Every country has their food stereotypes, and unfortunately the UK and US don’t come out great in the global perception of their cuisines. Chances are, the first thing that comes to mind when you think about American food is either a hamburger or chips. In truth, the food scene in the United States isn’t just extremely diverse, it’s also incredibly delicious, too. We’ve rounded up some of the culinary hotspots that every foodie must visit in the US.
Table of Contents
New York, New York
Ready to take a bite out of The Big Apple? From Michelin-star establishments to pretty little eateries, the streets of New York are packed with restaurants that will satisfy the taste buds of any food. To help you navigate the plethora of places, the late, great chef and television host Anthony Bourdain loved to dine at the Upper West Side deli Barney Greengrass. It has a superb selection of sandwiches like Sturgeon and Nova Scotia Salmon, Pastrami Reuben, and a classic New York Bagel. Be sure to visit Smorgasburg food market in Brooklyn where you’ll find 100 vendors from all parts of New York. And for something sweet, Serendipity’s famous frozen hot chocolate is a must-try.
Park City, Utah
We’ve previously covered how the US is home to gorgeous ski destinations, such as Colorado and Utah. And there’s more to these winter wonderlands than just slopes and skis, since Park City, Utah is quickly becoming a haven for foodies everywhere. The food scene in the ski destination is known for highlighting its locally sourced ingredients and elevating it by creating rich flavour profiles. For instance, The Farm Restaurant is a farm-to-table restaurant where its menu is based on the city’s seasonal ingredients. You can also try a rustic yet tasty elk bolognese pasta dish at Tupelo Park city. Plus, wherever you eat, you’ll have lovely views of the city.
Austin, Texas
US News reports that Austin was voted as the best city to live in America — and with good reason. Apart from affordability and its high quality of life, the Austin food scene is filled with charming restaurants that serve the best of Texas. From classic barbecue establishments to fun Tex-Mex (Texan and Mexican) restaurants and trendy fusion places, the city certainly is big on flavour. This is why it is regularly featured on TV, attracting the top food personalities from around the world. Foxy Bingo notes how Austin serves as the location for the final episode of Gordon, Gino, and Fred: American Road Trip, which featured the two chefs Gordon Ramsay and Gino D’Acampo, and TV host Fred Sirieix trying out the local fare in places like the Little Longhorn Saloon. You can start your trip here, before getting your taste of Austin at the beloved Tex-Mex eatery Tamale House East for some flavoursome tacos. To experience Austin’s unique charm, head over to Loro for Asian-barbecue fusion dishes like a hoisin pork belly entré.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Known as The Big Easy for its easy-going way of life, New Orleans is a top spot to try out some of the tastiest dishes in the US. The city is home to Cajun and Creole cuisines, which both heavily incorporate West African, French, and Spanish cooking styles. From gumbo and jambalaya, to po’boy sandwiches and char-grilled oysters, The Big Easy’s iconic dishes are packed with flavour, seasoning, and spices. Don’t forget to try its classic beignet — a deep-fried choux pastry topped with powdered sugar. For a classic pairing of a beignet and a cuppa, do check out Café Du Monde and New Orleans Coffee & Beignet Company.
Thank you so much for reading, Holly!
Great write-up! Each of these look amazing, but the food in Austin, Texas just sounds divine! 😀 I’d also love to visit the mountains of Utah. I’d take the mountains to the beach any day though, so I’m a bit biased!
Thanks for giving me a trip around some of the yummiest parts of the USA. It was a lot of fun!