25 American Dishes That Remain Unfathomable To Outsiders
The culinary landscape of America is as diverse as it is fascinating, with a plethora of unique dishes that reflect the country’s rich history, cultural influences, and penchant for culinary experimentation. However, while many Americans may delight in these gastronomic creations, non-Americans often find themselves scratching their heads in bewilderment at some of the more peculiar offerings.
Recently, a thread on Reddit sparked a fascinating discussion by asking non-Americans to share their views on American foods they find questionable. The responses offered a diverse array of opinions, shedding light on cultural differences and culinary preferences from around the globe. Here, we delve into some of the most intriguing insights shared by Reddit users.
#1
Image source: rekoja3189, Sandra Cohen-Rose and Colin Rose
A friend visited me from Italy and wanted to try krispy kreme donuts. He took one bite and said “now I understand why Americans are fat!” He made me take him back there twice. Not that I minded going :P
#2
Image source: anon, Bob B. Brown
Those huge big gulp sodas.
Nobody needs that much soda.
#3
Image source: Beneficial_Trainer_5, Reg Tiangha
Whatever sick f**k decided we needed to batter and deep fry sticks of butter needs their mental health checked
#4
Image source: spudboy226, Dave Matos
Spray… cheese??
#5
Image source: weyamav220, Enggal Mukti
I’m sorry but those slices of American cheese have always tasted so fake and plastic to me personally.
#6
Image source: Smart_Pumpkin_8928, vonguard
Corn syrup everywhere.
u/yugosaki replied:
The prevalence of high fructose corn syrup in EVERYTHING. Unfortunately, being in Canada, it’s bleeding over the border as a lot of products here are manufactured in the USA.
#7
Image source: lcg25, Tetiana Bykovets
The chocolate out there is FOUL.
u/mostlikelynotasnail replied:
Ghirardelli, Guittard, Dove, Scharffen Berger, and hundreds of smaller companies are fine. Pretty much just avoid anything you would find near the register at a grocery store.
u/TomomiimomoT replied:
I tried a big-name American chocolate brand once but couldn’t eat it due to the vomit smell and taste.
#8
Image source: me047, Mark Bonica
Orange circus peanuts. What are they? How do they have so much sugar but taste so horrible? What science experiments created them?
#9
Image source: pixgarden, Adam Dachis
Sweet Potato Casserole recipe topped with pecans and marshmallows “traditional side at Thanksgiving table”
u/DonSmo replied:
Marshmallows on sweet potatoes is so gross and foreign to me.
#10
Image source: NerdyMom79, bhofack2
Ambrosia Salad. Yuck.
#11
Mac and cheese where it does not belong. I’m looking at you pizza and burgers.
#12
Image source: UhtredTheCold, Charles Chen
American bread. I’m sure you can get good bread somewhere in the US, but the generally available, sugary, long-shelf-life bread is so appalling.
Now, of course, your export of fast-food restaurants has nothing to do with haute cuisine, but any burger would be so much better if at least you used acceptable bread.
#13
Image source: Neph88, kennejima
Twizzlers, they look like plastic. And tv dinners.
#14
Image source: AstralCat69420, Wright Brand Bacon
Americans tend to like their bacon crispier. As a Canadian, I say chewy bacon for the win.
#15
Image source: 2019Loser, Marco Verch
When they introduced me to Chicago pizza, something in me died. That should not be called pizza — it’s just a devil fat pie.
#16
Image source: Yalaeinhorn2704, notnef
Minnesota salads. like WTF America! crushed pineapples and marshmallows are not ingredients that belong near a salad.
#17
Image source: DefrockedWizard1, citymama
I remember a lime jello tuna salad ring made in a bundt pan by a distant relative. We told her with her work schedule, she shouldn’t bother with bringing food to potlucks.
#18
Image source: nuclear_cyanide, Donna Spearman
Canned things that probably don’t need to be canned.
Looking at you Whole White Potatos in Water.
#19
Image source: Huhu107, Mike Mozart
Twinkies. Wtf is it even made of? In my mind it’s just pure sugar
#20
Image source: mastercubez, BeauGiles
Pb&j had me confused for a while but when i took a bite i loved it. Not judging any other non-americans for not trying this because peanutbutter and jelly aren’t put together in most countries outside of america.
#21
Image source: dewali5580, Bob B. Brown
grits. tried it a few times and I don’t hate it anymore but it’s weird. very weird.
#22
Image source: AT1787, dejaandyroo
Four loko. It’s banned here in Canada and I can understand why.
#23
Image source: No-Vehicle6028, Mike Mozart
Ranch dressing. I once had a pizza in America, and it had ranch dressing on it. Ranch dressing doesn’t really exist in Europe, and it’s this weird, salty, fatty, mayo-like sauce — and it certainly does not belong on a pizza…or inside a human body for that matter.
#24
Image source: weyamav220, Mack Male
As an Australian, I would like to know what in the flying firetruck a “Bloomin’ Onion” has to do with anything, let alone the rest of Outback Steakhouse’s menu.
#25
Image source: FifiLaFifi, Michael Kmak
I find biscuits and gravy to be absolutely disgusting.
But I’d like to counterbalance that by adding how delicious cornbread is and why on earth hasn’t it become a staple here in Europe? It’s SO yummy!
Got wisdom to pour?