Cuisine around the world: North America

American cuisine is known for its diversity, as it's shaped by a rich blend of cultural influences from around the world. Dishes can often be described as both comforting and distinctive. Across North America, food often reflects regional identity, history and local ingredients, resulting in a variety of flavours and cooking styles. From hearty classics to iconic street food and indulgent sweet treats, each dish tells a story passed down through generations. Whether you’re visiting North America on an upcoming cruise and you’re excited to discover the most iconic dishes or you’re feeling inspired to recreate well-loved recipes at home, this guide is for you. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that brings the flavours of North America to life. 

Few foods are as closely associated with American cuisine as the hamburger. The name is believed to derive from the German city of Hamburg, where Hamburg steaks were commonly enjoyed in the 18th and 19th centuries. These minced, salted beef patties made their way to the US during this time, and they were first served on a slice of toasted bread. However, the hamburger that many love to eat today is considered an American invention, with conflicting claims about who exactly came up with the idea. A hamburger is a sandwich which features ground meat, typically beef, placed inside a bun. There are lots of toppings and sauces that can be added to elevate the taste of a hamburger, arguably none more popular than cheese. The first cheeseburger is thought to have been invented in 1924, when Lionel Sternberger added a slice of American cheese to a hamburger while cooking. Since then, chefs have experimented with other creative toppings to make the dish even more flavoursome. From tangy pickles, fried onions and crispy bacon to more adventurous additions like a fried egg, pickled jalapenos and even mac and cheese. Those who enjoy mixing sweet and savoury have even experimented with peanut butter and jelly or Nutella toppings. 

The Philly cheesesteak is made with sliced ribeye steak, caramelised onions and melted cheese served in a long, soft roll. The steak is quickly cooked on a griddle, seasoned with salt and pepper, and sliced thinly for a tender, flavoursome finish. While Cheez Whiz is now regarded as one of the most iconic choices, known and loved for its rich, gooey texture, other popular options include American cheese and provolone. The dish was created in 1930 by Pat Olivieri, a Philadelphia hot dog vendor who set out to offer something different. It quickly gained popularity, becoming a defining dish of the city and a firm favourite across the United States. 

The hot dog is another staple dish in America, most commonly associated with sporting events and street food stalls. Like the hamburger, hot dogs trace their origins to German and Austrian traditions, brought to the United States by immigrants who proudly introduced their sausage-making practices. Across America, topping preferences vary by region, though some of the most popular include mustard, ketchup, onions, relish, and cheese. In New York, you’ll likely find many locals choosing sauerkraut as their topping of choice, while a trip to Coney Island might see you inclined to try a chilli-loaded hot dog with cheese and jalapenos. In California, sausages are often wrapped in bacon and topped with grilled peppers and onions, and coleslaw is reportedly common in Southern states. Another classic variation is the corn dog, which features a hot dog coated in a thick, lightly sweetened cornmeal batter, then deep-fried and served on a wooden stick. It’s typically enjoyed with condiments like ketchup and mustard; it’s a classic snack often found at fairs and festivals. 

Buffalo chicken wings are a common American food invented in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s. These unbreaded chicken wings are coated in a spicy sauce, typically made with cayenne pepper hot sauce and melted butter, and then traditionally deep-fried. In more recent times, the wings have been grilled, baked or roasted, rather than just deep-fried. The wings are most commonly served with a tangy blue cheese dressing or a creamy ranch dip. Other common sides might include fries, celery sticks, carrot batons, and coleslaw. 

For many Americans, there’s nothing quite like starting the day with a hearty breakfast of biscuits and gravy. Especially popular in the Southern states of the USA, this filling dish has a rich history, with studies suggesting it dates back to the American Revolutionary War. Biscuits are similar in texture to British scones, yet fluffier, and are smothered in a rich, savoury gravy. The peppery gravy is made from flour and milk, and sometimes crumbled sausage and pork sausage drippings are added, too. 

Once overlooked as a lesser cut, ribs surged in popularity in the 1920s, with slow-cooked barbecue methods inspired by Caribbean and African culinary traditions shaping them into a signature dish that is loved across North America and beyond. They are typically coated in a dry rub or glazed with sweet barbecue-style sauce, enhancing their rich, smoky flavour. 

Meatloaf is a quintessential American comfort food made by combining ground meat with breadcrumbs, onions, eggs, and various seasonings. It is usually topped with a sweet glaze featuring tomato ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy kick. There are some variations of the recipe, with many people putting their own spin on it. Some like to add black pepper, salt, dry mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and other seasonings to enhance the flavour. You may find that some prefer to make a gravy instead of a ketchup-based sauce, or top their meatloaf with barbecue sauce or chilli sauce, or add strips of bacon on top. 

American mac and cheese is a creamy, comforting dish loved in households across the country. With roots that trace back to 17th-century Europe, macaroni and cheese has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s widely believed that the dish was popularised in the United States by Thomas Jefferson, who encountered it during his travels in Europe. It was famously served at a formal dinner hosted by Jefferson and his chef, James Hemings, helping to establish it as a well-known dish in American cuisine. In 1937, the first boxed mac and cheese hit supermarket shelves, which cemented its reputation as a quick and popular comfort food. If opting to make American mac and cheese instead, the dish often includes macaroni, a homemade cheesy sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and cheese, and breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy, golden finish. Some choose to add a twist to this classic dish by experimenting with different seasonings and types of cheese or adding vegetables and meat. 

Apple pie has long been a symbol of American cuisine, despite its European origins. It became closely associated with the United States during World War II, when the sweet dessert was seen to represent comfort, patriotism and hope. This popular dessert features a flaky, buttery double crust, typically made with flour, cold unsalted butter, salt, sugar, and ice water. The filling features a mixture of peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are often popular choices), sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour or cornstarch to thicken it up. It is often served warm and accompanied by a creamy vanilla ice cream. 

Invented in 1938 in Massachusetts by Ruth Wakefield, chocolate chip cookies are a quintessential American comfort food. Known for their irresistible contrast of textures, they typically feature crisp, caramelised edges and a soft, gooey centre. Many American bakeries serve them warm, enhancing the richness of the melted chocolate and buttery dough. Classic recipes include ingredients such as white and brown sugar, flour, butter and vanilla extract, with chocolate chips or chopped chunks as the star ingredient. Over time, variations have emerged, incorporating additions like peanut butter, white chocolate, nuts, and more.