The Most Popular Foreign Food in America, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the foreign food you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:38
Food enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads trying to decide which international cuisine to try next. With an abundance of options, it becomes essential to have some guidance on what others find appealing. Ranking the most popular foreign foods in America provides a clear insight into current culinary trends and public preferences, assisting everyone from casual diners to passionate food bloggers.
This live ranking is fueled by the votes of users like you, offering a dynamic view of which international dishes resonate most with American taste buds today. By participating in this voting process, not only do you contribute to the accuracy and reliability of the list, but you also get to influence what food might become a new favorite across the nation.
What Is the Most Popular Foreign Food in America?
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161votesMexican cuisine is one of the most popular foreign foods in America. Tacos, burritos, and enchiladas are some of the most popular dishes.Mexican food refers to the culinary traditions and dishes originating from Mexico. It is a vibrant and flavorful cuisine that is loved and widely enjoyed in America. Mexican food encompasses a wide variety of dishes, using staple ingredients such as corn, beans, chili peppers, tomatoes, avocados, and various spices. The cuisine is known for its bold flavors, colorful presentation, and diverse range of dishes.
- Tortillas: A staple in Mexican cuisine, tortillas are thin flatbreads made from corn or wheat flour.
- Tacos: A popular Mexican dish, tacos consist of a tortilla filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, salsa, guacamole, and cheese.
- Salsa: Salsa is a spicy sauce made from tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, and other ingredients. It is commonly used as a condiment or dip.
- Guacamole: Guacamole is a creamy avocado-based dip or spread, often flavored with lime juice, onions, and cilantro.
- Enchiladas: Enchiladas are corn tortillas rolled around a filling, typically made with meat, cheese, beans, or vegetables, and topped with chili sauce.
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215votes
Valerio Capello at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0Italian cuisine is also very popular in America, with pizza and pasta being the most well-known dishes.Italian food is a diverse and beloved cuisine in Sydney, offering a wide range of flavors and dishes influenced by different regions of Italy. It is known for its use of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.- Pasta: Italian food is famous for its variety of pasta dishes, from classic spaghetti carbonara to comforting lasagna.
- Pizza: Thin-crust pizza with a variety of toppings is another staple of Italian cuisine, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
- Antipasti: Italian meals often begin with antipasti, appetizers like bruschetta, caprese salad, or cured meats and cheese.
- Sauces: Italian sauces like marinara, Alfredo, and pesto are widely celebrated for their rich flavors and versatility.
- Seafood: Being a coastal city, Sydney embraces Italian seafood dishes such as grilled calamari, seafood risotto, or linguini with clams.
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321votesChinese cuisine has become a staple in America, with dishes such as stir-fry, dumplings, and noodles being popular.Chinese food refers to the dishes originating from various regions of China that have been adapted to suit the local taste preferences in New York. It is a popular cuisine known for its bold flavors, diverse ingredients, and rich culinary history.
- Regional Varieties: Chinese food in New York represents a wide range of regional cuisines, including Cantonese, Sichuan, Hunan, Fujian, and more.
- Diverse Ingredients: Chinese dishes feature an array of ingredients such as rice, noodles, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, tofu, bok choy, shrimp, pork, and chicken.
- Dim Sum: Dim Sum, a popular style of Chinese cuisine, offers a variety of bite-sized dishes traditionally served in small steamer baskets or on small plates.
- Roast Duck: Roast duck, often prepared using techniques like Peking duck, is a highly regarded Chinese specialty available in many Chinese restaurants in New York.
- Dumplings: Chinese dumplings, both steamed and fried, filled with various ingredients like pork, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, are a staple and beloved dish.
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425votes
MichaelMaggs · CC BY-SA 3.0Japanese cuisine has become increasingly popular in America, with sushi being a favorite among many.Japanese food refers to the cuisine of Japan, which is known for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and meticulous preparation techniques. It is a combination of traditional and modern cooking styles, creating a diverse and harmonious culinary experience.- Umami: Japanese food is known for its rich and savory flavors, often achieved through the use of umami-enhancing ingredients like soy sauce, miso paste, and bonito flakes.
- Rice-based dishes: Rice is a staple in Japanese cuisine, and it is often served with various toppings or used as an ingredient in dishes like sushi, onigiri, and donburi.
