USA is one of the largest countries in the world which is composed of a diverse population belonging to different ethnicity. This wide confluence of ethnicity and influx of immigrants in the 19th century developed a rich and a wide variety of food preparation in the whole country. This diversity in cuisine shaped what is known as American cuisine. Though Americans do not have their own cuisine, this wide assimilation of tastes and preferences made American cuisine distinctive among others.
One of the important features that define this American cuisine is the fusion of multiple ethnic as well as regional approaches to develop completely new cooking styles. While the southern states are influenced by the South American cuisines and African cuisines, the northern states have more European inclined dishes. But every dish have been substantially changed over the years. Renowned American chefs gave all these dishes a new look, taste and feel. Thus making it a completely American dish. For example, hamburgers and hot dogs have there inception in Germany. But over the years with precise shaping the taste and style they are now known as an integral part of the American cuisine.
From the progressive era, i.e., from the late nineteenth century the production of food in the United States became more industrialized and presentable. Various restaurant chains began to came up with innovative menus and dishes to delight their customers. The leading newspapers and magazines in the country began to run recipe columns while the universities aided by the government started running nutrition programs to educate the house wives. The leading chefs who have opened restaurants in different cities of this country where they explored different dishes and used their innovative skills with rich ingredients. It gave birth to different popular menus that includes eggs benedict, lobster newberg, New York strip steak and many more. In the last fifty years, the influence of Indian and Chinese began to dominate. It enriched the American cuisine as a whole.
Nowadays, the confluence of variety of cuisines which made American dishes so delicious are famous all over the world. Various renowned American restaurant chains have now prominent presence throughout the world. The brands of McDonald, Pizza Hut and KFC have taken the world by storm. The whole world now celebrates the American dishes with their family and friends.
The most notable reasons for this wide variety of food available in the USA is obviously the ethnic influence. The wide choice of food reflect the nation’s changing diversity which modified and changed with time. In fact, the large immigration to the United States from various countries in the first half of the twentieth century shaped this cuisine. Every country has its own culinary tradition. But no such country experienced such wide influence over centuries. It makes American cuisine so special and distinct among others. The wide confluence makes the American cuisine easily distinguishable among all other forms of culinary traditions.
Even in this twenty first century, the American cuisine continues to develop where new sumptuous menu and food are added to the list.
Joe Kikuchi is an expert food expert who loves to experiment with various cuisines around the world. Based in USA, he also loves experimenting with food and shares all his experiences, photos and reviews for his viewers.
