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The 20 best American dishes from meal with African roots to the iconic hamburger
CNN Travels 20 selections for the greatest American food dishes have been revealed, and while all of them are undoubtedly delicious, we cant help but question the Americanness of such picks.
Though we need food to sustain us, the topic is a highly divisive one that goes far beyond mere sustenance. We witness this firsthand in the ongoing battle between the UK and the US, with the latest brawl being over chicken sandwiches.
This week, CNN Travel released their 20 greatest American dishes, only some of them use that country of origin very loosely.
Barbecue might be the American cuisine
We might be passed the time of removing stains from your BBQ and marinating a joint of meat, but there is no denying the love the American people have for their barbecues.
Obviously, the most famous BBQ States are the Carolinas, Texas, and Memphis, but the American trend is hot across the world.
Fried okra is a meeting of two worlds
Okra, known sometimes as ladies’ fingers, is a vegetable endemic to parts of East Africa. It was one of many foods to be brought to the United States through the transatlantic slave trade.
In their report, CNN said that fried okra is the combination of African foods with the American love of deep frying. A versatile vegetable, okra is often found in gumbos, succotashes, and dishes in the deep South.
Jennifer Anniston loves a Cobb salad, and so does America
The world can thank California for the emergence of the Cobb salad, a dish usually comprised of crispy bacon, blue cheese, cold chicken breast, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and lettuce.
It was initially created by Bob Cobb in 1937 and is now popular across the globe.
Its peanut butter and jelly time
The very first recorded peanut butter and jelly sandwich came in 1901 in the Boston Cooking School Magazine of Culinary Science. Of course, it has since become a meal synonymous with America.
Fry bread has a dark history
Fry bread is a starkly simple recipe made from flour, salt, baking powder, and sometimes sugar.
Though delicious, Fry Bread was born from the persecution and relocation of the Native American people to New Mexico. Without their native foods, the Native communities were forced to rely on simple care packages from the government, hence Fry Bread was born.
Red beans and rice
Haitian refugees brought the red bean tradition with them to the United States, taking it with them to New Orleans where red beans and rice quickly became a staple.
Hamburgers are perhaps the most iconic American dish
Over the years, and in part due to giants like McDonalds, America has become known as the hamburger capital of the world. Unfortunately, there is a large community who argue that burgers originally came from Hamburg, Germany.
Nonetheless, there is no denying that America dominates the burger game, with Burger King only last week releasing a new yummy range.
Apple Pie is actually from England
The idea of getting a slice of apple pie from an American diner is one that many have thought about thanks to Hollywood blockbusters.
Despite originally hailing from England, but then so did America, apple pies became the most American desert following World War 2.
Poke bowls are a favorite on TikTok
A surprising entry on CNNs top American dishes list was poke bowls, a Polynesian Island dish that usually combines raw seafood with fresh ingredients like mango, watermelon, and cucumber.
Much like Skittles popcorn, Poke bowls are hugely popular on TikTok where they have become a mish-mash of numerous cultures like Chinese, Japanese, and even Mexican.
Chilli is a mysterious dish
What led to the creation of the modern chilli is somewhat a mystery, according to CNN, with different countries having their own version of events.
What goes into a chili is also a highly debated subject, with some preferring pure meat and others like a mix of vegetables and protein. Still, given that its one of the most popular Super Bowl dishes, it shouldnt be a massive surprise that it made it onto the list.
Clam chowder is an acquired taste
Much like Chilli, clam chowder is brimming with infighting as people debate which is better, the New England clam chowder or the New York City version.
In New England, people typically prefer a creamier clam chowder, while in Manhattan, its usually made with tomatoes, celery, and carrots.
General Tsos chicken is a great example of appropriation
Western countries have a habit of nabbing foreign dishes and infusing them with their own version of flavor. Case in point, General Tsos chicken.
The dish itself was created by chef Peng Chang-kuei in Taiwan in the 1950s. New York City chefs adapted the dish in the 1970s, adding in battered chicken and tonnes of sugar to up the sweetness.
Reuben sandwich has different origins depending on your location
The Reuben sandwich is made from layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian or Thousand Island-style dressing on rye bread. Its incredibly messy, but not as messy as its origins.
Nebraska and New York City both lay claim to the Reuben, but going back further, you can thank Irish immigrants for bringing corned beef to the States.
Grits is an authentic American dish
Grits have deep roots within Native American communities, which of course meant that European settlers stole it along with land, culture, and just about everything else they could get their hands on.
It is most popular in the Grits Belt, from Texas to Washington, but variations are eaten across the US. Its the perfect base for your favorite flavors, so go wild and chuck anything in.
One chocolate chip cookie, please
Chocolate chip cookies were the lovechild of a Massachusetts inn owner back in the late 1930s, and they are now sold across the United States by legions of little girls each year.
Gumbo is a favorite in the South
Much like earlier inclusions, Gumbo is an amalgamation of several cuisines including French, African, and Native American. The stews contents differ between chefs, though its typically served with rice.
Of course, the meal has become the signature of Southern cities like New Orleans.
Spaghetti and meatballs are American despite the name
If you venture to Italian cooking TikTok youll no doubt be confronted by legions of Italian chefs who utterly despise the Americanization of their dishes.
Spaghetti and meatballs is one such meal, having been invented by Italian Americans in the early 1900s. In Italy, meatballs are often sauceless, a lot smaller, and made from the combination of bred and meat.
Eggs Benedict
The exact origins of Eggs Benedict are highly debated but we know that they began their breakfast journey in the United States. Both the Waldorf-Astoria and Delmonico’s are slated as top contenders.
The breakfast meal has been a favorite across the country for decades, though exact recipes differ slightly depending on your location. Corned beef and smoked salmon are some top favorites.
