American eating habits can seem pretty bizarre to the rest of the world. From deep-fried everything to strange flavor combinations, the U.S. has some food quirks that leave international visitors baffled. Think about the obsession with pumpkin spice or the love for marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes – these are just a couple of examples. Whether you find them delicious or just plain weird, these foods highlight how unique American tastes really are.
Ambrosia Salad
With a name that promises food of the gods, ambrosia salad delivers… a confusing mix of canned fruit, mini marshmallows, and sometimes, coconut or nuts, all mixed together with whipped cream or mayo. It’s a dish that challenges the uninitiated to reconsider their definition of ‘salad’ — and not in a good way.
Spam
Imagine opening a can to find a pink, jiggly mass that’s supposed to be meat. Spam is the mystery meat that’s sparked many a meme, often leaving foreigners wondering, “Is it really food, or a food prank?” It’s salty, it’s squishy, and it’s a far cry from the farm-fresh meats many are used to.
Cool Whip
Cool Whip might look like whipped cream, but to a discerning palate, it’s like eating sweetened plastic. This faux cream concoction, made from a cocktail of oils and chemicals, can make traditionalists long for the simple luxury of real cream. It’s dessert, but not as we know it.
Scrapple
A loaf made from pork scraps and cornmeal sounds like a humble, economical dish. But when it’s described as “everything but the oink,” turned into a grayish patty, and served for breakfast, it’s a hard sell for those used to starting their day with something less… adventurous.
Sweet Potato Casserole
A vegetable dish that decides to go undercover as a dessert, topped with a generous layer of marshmallows, that’s basically what sweet potato casserole is in America. This Thanksgiving staple confuses many, blending sweet, savory, and squishy into one dish.
Chicken Fried Steak
This is what happens when chicken and steak have an identity crisis. A piece of beef is battered and fried, then smothered in gravy, creating a dish that confuses foreigners expecting something, well, chicken-y. It leaves many wondering, “Why not just eat fried chicken?”
Peanut Butter
An American classic that puzzles many abroad, especially when paired with jelly in a sandwich. The combo of sticky, sweet, and savory between two slices of bread is a peculiarly American comfort food that leaves others scratching their heads by the jarring mix of flavors and textures.
Instant Ramen Noodles
A global dorm room staple, yet the neon-colored seasoning packets and brick-like noodles can seem less like food and more like a survival kit item to those accustomed to fresh, hand-pulled noodles.
Deep Fried Everything
State fairs in the U.S. take frying seriously, turning everything from Twinkies to cola into greasy, crispy oddities. This whole practice leaves health-conscious foreigners aghast, wondering about the limits of the human stomach’s tolerance for oil.
Head Cheese
No cheese, just head. This meat jelly made from the head of a pig (or sometimes cow or sheep) puzzles with its appearance and concept. The idea of turning what’s essentially a meaty scrapbook into a dish is a testament to human ingenuity… and perhaps, our peculiar tastes.
Rocky Mountain Oysters
The ultimate culinary plot twist: these “oysters” are actually bull testicles. It’s a classic case of naming something pleasantly to make it more palatable. Diners are often intrigued until they discover what they’re really biting into.
10 American Breakfasts That Baffle the Rest of the World
Ever wondered why some folks around the world think American breakfasts are, well, a bit out there? It’s not just the portion sizes; it’s what’s on the plate too. From sugary cereals and pastries to bacon and eggs piled high, American breakfasts are a league of their own. These 10 breakfast choices leave the rest of the world scratching their heads, wondering if we’re all just having dessert for breakfast.
Read it Here: 10 American Breakfasts That Baffle the Rest of the World
10 Crazy Foods Americans Deep Fry and Think Are Delicious
Americans have a love affair with deep frying that knows no bounds. From state fairs to backyard barbecues, you’ll find just about anything dunked in hot oil and served up with a side of enthusiasm. Take a wild ride through 10 of the craziest foods that have taken the plunge into the deep fryer. You might be surprised at what some people consider a delicious treat.
Read it Here: 10 Crazy Foods Americans Deep Fry and Think Are Delicious
Photos provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
