11 American Foods That Foreign Visitors Just Don’t Understand

Every country has its culinary quirks, and the United States is no exception. While American cuisine is incredibly diverse and regional, there are certain foods that consistently puzzle international visitors. From sweet-meets-savory combinations to ultra-processed pantry staples, some items just don’t translate across borders. Whether it’s nostalgia, convenience, or pure creativity that keeps these dishes popular at home, they often leave foreign travelers scratching their heads—and sometimes reaching for their cameras. Here are 11 uniquely American foods that outsiders just don’t quite understand.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich

This sweet-and-salty sandwich combo is a lunchbox staple in the U.S., but it baffles many international visitors. The idea of pairing nut butter with fruit jelly between two slices of soft white bread can seem odd to those used to savory sandwiches. Yet for Americans, it’s pure nostalgia and comfort. What seems like an unusual blend elsewhere is a beloved taste of childhood in the States. The convenience and affordability of the PB&J only add to its long-standing popularity.

Root Beer Float

A scoop of vanilla ice cream plopped into a fizzy mug of root beer might sound strange to someone who’s never tasted either. Root beer’s medicinal, almost minty flavor isn’t common outside the U.S., and combining it with ice cream makes it even more unfamiliar. But in America, this creamy, fizzy dessert drink is a classic, especially at diners or drive-ins. It’s a symbol of old-school Americana and remains a favorite summer treat across generations.

Deep-Fried Twinkies

Taking an already sweet snack cake and dunking it in hot oil may seem excessive to international visitors. Yet at American fairs and carnivals, deep-fried Twinkies are a sugary rite of passage. The crunchy outer shell with a molten, creamy center delivers indulgence at its peak. While shocking to some, for locals, it’s all part of the fun-loving, anything-goes spirit of American festival food. It’s a dish that embraces absurdity—and sugar—in equal measure.

Biscuits and Gravy

Visitors expecting a British-style biscuit are thrown off by the American version—fluffy, buttery scones served with white sausage gravy. This Southern staple is hearty, savory, and comforting, but it can be confusing for those unfamiliar with its textures and flavors. The gravy is rich and peppery, made from pan drippings and flour. To many, the dish seems heavy or unappetizing, but to Americans—especially in the South—it’s a cherished breakfast classic.

Spray Cheese

Cheese in a can may be one of the most confusing American inventions for international guests. Known as “Easy Cheese,” it’s processed, shelf-stable, and often sprayed directly onto crackers. The idea of cheese not requiring refrigeration—or being dispensed like whipped cream—feels alien to cultures that prize aged, natural cheeses. But in the U.S., convenience often trumps tradition, and spray cheese represents just how far that convenience can go.

Meatloaf

A loaf made from ground beef might sound logical, but the look and texture of American meatloaf can throw people off. Often topped with ketchup and served with mashed potatoes, it’s a comfort food that many American families grew up with. However, visitors may find the combination of ingredients odd—breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, sometimes even brown sugar. To locals, it’s a warm, home-cooked meal. To others, it’s an unusual form of beef presentation.

Corn Dog

A sausage dipped in a cornmeal batter and deep-fried on a stick is iconic in the U.S., especially at fairs and amusement parks. Yet many visitors are puzzled by both the appearance and the taste. The sweet outer coating clashes with the savory hot dog inside for those unfamiliar with it. But for Americans, corn dogs are portable, nostalgic, and uniquely satisfying. It’s fast food with flair—and a distinctly American sense of culinary creativity.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Serving marshmallows with a vegetable may sound like a prank to many international travelers, but this dish is a beloved holiday side in American homes. The sweet potatoes are mashed, sweetened further with brown sugar or maple syrup, and then topped with fluffy marshmallows. The result is a gooey, dessert-like dish served alongside turkey and stuffing. The blend of sweet and savory confuses many palates—but it’s a Thanksgiving tradition few Americans skip.

Jell-O Salad

This retro creation involves mixing flavored gelatin with ingredients like fruit, whipped cream, and even vegetables. Jell-O salads can be wobbly, oddly textured, and visually confusing. Often served at potlucks or holiday dinners, they were especially popular in mid-century America. Foreign visitors may find the mix of sweet and savory hard to grasp, but for many Americans, it’s a nostalgic reminder of family gatherings and vintage culinary trends.

Chicken and Waffles

Savory fried chicken served atop sweet, syrup-drenched waffles is a combo that leaves many visitors scratching their heads. But in the U.S., especially in the South, it’s a beloved brunch or comfort food item. The crispy chicken, fluffy waffle, and maple syrup offer a sweet-savory contrast that Americans adore. For first-timers, the flavor pairing seems bizarre, but once tasted, it’s often surprisingly delicious. It’s American fusion cuisine at its best.

Sloppy Joes

Ground beef cooked in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, then piled onto a hamburger bun—Sloppy Joes live up to their name. This messy sandwich confuses many foreign eaters due to its appearance and texture. It’s neither a burger nor a stew, yet somehow both. To Americans, it’s quick, cheap, and filling—a school cafeteria staple that’s easy to make in bulk. While its loose structure may seem chaotic, it delivers comfort and flavor with every bite.