American Cuisine – Between Burgers, Barbecue and Steak

American Cuisine – Regional Variety and Popular Classics

American food has long had more to offer than burgers and fries. American cuisine brings together a wide range of culinary traditions and regional specialties – from Tex-Mex dishes such as tacos, burritos and nachos to fried chicken and ribs, and on to sandwiches, steaks and barbecue. The cuisines of the Deep South and Louisiana have their own specialties too, such as gumbo, jambalaya or Cajun- and Creole-inspired dishes.

Typical side dishes such as coleslaw, mac and cheese and cornbread round things out, as do American desserts like pecan pie, brownies or New York cheesecake. Depending on regional tradition and culinary influences, the result is a whole range of very different dishes and flavor combinations.

It is precisely this mix that makes American cuisine so varied: regional traditions, international influences and well-known classics come together and have shaped a food culture that goes far beyond burgers and steak.

American Cuisine in Germany

If you go out for American food in Germany, you will find a wide range of restaurant concepts. Classic diners, burger restaurants, BBQ joints and steakhouses each set their own focus – from the menu to the ambiance.

A diner, for example, stands for straightforward classics like burgers, sandwiches and milkshakes, while at a barbecue restaurant the preparation of the meat takes center stage – think slow-cooked pulled pork, brisket or beef ribs. Steakhouses focus on different cuts, degrees of doneness and the quality of the meat. Other restaurants draw on Tex-Mex or Southern cooking and put dishes such as quesadillas, enchiladas or shrimp and grits on the plate.

The American influence also shows in the sides and desserts: loaded fries, onion rings or baked beans accompany many hearty dishes, while banana cream pie, carrot cake or key lime pie make for a typical sweet finish. Depending on the restaurant, the result is a culinary profile all its own!

Our Recommendations and Typical Specialties

Typical American specialties are defined by generous portions, bold flavors and a blend of different culinary influences. Examples include pancakes, corn dogs, mac and cheese and baked potatoes, as well as Southern classics like biscuits and gravy, jambalaya or gumbo. It is precisely this mix of unfussy everyday dishes, street food and regional specialties that makes American cuisine so versatile.

Our GlobalGuest® partners offer interesting examples, too. At Hard Rock Cafe Cologne, the menu features Famous Fajitas, Cedar Plank Salmon and Tupelo Chicken Tenders, showing different facets of American-inspired cooking.
If you want to focus on high-quality US beef, The Classic Western Steakhouse in Düsseldorf offers a variety of steak cuts, including filet mignon, ribeye, New York strip and T-bone steak. Specialties such as surf & turf and shrimp cocktail round out the offering.

GlobalGuest® offers the right spot for every taste – from the American classic to a high-quality steak!

FAQ

Why is Mexican cuisine so prevalent in Texas?
Texas shares a border with Mexico and is also closely tied to its neighbor historically. Many people in Texas have Mexican roots, so Mexican traditions and ingredients still shape the state’s cuisine today. Tex-Mex cooking is one of the things that grew out of this interplay.

What is soul food?
Soul food emerged primarily in the African American communities of the American South and combines traditional recipes with the ingredients and cooking traditions of those regions. Typical dishes include fried chicken, collard greens and cornbread, as well as stews such as gumbo.

What is the difference between Cajun and Creole cuisine?
Both cuisines are closely tied to the state of Louisiana but developed under different influences. Cajun dishes are often boldly spiced and rooted more in country cooking. Creole cuisine, by contrast, blends influences from Europe, Africa and the Caribbean and has its own typical ingredients and cooking methods.

Which side dishes are typical of American meals?
Many American dishes come with sides such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, cornbread or baked beans. Depending on the region, you will also find specialties like collard greens or grits on the plate.

What does barbecue mean in American cuisine?
In American barbecue, meat is cooked low and slow for many hours, usually smoked, until it is especially tender and “falls off the bone.” In German usage, by contrast, “barbecue” is often simply another word for grilling.