The United States is more than just a melting pot of cultures—it’s a buffet of bold flavors, creative fusions, and time-tested culinary traditions. Whether you’re road-tripping across Route 66 or spending a weekend in New York City, there’s one thing you can’t skip: the food. From coast to coast, America’s most iconic dishes reflect regional pride, immigrant influence, and good old-fashioned comfort. If you’re visiting the USA or just looking to eat like a local in 2025, these are the 25 best American foods you absolutely must try.
1. New York-Style Pizza – New York, NY
Why it’s iconic: Crispy yet chewy thin crust, gooey mozzarella, and tangy tomato sauce—served by the slice and folded in half.
You haven’t really eaten pizza until you’ve had a slice on a New York street corner. This isn’t your average pie. Baked in coal or gas ovens, NY-style pizza has a signature foldable crust with slightly charred edges. It’s perfect for grabbing on the go—whether you’re in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or even the Bronx.
Where to try it: Joe’s Pizza (Greenwich Village), Prince Street Pizza (SoHo)
2. Southern Fried Chicken – Nashville, TN
Why it’s iconic: Crispy skin, juicy meat, seasoned to perfection—and often spicy.
The South takes fried chicken seriously, and for good reason. It’s more than comfort food; it’s a cultural staple. Nashville’s hot chicken adds an extra fiery kick that spice lovers can’t resist. It’s served with white bread and pickles to cut the heat, creating a flavor bomb you’ll never forget.
Pro tip: Go early—popular places sell out fast!
Where to try it: Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (Nashville), Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken (Memphis)
3. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza – Chicago, IL
Why it’s iconic: More pie than pizza—with a buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and layers of gooey cheese.
In Chicago, pizza is a deep-dish affair. It’s thick, indulgent, and best eaten with a knife and fork. Each slice is loaded with toppings like Italian sausage, green peppers, mushrooms, and heaps of cheese. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s a Midwest must.
Where to try it: Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s
4. Barbecue Ribs – Kansas City, MO & Austin, TX
Why it’s iconic: Fall-off-the-bone tender meat smoked low and slow, smothered in tangy-sweet sauce.
From Kansas City to Texas Hill Country, American BBQ is in a league of its own. While Kansas City BBQ is known for its thick, molasses-based sauces, Texas-style ribs lean toward a dry rub and smoky flavor. Either way, you’ll need napkins—and seconds.
Where to try it: Franklin Barbecue (Austin), Arthur Bryant’s (Kansas City)
5. Clam Chowder – Boston, MA
Why it’s iconic: Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender clams, potatoes, and bacon.
Boston’s clam chowder is like a warm hug in a bowl. Served with oyster crackers or in a sourdough bread bowl, this New England classic is best enjoyed near the harbor with a view of the Atlantic.
Where to try it: Union Oyster House (Boston), Legal Sea Foods
6. Buffalo Wings – Buffalo, NY
Why it’s iconic: Crispy chicken wings tossed in spicy, buttery sauce—paired with blue cheese dressing.
Buffalo wings were born in a small New York bar in the 1960s, and they’ve been fueling game days and late-night cravings ever since. You can find wings everywhere in the USA, but the original is still unbeatable.
Where to try it: Anchor Bar (Buffalo), Duff’s Famous Wings
7. Texas Brisket – Dallas, TX
Why it’s iconic: Smoked low and slow until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Texas brisket isn’t just meat—it’s an art form. Pitmasters spend hours smoking beef brisket over oak or mesquite, letting the natural flavors shine. It’s often served on butcher paper with a side of pickles, onions, and white bread.
Where to try it: Pecan Lodge (Dallas), Kreuz Market (Lockhart)
8. Lobster Roll – Maine
Why it’s iconic: Chilled lobster meat, lightly dressed in mayo or butter, served in a toasted split-top roll.
