Food USA

People refer to the United States as a “melting pot” because people from many different

countries came together to form this country combining their cultures together. For that reason, asking an American student to name a typical “American” food can be

difficult. You will probably get a different answer from every person you ask. Our national diet is a mixture of food from around the world. Both of my parents immigrated to the States from Haiti. Family dinners are a mixture of our Haitian culture and the many different cuisines we find in America. This fusion is common in many households. In

my hometown there are Middle Eastern, Chinese, Texan,

Italian, Mexican, Greek, Southern, and Spanish restaurants,

and I come from a small town in Indiana.



Because the United States is so large, and because

cuisines vary as you travel across the country, it is great to

explore regional and local specialties. This quick overview

will give you a taste of what you will find at school or

during your travels. If you are going to be in New England,

the northeast of the USA, then your stay will not be

complete without a nice thick and steaming bowl of clam

chowder. The most famous among many different styles

is New England clam chowder. A great restaurant for clam

chowder and other New England treats is Newick’s Lobster

House in Dover, New Hampshire. But also look for a local

clam shack in any seaside town, order some steamed or

fried clams and chat with the locals.



As you travel into Pennsylvania, New York, and New

Jersey you will taste a strong Italian and German influence.

Popular foods here are pizza, bagels, pastrami and

submarine sandwiches, called heroes in New York and

hoagies in New Jersey. These sandwiches are great

for watching a

game of American

football with

your new friends.

Another great hangout

food is buffalo wings with

its origins in Buffalo, New York. These chicken wings are deep-fried and coated in

sauce. Even if Buffalo is not in your travel plans, you will

find this treat at bars and restaurants across the country.

Hearty, yet simple, lightly seasoned meals describe

the food of the Midwest, a big area from Ohio west

to Nebraska. This region is marked by strong Northern

European influences such as Swedish, Nordic and Polish

tastes, as well as a touch of German as you go further

south. In Minnesota wild rice and casseroles are classic and

popular. My favorite types of casseroles are tuna, green

bean, and macaroni and cheese.

Chicago is the center of ethnic foods in the Midwest.

Ethnic food stores and restaurants include Mexican, Polish,

Italian, Greek, Indian, Pakistani, and Asian. Some of the

best places to eat are the ones the locals recommend so

don’t be shy, just ask. Chicago also has original foods like

deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s and their distinctive Chicagostyle

hot dog, which goes by the motto “less isn’t more.”

A Chicago dog is piled high with toppings like sweet relish,

mustard, tomato, celery salt, pickle and onions, and a

classic Chicago hot dog never has ketchup.

Do you know where the birthplace of Starbucks is? It is

Seattle, Washington, and that is not all that you can get in

the Northwest. Along the coasts of Oregon, Washington,

and Alaska, make sure you get a taste of their fresh Pacific

salmon. In the morning slather up a piece of bread with

huckleberry or other native berries and jams for breakfast.

In California, you will taste a mix of influences from

Mexico, Asia, South America and the Pacific Islands.

California is more health-conscious than other states, so

you will find less fried foods and more fresh and organic

ingredients. Look for Dungeness crab, salmon, oysters

and striped bass all along the coast. Why not try a

fish taco or a bowl of artichoke soup? Asian

influences are especially strong here, so

stop and order sushi; I recommend the

California roll.

Ole! Let’s take a look at the buffet the

Southwest offers. Native American and

Mexican cultural expressions are seen here.

Large cuts of beef and a general sprinkling

of spices are often used in Southwestern

recipes. Popular ingredients in Mexican food

are beans, steak, and chili peppers. Fajitas are my personal

favorite, but you should also try tortilla chips and salsa,

burritos, and chimichangas. Have yourself a fiesta, the

Spanish word for party, and invite your friends. Don’t forget to

bring the hot sauce.

Much of the food in the South has African, French and

Native American influences. Cajun cuisine and Louisiana

Creole cuisine both find their home in southern Louisiana

and share influence from French cuisine. New Orleans is

a great place to visit and taste both cooking styles. Lots of

seafood like crawfish, crab, oysters, and shrimp are used in

Creole cooking. Cajun cooking uses a lot of rice and corn.

For example, gumbo is a thick soup including chicken,

shrimp, or fish, with vegetables served over rice. I am

getting hungry just thinking about it!

Of course, you cannot leave the South before eating

deep fried chicken. Try some southern-style fried chicken

with collard greens, cornbread, sweet tea, and at least one

slice of pie, like my favorite, peach cobbler. Once you eat

southern cooking, you may never want to go back home.

American food is not all burgers, French fries, and pizza.

Through hundreds of years of immigration and with the

contributions of dozens of different cultures, American

food has become a combination of cuisines from every

corner of the globe. Why not take the opportunity to throw

something in the “pot?” Bring your own

cultural dishes and share them with us.

It is a great way to get to know

Americans and a great way to

share cultures. Bon A Petit!

Michaelle Mary is an Intern at

Hostelling International Chicago

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