What Types of Food Do People Eat in the United States?

Some typical U.S. dishes are grilled steak, roast beef, fried chicken, meatloaf, stuffed turkey, potato salad, hamburgers, hot dogs, hot wings, yams, corn on the cob and many others. Cuisine in the United States is difficult to define because it is so diverse. The population of the United States consists of a large number of nationalities, backgrounds and traditions that have influenced the cuisine of the country.

Since the United States is very large, it is easier to distinguish cuisine by region. Northeastern states are known for dishes influenced by the British colonists, such as stews, pot roast and baked beans. In the Southern states, cuisine is characterized by farm-style dishes, such as deep-fried foods, BBQ pork, corn bread and lots of sweets.

In many states, there is also a significant Mexican influence and these dishes, such as tacos, burritos and enchiladas, can be found everywhere. Other influences come from Europe, Africa, West India and Asia.

Immigrants to the United States are typically the ones who bring over different types of dishes, although international chefs with television shows and books also continuously change the type of foods Americans eat. Since the United States doesn’t have a very defined cuisine, it’s much easier to change and accept influences from different countries.