Every country has its own traditional dishes. They're part of their cultural identity and make them stand out from the rest. If you live in the US or are acquainted with American cuisine, you know American food has quite a reputation. However, some of these dishes don't look the same in the rest of the world. While we're used to making pancakes and cheeseburgers a certain way, people from Japan and Britain would be surprised by our recipes. Since we're curious about the world's traditional cuisine, we've decided to compile a list of some American dishes that look pretty different in other countries. Some foods are so different from what we know that we aren't sure whether we'd like them if we tried them.
Traditional American breakfasts look nothing like Japanese breakfasts
Everyone knows what traditional breakfasts in the US look like. They include an omelet, eggs with bacon, ham or pork sausages and fried potatoes, or pancakes and toast with butter and jam. But you'd never expect your first meal of the day to be soup and rice, right?
Still, that's how it works in Japan. The traditional Japanese breakfast has all the nutrients your body needs to function correctly. It usually follows the style of a Japanese set meal, with the staple being rice, miso soup and boiled vegetables served as side dishes.
The word “chips” means different things in America and the UK
Potato chips are so addictive. We all want to sit on the couch after a long day and eat a big bag of that salty snack while watching TV. However, British convenience store cashiers won't understand you if you ask them for a bag of chips.
People from Britain call “chips” what Americans know as French fries. So, if you go to the store and don't want to end up with a bag of frozen fries instead of your favorite snacks, you should ask the cashier for “crisps.”
Canned cheese isn't common in France
In America, you can find canned cheese, like Cheez Whiz, in most stores. Although this product isn't made of cheese, people love to use it on nachos and tacos every now and then. But did you know that you can rarely find this cheese-like food anywhere else?
The concept of canned cheese is confusing for non-Americans. In France, you're likely to find melted cheese or freshly grated cheese as a topping. In our opinion, those options are a lot healthier and tastier than the overly-processed Cheez Whiz.
Sweet sandwiches made of peanut butter and jelly surprise non-Americans
There's no doubt that Americans love sandwiches. It isn't surprising, though; they're convenient and portable. Apart from that, you can put almost anything in them. For instance, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches transform a typically savory meal into something sweet and irresistible.
While people from the US are used to this type of meal, non-Americans are often surprised by it. The truth is that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are mind-blowing. They're the opposite of what you'd expect to eat when someone offers you a sandwich.
Chinese food at the restaurant isn't as authentic as you think
Almost every American loves Chinese food. Some families even choose a day of the week to visit a Chinese restaurant and order a different kind of food. Still, no one can help but wonder whether those dishes are genuinely Chinese.
Well, the truth is that not every dish in Chinese restaurants is authentic. It depends on the restaurant, but you'll probably find some American meals on the menu. Sweet and sour chicken, for example, isn't traditionally Chinese. Still, it's a takeout favorite among Americans.
Cool Ranch Doritos are called “Cool American Doritos” in other countries
Seriously, who doesn't love Doritos? Those cheesy, crunchy chips are the perfect snack to satisfy anyone's cravings. Although it's hard to decide which flavor is the best, there's no denying that no Doritos flavor stands out from the rest like Cool Ranch Doritos.
But you won't find them outside the US with that name. This Doritos flavor is called “Cool American” in Europe. The company decided to name it differently because Ranch dressing isn't common outside the US. Still, we don't think “Cool American” is the right name for a flavor. What do you think?
The word “jelly” means different things in America and the UK
Although the US and the UK share the same language, there are a few differences in how both countries name food. We've already discussed what happens with chips and biscuits, and now it's time to talk about the word “jelly.”
Americans will assume you're looking for a sweet, seedless jam you can put in a sandwich or on top of a toast when you ask for jelly. However, in Britain, people will believe you're looking for a gelatin dessert called “Jell-O” instead.
Canadians have a version of poutine called “disco fries”
The taste of poutine is unique, so it can be challenging to put into words. We can describe it as something similar to mashed potatoes with gravy but taken to another level with the addition of crispy fries and cheese curds rather than mashed potatoes.
Although poutine is a strictly American dish, you can find a similar meal in Canada. It's called “disco fries,” and you can find them in almost any restaurant. This recipe doesn't include cheese curds, though. It uses mozzarella and cheddar cheese as a topping instead.
