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American Cuisine: A Source of Cultural Shock for NewcomersWhen people come to the United States, apart from the language and living habits, it is often the food on the table that brings the most "cultural shock" to new immigrants and tourists. Although American hamburgers, fried chicken, and other foods have become popular around the world, there are still many "local specialties" that often leave foreigners stunned, and even some Americans themselves have a love-hate relationship with them.

April 16, 2025, 2:10 pm EDT

 

 

Recently, Yahoo Creators has compiled a list of ten classic dishes that are popular in some parts of the United States but seem quite "peculiar" to outsiders. Let's take a look and see how many of these you can accept.

 

1. Meatloaf
This minced meat dish looks like an oversized piece of toast, with ketchup brushed on the outside. It is the centerpiece on the tables of many American families. Although it has a mild flavor, its "appearance" and "texture" make many foreigners hesitant to take a bite.

 

2. Tuna Casserole
Originating from the 1950s, this casserole combines canned soup and tuna. It was a product of the popularity of frozen foods during that era. Today, it remains an affordable choice for many busy office workers and students.

 

3. Fluffernutter
A representative childhood food in the New England region, it consists of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff sandwiched between slices of white bread. It is extremely sweet, yet it's hard to resist.

 

4. Minnesota "Sushi"
It's not real sushi. Instead, it's a snack made by wrapping pickles with cream cheese and ham, rolling them up, and slicing them. It looks like sushi, but the taste is completely different.

 

5. Ants on a Log
This is a clever trick that American parents use to encourage their children to eat celery: spread peanut butter on celery sticks and sprinkle raisins on top, making it look like ants crawling on a branch.

 

6. Boiled Peanuts
In the southern United States, boiled peanuts are a common roadside snack. While they are not unfamiliar to Asians, they are not commonly seen in most parts of the United States.

 

7. Coleslaw
This refreshing side dish made with cabbage, mayonnaise, or vinegar is a common accompaniment at southern family gatherings and in chain fast-food restaurants. Foreigners are often puzzled by its "cold and juicy" texture.

 

8. Gefilte Fish
A traditional dish from Jewish immigrants, it is a cold dish made by mixing fish with seasonings. Even within the United States, opinions about it are divided: some people think it's delicious, while others can't stand it at all.

 

9. Chipped Beef on Toast
This simple meal, which consists of sliced beef stewed in a milk sauce and then poured over toast, was once a common quick meal in the military. To this day, many veterans still remember it fondly.

 

10. SpaghettiOs
A classic canned pasta that was born in the 1960s, it is a symbol of many Americans' childhood. It can be eaten after heating, which is simple and convenient, but its taste and appearance often surprise foreign diners.