Fresh from the Atlantic, Maine lobster rolls are the ultimate East Coast summer treat. Whether you like yours warm with butter (Connecticut style) or cold with mayo (Maine style), you’re in for a seafood experience that’s both simple and sublime.
Where to try it: The Clam Shack (Kennebunkport), Red’s Eats (Wiscasset)
9. Cheeseburger – Nationwide (First Born in Pasadena, CA?)
Why it’s iconic: A juicy beef patty, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles—on a toasted bun.
The cheeseburger is arguably America’s most famous food export. While every state has its own spin, nothing beats a freshly grilled classic cheeseburger with all the fixings. Whether it’s from a roadside diner or a gourmet gastropub, it’s the ultimate American bite.
Where to try it: In-N-Out (West Coast), Shake Shack (Nationwide), Pie ‘n Burger (Pasadena)
10. Apple Pie – Nationwide
Why it’s iconic: Flaky, buttery crust and sweet-tart apples with cinnamon—a dessert that defines “as American as…”
No list of American foods would be complete without apple pie. It’s the dessert that shows up on every holiday table and has become a cultural symbol of the USA. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the full experience.
Where to try it: Julian Pie Company (California), The Elegant Farmer (Wisconsin)
11. Philly Cheesesteak – Philadelphia, PA
Why it’s iconic: Thinly sliced beef, grilled onions, and melted cheese (usually Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American) on a hoagie roll.
Born in Philadelphia in the 1930s, the cheesesteak is messy, meaty, and magical. Locals argue over who makes it best—but trust us, you’ll win no matter where you go.
Where to try it: Pat’s King of Steaks vs. Geno’s Steaks (South Philly rivalry)
12. Poke Bowl – Hawaii
Why it’s iconic: Fresh, marinated raw fish (usually ahi tuna or salmon) served over rice with seaweed, avocado, and sesame.
A staple of Hawaiian cuisine, poke is a refreshing, healthy, and flavorful option that has gained nationwide popularity—but the best versions are still found on the islands.
Where to try it: Ono Seafood (Honolulu), Da Poke Shack (Kona)
13. Shrimp & Grits – Charleston, SC
Why it’s iconic: Creamy, buttery grits topped with seasoned shrimp and a savory sauce—Southern comfort at its best.
Originally a humble Lowcountry breakfast, this dish has become a sophisticated dinner plate in top Southern restaurants. Every chef adds their spin, but the base remains soulfully satisfying.
Where to try it: Husk (Charleston), The Grey (Savannah)
14. Reuben Sandwich – Midwest & NYC
Why it’s iconic: Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing grilled between slices of rye bread.
Hearty, tangy, and utterly craveable, the Reuben is a deli classic. Though its exact origin is debated (Nebraska vs. NYC), no one questions its bold flavor.
Where to try it: Katz’s Delicatessen (NYC), Izzy’s (Cincinnati)
15. Chicken and Waffles – Atlanta, GA
Why it’s iconic: Sweet and savory on one plate—crispy fried chicken atop fluffy waffles, drizzled with maple syrup or hot sauce.
This unlikely combo might sound strange at first, but it works perfectly. Born from African-American soul food traditions, it’s now beloved across the country.
Where to try it: Gladys Knight’s Chicken & Waffles (Atlanta), Roscoe’s (Los Angeles)
16. Jambalaya – New Orleans, LA
Why it’s iconic: A spicy, savory rice dish with sausage, shrimp, chicken, and Creole spices.
This Louisiana classic combines French, Spanish, and African influences into one pot of rich flavor. Think of it as the heart of New Orleans in edible form.
Where to try it: Coop’s Place, Commander’s Palace (New Orleans)
17. Cuban Sandwich – Miami, FL
Why it’s iconic: Roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, pressed until perfectly crispy.
Originally made by Cuban immigrants in Florida, the Cuban sandwich is now a South Florida staple that’s salty, savory, and satisfying in every bite.