Sub sandwiches are different in other countries
The best way to get a quick bite for lunch is to grab a sub at a sub shop. These sandwiches are mainly prepared with fresh bread, American cheeses, and deli meats. Sometimes, they also come with lettuce leaves and tomato slices.
However, they aren't popular in other countries. People worldwide prefer to order wraps than subs. Apart from that, this kind of sandwich looks very different outside the US. Instead of deli meat, it's often prepared with shawarma.
You can only find “birthday cake” flavored options in the US
In the US, many sweets-based businesses, such as ice cream purveyors and candy makers, have a particular take on what the “birthday cake” flavor is. They think of it as the taste of a vanilla-flavored cake with multicolored sprinkles and creamy icing.
However, you won't find this kind of option anywhere else in the world. It makes sense, though. The American vision of the birthday cake flavor is unique. So, if you travel to another country, you'll have to settle for another dessert-flavored snack.
Hamburgers are pretty different in Japan
When an American dish makes its way into other cultures, those who prepare them often change its name and recipe. The traditional ingredients from the US get replaced by ingredients from a different kind of cuisine, and the original meal is wholly transformed.
In the case of hamburgers, Japan offers a unique dish where the hamburger is slathered in a sauce instead of served between two slices of bread. Some restaurants even put a fried egg over the meat medallion, making the meal even tastier.
Cinnamon rolls are prepared differently in Sweden
Cinnamon rolls are a great treat to have breakfast with. They're sweet baked doughs with a cinnamon-sugar filling that often comes with a cream cheese frosting or a sugar glaze on top. This food is closely related to the Swedish dish “kanelbullar,” but they're pretty different.
While American cinnamon rolls are topped off with a slathering of icing, the Sweden version has either egg wash or pearl sugar on top. This tiny difference means that kanelbullars are less sticky-sweet than the cinnamon rolls we know and love.
British pigs in a blanket don't resemble the American dish
No party is complete in the US without a good platter of pigs in a blanket. This sausage-based dish is often prepared as a snack for parties and served with mustard or aioli dipping sauce to make it more interesting.
You can find this snack dish in the UK, but its recipe is quite different. While Americans prepare it by wrapping sausages in croissant pastry, British pigs in a blanket are sausages wrapped in bacon. In our opinion, both dishes are equally delicious.
Traditional carbonara doesn't include a creamy sauce
Carbonara is an Italian pasta dish from Rome made with eggs, hard cheese, cured pork, and black pepper. However, when it made its way to the US, the original recipe changed slightly. So, Americans created their own version of carbonara.
The main difference between the traditional pasta dish and the American variety is quite simple—classic carbonara doesn't include the creamy sauce we find in the American version. Although cream sounds like a bland addition to the original recipe, it's a game-changer.
Drinks aren't served with ice outside the US
We've talked about American dishes being different in other countries. Still, the food isn't the only thing that changes when you leave the US. Drinks are served differently in each country. For example, ice in drinks isn't a thing worldwide.
Unlike in American restaurants, where water and soda are typically served in glasses full of ice, such a practice is considered strange in any other part of the world. You'll always receive a drink with little to no ice, no matter where you go.
American tacos are prepared with different ingredients
It doesn't matter if you're a meat lover, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free—there's genuinely a taco for every diet and taste. Tacos are so versatile that they allow you to choose your preferred meat type and favorite toppings every time you prepare them.
However, American tacos are different from Mexican tacos. In the US, people choose to put diced tomatoes over salsa and cheese sauce instead of using authentic cheese while preparing the meal. It may seem like a tiny difference, but it truly changes the dish's flavor.
Croissant sandwiches are rare outside America
What better way to enjoy your coffee than pairing it with a croissant? This flaky bread product is part of French cuisine, where people eat it as breakfast. Still, Americans have adapted it to fit their flamboyant tastes and preferences.
People from the US often slice croissants in half and use them as sandwich bread. Don't expect to find this particular dish outside America, though. Foreigners may even be taken aback if they see you using a croissant this way.
The French dressing in America isn't the same as the authentic French dressing
There's no better way to make your salads tastier than adding some French dressing to the dish. While this dressing is orange or red in the US, you'd be surprised to know it doesn't look the same as the authentic recipe.