- Raw fish: Sushi, sashimi, and other raw fish preparations are popular in Japanese cuisine, highlighting the importance of fresh and high-quality ingredients.
- Noodles: Japanese noodles, such as ramen, udon, and soba, are widely consumed and are available in numerous varieties, each with its distinct characteristics.
- Pickled and fermented foods: Japanese cuisine incorporates a wide range of pickled and fermented ingredients, such as tsukemono (pickled vegetables), umeboshi (pickled plum), and shoyu (fermented soy sauce).
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516votes
Joe mon bkk · CC BY-SA 4.0Indian cuisine has grown in popularity in America, with dishes such as curry, naan, and samosas being enjoyed by many.Indian food refers to the cuisine of the Indian subcontinent, which is rich in flavors, spices, and vibrant colors. It is characterized by its diverse range of regional dishes, cooking styles, and ingredients. Indian food offers a harmonious combination of various tastes, including sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory flavors.- Usage of Spices: Indian food is known for its extensive use of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Variety of Vegetarian Dishes: Indian cuisine has a wide range of vegetarian dishes, making it a haven for vegetarians and vegans.
- Regional Specialties: Each region in India has its unique culinary traditions and specialties, like biryani from Hyderabad, dosa from South India, and butter chicken from Punjab.
- Tandoori Cooking Technique: Tandoor, a traditional clay oven, is widely used in Indian cuisine to cook marinated meats, bread (like naan), and vegetables at high temperatures.
- Importance of Lentils and Legumes: Lentils and legumes, such as chickpeas and black lentils, are a staple in Indian food, often used to make curries, soups, and snacks.
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67votes
Mattes · Public domainThai food
Thai peopleThai cuisine has also become popular in America, with dishes such as pad Thai and green curry being enjoyed by many.Thai food is a cuisine that originates from Thailand and has gained popularity worldwide. It is known for its harmonious blend of flavors, vibrant colors, and use of fresh ingredients. Thai food often balances the four fundamental taste senses: sweet, salty, sour, and spicy.- Influences: Thai food draws influences from neighboring countries like China, India, Malaysia, and Cambodia.
- Ingredients: It commonly includes ingredients such as rice, noodles, meat, seafood, vegetables, herbs, and spices.
- Curries: Thai curries are famous, with red, green, and yellow curries being popular choices. These curries offer a perfect balance of flavors.
- Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a well-known Thai dish made with stir-fried rice noodles, eggs, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, peanuts, and lime.
- Tom Yum Soup: Tom Yum is a spicy and sour soup made with herbs, lemongrass, lime leaves, chili, and typically features shrimp or chicken.
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715votesGreek cuisine is known for its Mediterranean flavors and is a popular choice for many Americans.Greek food is a cuisine that originates from Greece. It is known for its fresh and flavorful ingredients, as well as its emphasis on simple preparation techniques. The combination of fresh Mediterranean herbs, olive oil, and a variety of locally sourced ingredients make Greek food distinctive and delicious.
- Mediterranean Diet: Greek food is closely associated with the Mediterranean diet, which promotes the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil.
- Key Ingredients: Greek cuisine features key ingredients such as olive oil, feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, honey, yogurt, garlic, oregano, and various herbs. These ingredients are used in dishes like Greek salad, moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki, and baklava.
- Grilled Meats: Grilled meats, particularly lamb, are a popular component of Greek cuisine. They are often seasoned with traditional Greek herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Seafood: Due to its coastal location, Greece is known for its delicious seafood dishes. Octopus, squid, shrimp, and various types of fish are commonly prepared in Greek cuisine.
- Fresh Produce: Greek food places a strong emphasis on using fresh and seasonal produce. Vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions are frequently used in salads and various cooked dishes.
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812votes
Codename5281 · CC BY-SA 3.0Vietnamese cuisine has also become popular in America, with pho being a favorite among many.Vietnamese food is a flavorful and diverse cuisine that combines fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and a balance of flavors. It is renowned for its complex yet harmonious taste profiles.- Fresh Ingredients: Vietnamese food commonly uses fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, and herbs.
- Noodle Dishes: Pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine.
- Rice Dishes: Rice is a major component of Vietnamese meals, and dishes like Com Tam (broken rice) are popular.
