Undo the top button and prepare your taste buds. While on holidays, who can resist a dose of comfort food here and there; in moderation of course! Here is a list of America’s favourite comfort foods.
Everything is bigger and better in the USA and generally produced on a large scale, with food being no exception. Think buffets in Vegas, Pizza in New York and Philly Cheesesteak. Try some of these home-grown favourites to get a unique taste of America.
1. American Pizza
We all love pizza! And depending on where you are in the States, it can vary between toppings and crust. Two of my favourites are the New York thin crust cheese pizza and the Chicago deep pan pizza.
New York thin crust is just that, generally with minimum toppings and slices so big you need to fold them over to take a bite. In contrast the Chicago deep pan pizzas are approximately 1-2 inches thick with all the fillings piled high in the middle. Almost like a lasagna stack but with pizza toppings instead….YUM!
2. Corn Dogs
In Australia, you may know these as Dagwood Dogs or Pluto Pups. Basically they are a hot dog on a stick, covered in batter, deep-fried golden brown then smothered in mustard and ketchup. Fair grounds and state shows sell them by the dozens, but you can often find them in fast food stores or even the occasional street vendor.
3. Not your average hamburger
OK, you simply can not visit America without trying a hamburger. And I don’t mean from McDonalds, Burger King or other fast food chains, but a restaurant or diner. The meat patties are usually hand-made with an array of spices and flavours and cooked medium or to your liking.
While the staple inclusion is generally lettuce, tomato, onion, mayonnaise and mustard, it’s the extras that will entice you. Try adding blue cheese (or one of many cheese options available such as spicy pepperjack cheese), bacon, fried onion rings (as a substitute) or even a scoop of chilli. In New York you can add truffle and in Memphis the bun can be a Krispy Kreme donought! Not for the faint of heart.
RELATED STORIES…
New York food – Where to eat in new York City
Tips please – Your tipping guide for the U.S.A.
Bye-bye American pie – The best American pies you will ever try
Vegas style – Celebrity restaurants in Las Vegas to dine in
Philly Cheesesteak
This may look like a mess and will certainly make a mess when you eat one, but it’s a crowd favourite at most street vendors and take out shops. A large hoagie bun (like an over sized hot dog bun) is filled with shaved meat, seasoned on a hot grill with peppers (capsicum), onions and cheese and scooped into the hoagie bun.
Additions include salsa, pickles or relish. Unattractive, yes, but oh so delicious!
Hot Dogs
No trip is complete without trying the all American hot dog. Many a street corner in New York will have a vendor offering these delights and no home BBQ or sporting game is complete without them.
With so many variations, the hardest part is balancing all the toppings! Try a scoop of chilli with cheese or good old ketchup, mustard and relish or spice it up with jalapenos. The toppings are endless so pile it high, open wide and enjoy!
Do you have a favourite, all-American dish? Let us know in the comments field below.