In fact, the ingredients are completely different. Authentic French dressing uses olive oil, Dijon mustard, vinegar, garlic, and shallots. The American version is much sweeter and adds tomato to the original recipe. So, if you ask for this dressing in another country, it won't taste the same.
British bacon isn't as crispy as the American recipe
There's no denying that bacon can improve almost any dish. It goes great with French fries, hamburgers, and even sandwiches. However, it's pretty disappointing when you realize that the rest of the world doesn't prepare bacon like Americans do.
When we think of bacon, we picture it as thin and crispy. Its pleasantly smoky taste is unique and mouth-watering. Still, British people have a different take on bacon. They prefer back bacon, which is less crispy and much thicker than the American version.
Pizza comes with strange toppings in other countries
It's a well-known fact that pizza comes from Italy. It was invented as a fast, affordable, tasty meal for working-class Neapolitans on the go. Nowadays, we all enjoy buying one from time to time when we feel lazy and don't want to cook.
Of course, Americans have adapted the dish to their taste, and so has every other country. As a result, some cultures serve pizza with strange toppings, such as sausages, macaroni and cheese, and even French fries. As pizza lovers ourselves, we'd love to try them all.
Goulash doesn't have pasta as an ingredient in Hungary
If you're the type of person who enjoys hot foods during winter, you probably love goulash. This kind of stew is one of Hungary's national dishes, and it's ideal for the cold weather months. Since Americans like this meal too, they created their own version of it.
Both American goulash and traditional Hungarian goulash feature meat, vegetables, and stock. However, there's a slight difference between the two—the latter isn't a pasta dish. People from the US changed the original recipe to add macaroni to the meal and made it better.
You can only find chicken and waffles in America
While most of us have tried waffles at least once, not everyone likes chicken and waffles combined. The dish may sound odd for non-Americans, but we assure you it's delicious. Some people even think that fried chicken is best when eaten with waffles.
This sweet and savory combination is unique to the US, and you won't find it in another country. In fact, foreigners may even criticize you for liking such a strange dish. But don't let them bring you down. Just keep on enjoying your chicken and waffles.
Fajitas only come without beef in the US
There are many places where you can order some delicious fajitas in the US. They're grilled meat with stripped peppers and onions served on a flour or corn tortilla. However, it seems that Americans don't use the word “fajita” correctly.
The word “fajita” commonly refers to the small strips of beef meat used to prepare the meal and not to the dish itself. Since foreigners don't give the name “fajita” to dishes without beef, shrimp fajitas are uniquely American.
Instant ramen looks nothing like authentic ramen
Every American has some instant ramen sitting in their cupboard. This staple food has its benefits when it comes to a day when you need to prepare something quick and easy. However, it doesn't taste as good as authentic ramen.
Ramen comes from Japan, and it's often described as a flavorful noodle soup. But it isn't that simple to prepare. While its instant version only has noodles and flavored broth, the traditional recipe includes sliced pork, boiled eggs, nori, and scallions.
Smarties have a chocolate center and a candy coating in other countries
Smarties candies make us feel nostalgic given that we've seen them in many places. They're used as prizes in classrooms, as tools for decorating cakes, as a simple candy in children's birthday party treat bags, and as the main addition to your candy bowl on Halloween.
However, the Smarties we know only exist in America. This sweet treat has a chocolate center and a candy coating in other countries, like the UK and Canada. These candy shells are slightly flavored depending on the color, which makes Smarties funnier.
You won't find cream cheese and fruits in Japanese sushi
Although sushi is a traditional dish from Japan, it has become popular around the globe. You can find it in almost every town in the US. To adapt this flavorful dish to the American market, most restaurants have introduced a few changes to the original recipe.
You can find cream cheese and fruit among the strangest sushi fillings in the US. We acknowledge these combinations are shocking. Still, nothing compares to some curious sushi variants that have popped up on some menus, such as sushi-themed burgers and burritos.
American cheese isn't as delicious as other types of cheese
There are very few ways it can become unappealing when it comes to cheese. It's hard to make such a delicacy taste awful. However, most people around the world strongly believe that the orange slices we call American cheese are an abomination.
