delicious American foods that are a must-try for any foreigner visiting the country. Check out these top 10 American foods you can't miss during a trip to the states.

1. Chicken And Waffles

Chicken and Waffles are a soul food delicacy that originated at Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles in Los Angeles, California. Once the dish became popular with Hollywood celebrities, it's popularity began to spread throughout the U.S.

You can now find chicken and waffles on brunch menus and at soul food restaurants in most major cities. The recipe for chicken and waffles varies but in its traditional form, it is a buttermilk waffle served alongside fried chicken tenders.

2. Biscuits And Gravy

Biscuits and gravy is a hearty meal served in the American South as a side at breakfast, lunch or dinner. The genius level of simplicity of this comfort food makes it fun to eat though it's far from a healthy food choice.

Fresh buttermilk biscuits are topped with 'white' gravy in this soul food dish. This gravy is slightly lighter in texture than traditional thanksgiving gravy and sometimes includes mushrooms for added texture.

3. Cajun Rice

Louisiana cajun cuisine can't be found anywhere else in the world. It's food from a unique mix of cultures including French, Spanish, West African and Native American.

Spicy cajun rice is a must-try. It can be eaten alone or as added flavor to your favorite protein.

Expect cajun rice to be more filling due to its mix of butter, diced green peppers, and onion. Cajun food recipes are usually high in fat which aids in their rich flavor.

4. Tater Tots

Tater tots are the plump little cousins of french fries. They're a favorite among adults and children alike because they're easy to eat and go with just about any meal.

Tater tots are a potato-based meal that originated with the Ore-Ida company in 1956. They are typically eaten with ketchup, like french fries, but can be dressed up with a variety of condiments depending on your favorite flavors.

5. Jambalaya

Another Louisiana dish to try is Jambalaya. What makes jambalaya so special is its mashup of seafood, vegetables, and rice in a flavorful one-pot stew.

Jambalaya is a remixed version of paella without the high brow shellfish. Make sure the jambalaya you try has andouille sausage and shrimp.

These two ingredients are signature in richer versions of the stew. Jambalaya is not to be confused with gumbo which includes okra and reads more like a soup than a saute.

6. Cobb Salad

Don't come to America without trying a Cobb salad. Cobb salads are one of the most filling salad recipes available.

The original Cobb Salad included the following: iceberg lettuce, avocado, romaine, watercress, tomatoes, cold chicken breast, a hard-boiled egg, chives, cheese, and French dressing. Restaurants today add their own spin to this popular salad with bacon and by leaving off the watercress.

7. Philly Cheesesteak

When you're in Philadelphia, you'll get the chance to have some of the best sandwiches available in the U.S. Philadelphia is known for both hoagies and Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches.

Philly Cheesesteaks are a must-have because of their warm, gooey provolone cheese melted over sliced steak on a fresh sub roll. It's another hearty American comfort food that's sure to keep you feeling full for hours after eating.

Though restaurants around America serve this dish, the best philly cheesesteaks are, hands down, the ones you find in Philadelphia.

8. Beef Jerky

American foods aren't limited to hearty cuisine. Snacks like beef jerky are also a traditional American favorite.

The tradition of beef jerky came from the practice of drying out fresh meat using dehydration to prevent it from spoiling. The meat is then cut into strips and served as an afternoon snack.

9. Banana Split

Apple pie is perfect if you love pastries, but ice cream lovers should try the banana split while visiting the states. The banana split is made from bananas, whipped cream, and three scoops of ice cream.

Banana splits let ice cream lovers enjoy the best of three worlds with vanilla, chocolate and strawberry scoop on top. The dish is topped off with a mountain of whipped cream and a cherry.

10. Grits

Another Southern favorite is hominy grits made from boiled cornmeal. Grits are similar to polenta but much 'grittier' in texture.

You'll find people in the South eating grits both with sugar and some with salt depending on where they're from in the South. Grits can be combined with cheese to make it more filling.

A must-try while in America is shrimp and grits, a creole dish that represents a delicious blend of Southern heritage and Lousiana culture. But most people eat grits with eggs in the morning or with fried fish for dinner.

The Best American Foods

America is a melting pot that brings together some of the best cultural cuisines in the world. Think beyond hamburgers when choosing authentic American foods.There are options for every diet with ingredients ranging from gourmet to comfort foods.

The most famous American foods are those that represent family like the apple pie enjoyed at holiday dinners or potato salad at a backyard BBQ.

You can't go wrong choosing comfort foods since these dishes have maintained their popularity for decades as crowd-pleasers. For more information and food tips, check our blog for updates.