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

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

Those huge big gulp sodas.

Nobody needs that much soda.

#3

Whatever sick f**k decided we needed to batter and deep fry sticks of butter needs their mental health checked

#4

Spray… cheese??

#5

I’m sorry but those slices of American cheese have always tasted so fake and plastic to me personally.

#6

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

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

Orange circus peanuts. What are they? How do they have so much sugar but taste so horrible? What science experiments created them?

#9

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

Ambrosia Salad. Yuck.

#11

Mac and cheese where it does not belong. I’m looking at you pizza and burgers.

#12

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

Twizzlers, they look like plastic. And tv dinners.

#14

Americans tend to like their bacon crispier. As a Canadian, I say chewy bacon for the win.

#15

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

Minnesota salads. like WTF America! crushed pineapples and marshmallows are not ingredients that belong near a salad.

#17

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

Canned things that probably don’t need to be canned.

Looking at you Whole White Potatos in Water.

#19

Twinkies. Wtf is it even made of? In my mind it’s just pure sugar

#20

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

grits. tried it a few times and I don’t hate it anymore but it’s weird. very weird.

#22

Four loko. It’s banned here in Canada and I can understand why.

#23

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

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

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!

Saumya Ratan

Saumya is an explorer of all things beautiful, quirky, and heartwarming. With her knack for art, design, photography, fun trivia, and internet humor, she takes you on a journey through the lighter side of pop culture.