We can't deny this type of processed cheese is weird. It doesn't look like other cheeses you'd buy in a wheel or round. In fact, American cheese has a strange consistency that no one finds appetizing. Let's hope someone realizes this and changes its recipe soon.
American chai comes in teabags
Most Americans are familiar with the flavor of chai tea, as they call it. Starbucks introduced this type of tea in the 90s, and it now comes in teabags. However, people who enjoy traditional chai would probably think Americans do everything wrong.
To begin with, authentic chai relies on tea leaves rather than tea bags. There are also differences in how the tea is spiced. American versions add milk and sugar to the original recipe, which masks the core taste of chai.
The banh mi recipe is different in Vietnam
Banh mi is a unique Vietnamese dish that made its way to the US and became a popular meal. This delicious sandwich is a fusion of Asian flavors, such as coriander, pickles, chili, and fish sauce, and a French baguette with a thin crust.
While Vietnamese banh mi includes pate, cilantro, and ham, Americans have introduced non-traditional options that suit their tastes and preferences. For example, they've added roast pork and grilled chicken to the list of ingredients you can find inside this type of sandwich.
Campers eat marshmallows differently in Germany
There are a few things you should never forget to pack when you go camping. You'd probably think we're talking about insect repellant or a box of matches. Yes, those are essential things, but nothing is as vital as marshmallows.
No day of camping is complete without toasting a marshmallow and putting on a graham cracker with chocolate. Although this sweet treat isn't common worldwide, you can find a similar version in Germany. It's more of a snack cake than a marshmallow. Still, it's better than nothing.
Americans use wasabi and pickled ginger the wrong way
Whether you pair it with a cocktail, a glass of wine, or any other beverage, sushi offers a flavorful eating experience. The cold, firm fish combined with rice, soy sauce, and other ingredients, such as wasabi and pickled ginger, is genuinely delicious.
Nonetheless, Americans don't know how to make the best out of this delicious meal. Instead of eating wasabi separately from soy sauce, they mix it together. Regarding pickled ginger, they put it on pieces of sushi instead of using it as a palate cleanser.
Breadsticks are crunchier in other countries
Breadsticks, also known as dipping sticks, are pretty popular in the US. These pencil-sized sticks of crisp, dry-baked bread are fluffy. They're often served before any meal at restaurants and often come with additional seasonings, such as garlic, and additions like cheese.
Even though you can find breadsticks in every country, they look nothing like the American version. For example, British breadsticks are a lot crunchier and not so salty. They may still be an appetizer of sorts, but it isn't the same if the breadsticks aren't fluffy.
People in the Philippines prepare spaghetti with sausages instead of meatballs
Nowadays, spaghetti with meatballs is one of the most well-loved dishes in the US. It isn't surprising, though. There's something about a large plate of pasta with tender meatballs and a lot of tomato sauce that screams comfort like anything else.
Although you can find spaghetti with meatballs in many countries, the Philippines has a unique version of the dish. We're talking about spaghetti with sausages, an explosive combination that any American would love if they had the chance to try it.
British grilled cheese doesn't look as good as the American version
No one can deny that grilled cheese is one of the most delicious sandwiches in American cuisine. Not only is it mouth-watering and easy to prepare but also a great side dish when you want to have a bowl of soup.
However, other countries don't prepare grilled cheese as in America. In the case of the UK, British people grill the sandwich like a panini instead of pan-frying it. This difference may seem subtle, but it entirely changes the dish's taste.
Korea doesn't serve sweet potato casserole, they make candied potatoes
Thanksgiving is that time in the year when families gather to share a fabulous meal. Every household celebrates the holiday differently, which means you can find all sorts of staples on each family's table. Some of them are unfamiliar to foreigners, such as sweet potato casserole.
The weirdest thing about this dish is that most Americans top it with a layer of marshmallows. The closest we'll get to sweet potato casserole outside the US is a dish called “goguma mattang;” a Korean meal made up of candied potatoes.
Seafood pho doesn't exist in America
Most people say that the taste of pho is the perfect balance between salty, spicy, citrus, and sweet. The American version of the dish features rice noodles in herbal broth. Some places also add some delicious chicken or beef stock to the recipe.
