13 American Foods Everyone Around The Globe Is Obsessed With

American classics have earned a loyal following far beyond U.S. borders. From rich, sugary desserts to hearty comfort foods, these all-American favorites have made their mark around the globe.

Travel abroad or talk to friends overseas, and chances are you’ll find these iconic dishes are just as loved there as they are at home. There’s something about them that speaks to taste buds everywhere.

1. Peanut Butter: America’s Creamy Gift

Peanut Butter: America's Creamy Gift
© Epicurious

The humble jar that sparked a global sandwich revolution! While Americans consider PB&J a childhood staple, many countries view peanut butter as an exotic luxury. I remember bringing jars to friends in Europe who treated them like precious gold.

In Japan, tiny jars can cost three times what we pay stateside. Despite initial skepticism about this nutty spread, international foodies now slather it on everything from toast to fruit.

2. Authentic Buffalo Wings

Authentic Buffalo Wings
© The Spruce Eats

Fiery, tangy, and gloriously messy – Buffalo wings have flown far beyond their humble origins at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York.

These sauce-slathered chicken pieces cause international flavor frenzies wherever they land. Korean fried chicken spots now offer ‘American-style’ Buffalo options. British pubs advertise ‘authentic Buffalo’ nights.

The signature orange-stained fingers and blue cheese dipping ritual have become universal symbols of proper wing enjoyment around the globe.

3. The All-American Burger

The All-American Burger
© Epicurious

Nothing screams “USA” louder than a juicy beef patty nestled between soft buns. Global burger chains can’t replicate the magic of a true American burger joint experience.

Back in college, my Japanese roommate would drag me to five different burger spots weekly, documenting each for his blog back home. From Tokyo to Paris, specialty American-style burger restaurants command premium prices and hour-long waits.

The perfect blend of beef, cheese, and toppings has become America’s most successful culinary ambassador.

4. S’mores: Campfire Magic in Every Bite

S'mores: Campfire Magic in Every Bite
© Camp Cardinal RV Resort

Graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows – individually unremarkable, but together? Pure American genius! This campfire treat has international travelers booking wilderness experiences just to taste authentic s’mores under starry skies.

European candy shops now stock American graham crackers specifically for s’mores enthusiasts. In Australia, outdoor supply stores sell complete s’mores kits for backyard gatherings.

The ritual of toasting the perfect marshmallow has become a bucket-list experience for food tourists visiting America.

5. Crispy Southern Fried Chicken

Crispy Southern Fried Chicken
© Serious Eats

The secret’s in the spices! Southern fried chicken’s crackling exterior and juicy interior have inspired global copycats from Seoul to Stockholm. International chefs make pilgrimages to Tennessee and Kentucky seeking the perfect breading technique.

During my travels, I spotted a fried chicken shop in rural Thailand proudly displaying photos of Kentucky landscapes. South Korean chains have built empires around ‘American-style’ fried chicken.

The combination of pepper, salt, and that distinctive crunch transcends language barriers and keeps international taste buds craving more.

6. Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies
© Mom On Timeout

Ruth Wakefield’s 1930s invention has conquered dessert menus worldwide. The perfect balance between crisp edges and soft centers keeps international cookie monsters coming back for more. British bakeries advertise ‘American-style’ cookies as premium treats.

Japanese department stores feature special American cookie counters. The distinct aroma of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies now wafts through malls from Dubai to Sydney, with each country adding subtle twists while maintaining reverence for the classic American original.

7. New York Cheesecake

New York Cheesecake
© Martha Stewart

Velvety, rich, and impossibly smooth – New York-style cheesecake stands tall above all pretenders. This dense dairy delight has spawned countless international variations, yet connoisseurs always return to the original.

On a trip to Japan, I discovered entire cafés dedicated to recreating authentic New York cheesecake. European pastry chefs study in Manhattan just to master this creamy creation.

The simple combination of cream cheese, eggs, and graham cracker crust has become the gold standard for global dessert lovers.

8. Mac and Cheese: Comfort in a Bowl

Mac and Cheese: Comfort in a Bowl
© Chenee Today

This childhood favorite has grown up to become an international comfort food sensation. Upscale restaurants across Europe now feature ‘authentic American mac and cheese’ on their menus.

Australian cafés offer ‘American-style’ mac and cheese alongside flat whites. In parts of Asia, the dish represents the ultimate Western comfort food experience.

From boxed varieties to gourmet versions with lobster, the magic combination of pasta and cheese sauce continues to win hearts across continents.

9. Decadent Pecan Pie

Decadent Pecan Pie
© Southern Bite

Sweet, nutty, and utterly indulgent, pecan pie showcases America’s knack for transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This Southern classic has inspired dessert lovers worldwide to seek out authentic recipes and imported pecans.

British baking shows regularly feature challenges to recreate this American icon. French patisseries offer their own interpretations alongside traditional tarts.

The sticky-sweet filling and crunchy nut topping create a textural masterpiece that translates beautifully across cultural boundaries, making it a must-try for international visitors.

10. Fluffy American Pancakes

Fluffy American Pancakes
© Movers and Bakers

Towering stacks of cloud-like discs drenched in maple syrup represent breakfast perfection worldwide. Unlike their thinner European cousins, American pancakes have achieved cult status for their pillowy texture and versatility.

I once watched a Japanese family photograph their first American pancake experience from every angle before taking a bite. Brunch spots in London advertise ‘authentic American pancakes’ as premium menu items.

The weekend ritual of pancake breakfasts has spread globally, with international home cooks seeking the secret to achieving that perfect American fluff.

11. BBQ Ribs: Smoky Perfection

BBQ Ribs: Smoky Perfection
© Grandbaby Cakes

Fall-off-the-bone tender with a sticky-sweet glaze – American BBQ ribs represent slow-food artistry at its finest. International pitmasters make pilgrimages to Texas, Kansas City, and Memphis seeking barbecue enlightenment.

Australian backyard cooks invest thousands in smokers to replicate authentic American techniques. BBQ competitions in Europe now feature ‘American-style’ categories with strict judging criteria.

The combination of smoke ring, bark, and sauce has created a global obsession with achieving true American barbecue perfection.

12. Creamy Clam Chowder

Creamy Clam Chowder
© Yellow Bliss Road

Thick, hearty, and brimming with seafood treasures, New England clam chowder delivers comfort by the spoonful. This distinctive white soup has inspired international chefs to create their own interpretations.

During a cold Tokyo winter, I stumbled upon a tiny restaurant specializing exclusively in American chowders. Seafood restaurants worldwide now feature this creamy concoction on their menus.

The rich combination of clams, potatoes, and cream in a bread bowl represents American coastal cuisine at its most approachable and delicious.

13. Classic Apple Pie

Classic Apple Pie
© Herbs & Flour

Golden, flaky crust hiding cinnamon-spiced fruit – is there anything more quintessentially American? This iconic dessert has become the international standard for pie perfection.

Bakeries from Paris to Tokyo proudly advertise ‘American-style’ apple pie. Cooking schools offer special classes focused solely on achieving that perfect American pie crust.

The phrase ‘as American as apple pie’ has transcended borders, with the dessert itself becoming a cultural ambassador that reminds international food lovers of roadside diners and homestyle comfort.