America’s Most Iconic Dishes

America’s diversity and innovative spirit has led to it becoming a world leader when it comes to cuisine, with Maine’s lobster industry alone worth $334 million a year. From its very beginning, the USA has been importing recipes from around the world and putting its own unique spin on it. Agriculture remains an important part of the community, so if you’re visiting Maine or any other state, then you have to check out some US-exclusive foods. Dining in Maine restaurants will definitely satisfy your food cravings, but don’t be afraid to explore elsewhere for even more unique American dishes.

Whoopie Pie

Where else could you start than with Maine’s official state treat? Whoopie Pies are an iconic staple of Maine and no trip to the state is complete without a taste. Somewhere between a cookie, a pie and a cake, this chocolate heavy, cream filled snack offers a unique flavor. It represents the optimism and ingenuity of the American character.

Ryan Hibbert, Riot Hospitality’s CEO, highlights the benefits of keeping things local. His restaurant ‘Farm and Craft’ serves healthy food on a diverse menu, while paying homage to his Arizona and Mexican food-based roots. Consuming the Whoopie Pie is a way of experiencing the culture of Maine, in the same way a Farm and Breaky Burrito contains the spirit of Arizona.

Lobster Roll

You can’t visit the USA and not try some of the greatest lobster that the world has to offer. While Maine is well known for its fishing heritage and fresh-from-the-ocean lobster, the whole nation will provide this delicious crustacean. The most common way to prepare it is in a bread roll.

From fancy restaurants to New York City vans, the lobster roll makes for a great stomach-filling snack. Native to New England, it will usually be served in a hotdog bun with butter, lemon and mayonnaise. Generally served cold, with plenty of herbs, this is filled to the brim with flavor, all in a quick roadside snack.

Wild Salmon

There is plenty of Atlantic ocean salmon making its way to shores of America, but 99.8% of this is farmed. For true freshness and flavor, consider visiting a state such as Alaska. Here, fishermen risk injury to catch wild salmon. Once in the restaurant, a glaze of maple syrup is the American way of adding something special for its visitors.

The cold northern seas are where the best wild salmon can be found. Be sure to visit a restaurant which advertises wild salmon for a real, authentic taste, without preservatives. In true American style, salmon is best consumed on a New York bagel.

With the three dishes above, you have tasted some of the best America has to offer. Of course, there are hundreds of other foods you could try. Come to Maine for your first Whoopie Pie, but stay for the lobster rolls and wild salmon. American restaurants are always experimenting with flavor, to give you the best eating experience possible.