But you won't find a single restaurant in the US that serves a bowl of seafood pho. Although it's a flavorful dish, it doesn't look appealing to most Americans. However, you shouldn't miss the chance to try it if you ever visit Vietnam.
Bread is pretty different in other countries
When you go to an American convenience store and walk down the bread aisle, you'll find many pre-sliced and bagged bread options. These products aren't artisanal, and they're often full of chemical preservatives. However, this isn't the way bread is sold around the rest of the world.
Many stores outside the US sell bread in a fresher, artisanal loaf with fewer chemical preservatives and sugar. They look like bread from the American bakery section. Apart from that, this sliced bread tastes sweeter than the average loaf we know.
American cereal is more sugary than the British version
Apparently, American food has the reputation of being quite unhealthy. Most people from the US follow high-calorie diets with saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. We'd love to say this statement isn't true, but you can see it even in breakfast sweets like cereal.
Anyone who has tried American cereals knows they're full of sugar. On top of that, some people have them with a marshmallow topping for breakfast. While this food item exists in the rest of the world, they're less sugary. And healthier, of course.
Mac and cheese can't compete with alpine macaroni
Mac and cheese is a classic staple in Americans' diet. It's one of the most delicious comfort food dishes in American cuisine. Although they taste better when you make them yourself, you can always buy a quick and easy-to-prepare boxed mac and cheese.
While mac and cheese is a convenient meal, it can't compare to what you can find in other countries. For example, the älplermagronen available in Switzerland includes more ingredients than the American dish, such as caramelized onions and crispy bacon, making it a lot tastier.
Biscuits also mean cookies in the UK and Australia
While some countries change some recipes to adapt dishes to their cultures, others simply serve the same food with a different name. For example, people from Australia and the UK might cringe if you offer them some biscuits and gravy.
It isn't that the meal is disgusting. In fact, biscuits and gravy are a popular brunch choice among Americans. The problem here is that “biscuits” is another name for cookies, and no one wants to eat sweet cookies topped with animal fat.
Americans prepare the fluffiest pancakes
Undoubtedly, pancakes are the best breakfast food. They're soft and delicious. Besides, they're easy to make because they don't require special equipment or real culinary skill. And the best part is that it's socially acceptable to binge eat them with syrup and butter.
While you can find this food item in other countries, it won't look like the American ones. If you compare British to American pancakes, you'll see that the British version isn't fluffy. It's such a shame, though. The beauty of pancakes is their fluffiness.
America turned bubble tea into smoothies
Bubble tea is a tea-based drink from Taiwan that consists of sweet black tea with milk accompanied by chewy tapioca balls. It has the same texture as iced coffee or juice, but the pearls make the drink's consistency more interesting.
This unique drink has boomed in popularity over the past few years in the US, and it has been adapted in many ways. One American variant of the classic recipe involves replacing the tea with a smoothie but keeping the tapioca pearls.
Hot dogs are different in every country
Hot dogs are a trendy meal among Americans. They're commonly sold at baseball games and cooked at barbecues because they're relatively inexpensive and portable. They're also versatile because you can add different toppings to them to make them tastier.
However, hot dogs are prepared differently in other countries. For example, hot dogs are often deep-friend in Australia and New Zealand. Apart from that, most people outside the US prefer to use sausages instead of frankfurters when making hot dogs.
American clam chowder isn't white in the rest of the world
We know that not all Americans enjoy eating chowder, even though it's a pretty nutritious food. Still, it's a popular dish in the northeastern states. This traditional meal dates back to when Europeans arrived in the US and settled on the Northeast coast.
Clam chowder is the most popular type of chowder in America. However, this meal doesn't look white or creamy in the rest of the world. If you ask for chowder outside the US, you'll probably come across a red and more liquid dish.
American chocolate is less tasty than other kinds of chocolate
Who doesn't love chocolate? It's the best snack in the world. Apart from tasting delicious, this unique candy can lift your mood in the blink of an eye. When you eat it, it helps your brain release serotonin, a hormone that makes you feel joyful.
Although there are some notable chocolate giants in the US, Americans don't set the standard for chocolate. The American version of this popular snack is unique because it's much sweeter than in the rest of the world. Still, it has a much less rich flavor when compared to others.