- Herbs and Spices: Vietnamese food often incorporates aromatic herbs like mint, cilantro, and lemongrass, along with spices like star anise, ginger, and chili.
- Fish Sauce: Fish sauce, a fermented condiment made from fish, is a fundamental ingredient in Vietnamese cooking, adding a rich umami flavor.
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97votesKorean cuisine is known for its bold flavors and has become increasingly popular in America, with dishes such as bibimbap and kimchi being enjoyed by many.Korean food refers to the cuisine of South Korea, which is known for its bold and flavorful dishes that incorporate various ingredients and cooking techniques. It is characterized by the use of spices, fermented ingredients, and vegetables.
- Rice: Korean meals often revolve around rice, which is a staple food in Korean cuisine.
- Banchan: Korean meals are typically accompanied by a variety of side dishes called banchan. These can include kimchi, pickled vegetables, fermented soybean paste, and more.
- Spicy: Spicy flavors are commonly found in Korean cuisine, with gochujang (fermented chili paste) being a popular ingredient.
- Kimchi: Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made of fermented vegetables, mainly cabbage or radish, seasoned with spices.
- Grilling: Grilling, whether on charcoal or gas, is a popular cooking technique in Korean cuisine, leading to dishes like bulgogi and galbi.
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108votesLebanese cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, and has become a popular choice for many Americans.Lebanese food is a cuisine that hails from Lebanon, a country located in the Middle East. It is known for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and diverse array of dishes. Lebanese cuisine has a long history influenced by various cultures and civilizations that have occupied the region over the centuries.
- Fresh Ingredients: Lebanese food emphasizes the use of fresh and seasonal ingredients, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, and herbs.
- Healthy Cooking Methods: Lebanese cuisine often uses healthy cooking methods like grilling, baking, and sautéing, minimizing the use of deep frying.
- Herbs and Spices: Herbs and spices play a significant role in Lebanese cuisine, with common flavors including mint, parsley, garlic, cinnamon, and sumac.
- Pita Bread: Pita bread is a staple in Lebanese cuisine and is commonly used for dipping, wrapping, or as a base for various dishes.
- Mezze: Lebanese meals often start with mezze, a selection of small, flavorful dishes served as appetizers, including hummus, tabbouleh, and moutabal.
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Ranking factors for popular foreign food
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Number of restaurants and chainsA higher number of foreign food restaurants and chains in America suggests greater popularity of a specific cuisine. Consider data on both independent establishments and larger franchises.
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Availability and accessibilityA key factor is how easily Americans can access and purchase foreign food. This can include the presence of ethnic food aisles in grocery stores, meal kit delivery services, and food delivery apps featuring foreign cuisine.
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Consumer preferences and trendsAssess which foreign foods are currently trending or consistently favored by American consumers. Surveys, polls, and social media trends can offer valuable insights.
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Cultural diversity and immigration patternsThe cultural background and immigration patterns of different communities in America play a significant role in the popularity of certain foreign foods. Areas with higher concentrations of specific immigrant communities may have greater demand for that particular cuisine.
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Media influenceEvaluate how foreign foods are represented in American media, including cooking shows, recipe websites, social media influencers, and food-related television programs. The more exposure a cuisine receives, the more likely it is to become popular.
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Food awards and recognitionsForeign food establishments that receive prestigious awards or recognitions may increase the popularity of a given cuisine.
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Innovation and fusion cuisineMany American chefs and restaurants experiment with creating new dishes influenced by foreign cuisines or fusion dishes combining elements from different cultures. If a particular cuisine is frequently used in such innovations, it may indicate a growing popularity.
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Health trends and dietary preferencesWith shifting health-conscious food trends and the rise of specific dietary preferences, certain foreign cuisines may gain popularity based on how well their dishes align with these factors, such as plant-based diets or low-carbohydrate eating styles.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular foreign food in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or foreign cuisine is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2311 views
- 186 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each foreign cuisine once every 24 hours. The rank of each foreign cuisine is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular foreign food in america
America is known for its melting pot of cultures, which is reflected in its diverse culinary scene. In recent years, the popularity of foreign cuisine has grown tremendously, with people embracing dishes from all around the world. From sushi to tacos, there's no shortage of options when it comes to exploring new and exciting flavors. But what is the most popular foreign food in America? Let's take a closer look at some of the top contenders and what makes them so beloved by Americans.
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