The USA is a behemoth in every sense of the world. It's one of the biggest players on the world stage, its influences stretch across the world and each of its fifty states are jam-packed with enough culture to fill an entire country. But when it comes to food, it's always had a bit of a bad rap. Stereotypes of fast, processed and over-sweetened food cast a shadow over the interesting regional cuisines, world-class restaurants and time-honoured cooking techniques peppered throughout its vast landmass. Those who scratch the surface, however, are rewarded with some seriously good eats.
Take a look at our guides below to get an idea of just how diverse American cuisine can be. From the fiercely protected barbecuing traditions of the south and the Mediterranean-inspired cooking of California to the incredible seafood caught off its coastlines, the US is a treasure trove of flavour. Read on to see what we mean.
America's most northerly state is cut off from the rest of the country, with awe-inspiring mountains and remote countryside giving Alaska a wild frontier feel. The chilly, pristine waters that make up Alaska's coastline, however, are home to some of the finest fish and seafood on the continent. Take a look at our guide to eating and drinking in Alaska if you're planning a visit.
LA is known for many things, but for the intrepid foodie it's the city's many food trucks that appeal the most. See which ones you should be keeping an eye out for in our guide.
The Deep South is responsible for some of the US's oldest and most traditional regional cuisines, but it's in the state of Louisiana that you'll find the home of world-famous hot sauce Tabasco. Take a look at how the fiery, flavourful little bottles of heat are made.
San Francisco is a food-lover's dream. With entire districts dedicated to incredible Chinese and Mexican food, plus a clutch of forward-thinking restaurants making a name for themselves across the entire West Coast (not to mention some of the best bakeries in the world), it's a must-visit for anyone who's a fan of flavour.
South Carolina might not be as internationally famous as states such as New York, California or Texas, but the local food scene certainly isn't lacking. Fiercely proud grillmasters, regional cuisines rooted in history and restaurants making the most of local ingredients make it a wonderful place to eat.
They say everything's bigger in Texas, and that's certainly true when it comes to barbecue. Take a look at what the grillmasters of Dallas-Fort Worth do differently to everyone else, and why people often queue for hours just to taste their smoked meats.
Of all the different cuisines, cooking styles and dishes the US has given the world over the years, none can hold a candle to its grilled meats. Barbecuing is religion in many parts of the country, with cooks obsessing over rubs, marinades, cuts, temperatures and cooking times all in a bid to achieve that perfect brisket, rack of ribs, pork butt or chicken. See how different states approach live-fire cookery, then give one of our American barbecue recipes a go at home.
Burgers, ribs, stacks of pancakes – it's no wonder American food has become so famous around the world. Take a look at our collection of US-inspired recipes to inject a bit of red, white and blue spirit into your meals.
