1. Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and waffles may seem like an odd combination to those outside the U.S., but it’s a beloved dish for many. The crispy, savory chicken paired with a sweet, fluffy waffle is a surprising delight for some, yet raises eyebrows for others. It’s one of those meals you’d never think would work, but somehow, it does. The origins of this odd pairing are a mix of soul food tradition and late-night diner offerings, particularly in the South.
Locals, however, still don’t fully understand how the dish gained such popularity. For many, it’s more about the fun of indulging in a bit of sweetness with a savory bite. Some say the salty chicken balances the sweetness of the waffles, creating a unique flavor experience. Still, it’s a dish that can leave visitors scratching their heads, wondering if it’s a true breakfast or dinner meal.
2. Jell-O Salad
Jell-O salad is another American food that tends to confuse tourists, especially those unfamiliar with the tradition of incorporating gelatin into salads. Often found at potlucks or family gatherings, this dish consists of Jell-O mixed with fruits, vegetables, or even marshmallows. While it might sound like dessert, it’s often served alongside savory dishes, blurring the lines between sweet and savory.
For locals, it’s a nostalgic dish that evokes memories of family meals and celebrations, but tourists might wonder why such a combination is even a thing. The gelatin’s wobbly texture and the unexpected mix of ingredients can make it a hard sell for anyone not raised with it. Even the term “salad” in the name confuses many, as it’s neither a salad in the traditional sense nor an appropriate replacement for dessert.
3. Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits and gravy might seem like an odd breakfast choice to outsiders, particularly those who associate biscuits with a simple, buttery side dish. In the U.S., however, it’s a hearty meal often served in the South with a rich, creamy sausage gravy poured over soft, flaky biscuits. Tourists may wonder what makes the combination so special, as it’s not a dish that exists in many other countries.
The dish is undeniably comforting, but for many, it can be a little overwhelming, especially with its heavy gravy base. Locals love the indulgence of it, but when explaining it to a first-timer, the concept of “gravy” can be difficult to communicate. It’s not like what most people expect when they think of gravy—it’s more of a sausage-infused cream sauce, which makes it unique to American breakfast tables.
4. Meatloaf
Meatloaf is often served as a comforting, family-friendly dinner, but to outsiders, it can seem strange that a meatloaf would ever become a go-to dish. Essentially, it’s ground meat (usually beef) mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, then shaped into a loaf and baked. While many locals grew up with it as a hearty dinner option, tourists might ask why anyone would shape meat into a loaf and bake it in such an unconventional way.
While meatloaf’s simplicity is part of its charm, tourists may find the idea of it unappealing, especially if they’re not familiar with its relatively bland flavors. For locals, though, meatloaf often reminds them of home cooking, something they’ve grown up with and now share with their own families. Explaining the love for meatloaf can be tricky, as its appeal lies in nostalgia and the fact that it’s an easy, filling meal.
5. Tater Tot Casserole
Tater tot casserole is a dish that could easily baffle anyone not familiar with American comfort food. It’s a simple concoction of ground meat, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, topped with frozen tater tots and baked until golden. While it’s a staple in many American households, especially in the Midwest, its unusual combination of ingredients can confuse visitors who may wonder why tater tots are considered an appropriate casserole topping.
Locals often love the casserole for its warmth, familiarity, and ease of preparation. The crispy tater tots on top add a fun, textural contrast to the creamy, meaty filling. While the dish might seem quirky or unrefined to outsiders, its straightforward nature and comforting flavors make it a favorite among those who grew up eating it. But if you’ve never experienced the joy of tater tot casserole, the idea of baked frozen potatoes on top of a casserole may be hard to understand.
6. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
For tourists, the combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup may seem more like a random pairing than a classic American comfort food duo. The simplicity of a gooey, buttery grilled cheese sandwich dipped into a bowl of warm, tangy tomato soup is both familiar and nostalgic for many Americans, but the pairing could leave outsiders scratching their heads. It’s not often you see a soup paired with a sandwich in quite the same way elsewhere.
For locals, the pairing is a comfort food staple that reminds them of childhood or cold-weather meals. The warmth and gooey texture of the sandwich, combined with the acidity of the soup, create a satisfying balance. But for those unfamiliar with this combo, it can seem like an odd, mismatched pairing, and it’s hard to explain just why the flavors work so well together.
7. Foie Gras
While foie gras is known in other parts of the world, its presence on American menus can still lead to confusion, particularly in its sometimes-over-the-top presentation. For many tourists, the idea of eating duck or goose liver might be met with a mix of fascination and confusion. In the U.S., it’s often treated as a luxury item, served at upscale restaurants, and can sometimes have a polarizing effect.
Locals may enjoy it as a rare treat or as part of high-end dining, but explaining the appeal of foie gras is difficult. The texture is creamy and rich, and the flavor is intense, but it’s certainly not for everyone. Despite its high price tag and exclusivity, there’s always a lingering question from outsiders: why eat something that’s so controversial?