Have you ever dreamed of taking a grand tour of America, experiencing the diversity of cultures and cuisines across the 50 states? Well, what are you waiting for? Gas up the RV, pack your stretchy pants, and get ready for an epic adventure. From sea to shining sea, America has some of the most iconic foods the world has to offer. Whether you’re craving Cajun cuisine in New Orleans, fresh lobster in Maine, barbeque in Texas, or fish tacos in California, your taste buds will never stop dancing. Every region has flavors that reflect its history and landscape. So hop in the passenger seat as we take you on a culinary road trip across America. The open road is calling and your belly is ready for the ride of a lifetime.
Southern Comfort Food: Fried Chicken, BBQ, and More in the South
The Southern US is home to some of the heartiest, most comforting food around. Fried chicken, barbecued ribs, collard greens, black eyed peas, pecan pie…your taste buds are in for a treat.
Fried Chicken and Barbecue Ribs
Fried chicken and BBQ ribs are staples of Southern cooking. For fried chicken, dredge pieces of chicken in a mixture of flour, spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, and buttermilk or egg, then fry in a few inches of vegetable or canola oil until golden brown and cooked through. BBQ ribs get a spice rub, slow cook in an oven or smoker, and are slathered in a tangy BBQ sauce.
Soul Food Sides
What’s a Southern meal without sides like collard greens, black eyed peas, mac and cheese, cornbread, and mashed potatoes? Collard greens are cooked for a long time with smoked meats like bacon or ham hocks and seasonings. Black eyed peas are stewed with aromatics like onions and garlic. Homemade mac and cheese and mashed potatoes will satisfy any comfort food craving. And cornbread, whether sweet or savory, soaks up flavors from all the delicious sides.
Pecan Pie for Dessert
No Southern feast is complete without pecan pie for dessert. Corn syrup, eggs, sugar, and of course pecans are combined, poured into a pie crust and baked until the filling is set. The gooey, nutty pie is the perfect ending to a hearty Southern supper.
With all this soul-satisfying food, the South has perfected comfort cooking. A Southern meal will fill you up and put a smile on your face. Y’all come back now, ya hear!
Northeastern Seafood: Lobster Rolls, Clam Chowder, and Crab Cakes
The Northeastern coastline of the US is known for its fresh seafood, and you can’t leave without trying the lobster rolls, clam chowder, and crab cakes.
Lobster Rolls
Lobster meat, usually from Maine lobsters, is mixed with mayonnaise and seasonings, then stuffed into a toasted roll. The cold lobster salad style is more common in Maine, while the Connecticut-style hot lobster roll is doused in butter. Either way, the sweet lobster and creamy fillings are a match made in seafood heaven.
Clam Chowder
Thick and creamy New England clam chowder is chock full of potatoes, cream, and clams. Manhattan clam chowder swaps the cream for a tomato-based broth. For the authentic experience, order a bread bowl and dig in! The chowder is usually garnished with crispy bacon, parsley, and oyster crackers.
Crab Cakes
Blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay are made into delicious crab cakes. Lump crab meat is mixed with breadcrumbs and spices, then pan-fried until golden brown. Top your crab cake with a dollop of remoulade sauce, tartar sauce, or lemon butter. Crab cakes are crispy on the outside with large chunks of sweet crab on the inside.
From Maine to Maryland, the Northeast coast offers a bounty of fresh seafood. Don’t leave without tasting the local specialties! Lobster rolls, clam chowders, and crab cakes are all must-tries on your food journey across America.