Where to try it: Versailles (Miami), Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop
18. Biscuits and Gravy – The South
Why it’s iconic: Flaky buttermilk biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy.
This breakfast staple is rich, filling, and downright delicious. Best eaten on a slow morning with sweet tea or coffee, it captures the heart of Southern hospitality.
Where to try it: Biscuit Love (Nashville), Flying Biscuit Café (Atlanta)
19. California Burrito – San Diego, CA
Why it’s iconic: A large flour tortilla filled with carne asada, cheese, sour cream, and—yes—french fries.
Only in California would someone put fries inside a burrito and make it work. This West Coast original is beloved by surfers, students, and late-night snackers alike.
Where to try it: Lucha Libre Taco Shop, Lolita’s (San Diego)
20. Key Lime Pie – Florida Keys, FL
Why it’s iconic: Tart yet creamy pie made from key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.
Florida’s official state pie is a zesty dessert that’s both light and indulgent. It’s especially refreshing in the tropical heat of the Keys.
Where to try it: Blue Heaven (Key West), Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
21. Buffalo Wings – Buffalo, NY
Why it’s iconic: Deep-fried chicken wings tossed in spicy, buttery buffalo sauce, often served with blue cheese and celery.
Invented at Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, these wings are now a game-day and bar-food staple across the country. They’re crispy, spicy, and addictive—especially when paired with a cold beer.
Where to try it: Anchor Bar (Buffalo), Duff’s Famous Wings
22. Clam Chowder – New England
Why it’s iconic: Creamy soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon—served hot in a bowl or a bread bowl.
This East Coast classic is comfort in a cup. The New England style (white and creamy) is especially popular in Massachusetts and Maine. Don’t confuse it with Manhattan chowder—that one’s tomato-based.
Where to try it: Legal Sea Foods (Boston), Union Oyster House
23. Chili – Texas
Why it’s iconic: A hearty stew made with beef, spices, and sometimes beans (but real Texans will say “no beans!”).
Texan chili is bold, rich, and flavorful. It’s often topped with cheese, onions, or sour cream and served with cornbread or over fries or baked potatoes.
Where to try it: Tolbert’s Restaurant (Grapevine), Texas Chili Parlor (Austin)
24. Cornbread – Southern USA
Why it’s iconic: Moist, crumbly bread made from cornmeal—sweet or savory—often served as a side with BBQ, chili, or fried chicken.
Cornbread holds a special place in Southern cuisine. It’s comfort food with a rustic, homemade charm, and it’s perfect for soaking up sauces and gravies.
Where to try it: Loveless Café (Nashville), Willie Mae’s (New Orleans)
25. Chicago-Style Popcorn – Chicago, IL
Why it’s iconic: A mix of caramel corn and cheddar cheese popcorn, creating a perfect sweet-and-savory combo.
It may sound unusual, but this Windy City specialty is seriously addictive. Locals call it the “Garrett Mix” after the famous Garrett Popcorn Shops.
Where to try it: Garrett Popcorn Shops (Chicago), Nuts on Clark
Final Thoughts: Taste the True Flavor of America
Every dish on this list tells a story—of regional pride, cultural fusion, and good old-fashioned flavor. Whether you’re an international traveler or a local foodie looking to rediscover American classics in 2025, this list will take your taste buds on a delicious journey across the United States.
So the next time you hit the road, don’t just plan your stops—plan your meals too. After all, food is the best way to experience the heart of a country.
FAQs – Best Foods to Try in the USA
Q: What is the most famous American food?
A: The cheeseburger likely tops the list—followed closely by hot dogs, fried chicken, and apple pie.
Q: What food should tourists try in the USA?
A: Regional classics like New York pizza, Southern fried chicken, lobster rolls in Maine, and Texas BBQ are must-tries.
Q: Is American food only fast food?
A: Not at all! While fast food is part of the culture, the USA also offers rich culinary traditions, artisanal dishes, and regional specialties with deep roots.
I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
