1

Beignets

Image: Jessica Tan

We’ll start with this Louisiana delicacy. This won’t be the last time you see an exquisite Louisiana dish in this article, since "the Pelican State" has a lot of meals to share with the world. Beignets are particularly popular in New Orleans, as this gorgeous city has been producing these iconic pastries since the 1700s.

While there are several European varieties of beignets, the ones served in Louisiana are usually rectangular in shape and deep-fried. They are usually consumed with coffee during breakfast, fresh from the frier, and with a healthy dose of powdered sugar on top. As you might have already figured out, beignets are the official state donut of Louisiana.

2

Chicago Pizza

Image: Matt Antonioli

Chicago-style pizza is sometimes considered a divisive subject, but we truly don’t understand why. Sure, this deep-dish delicacy inverts the established order of pizza, putting a hearty amount of tomato sauce on top of copious amounts of cheese.

However, as any 5th-grade math teacher can tell you, changing the order of the ingredients will not change the end result: In the end, Chicago-style pizza is just as delicious as traditional pizza. If you ever find yourself in "The Windy City" , treat yourself to a slice!

3

Texas Chili

Image: Artur Kornakov

While Texas is world-known for its delicious barbecue (on which the brisket reigns supreme), the official dish of "the Lone Star State" is its famous "Chili con carne". Texas-style chili's main distinction from its Mexican counterpart is its lack of beans: A traditional Texan "bowl of red" may contain a generous amount of beef and peppers, but never beans.

If you ever want to try some amazing chili from the birthplace of Texas style, you might want to visit the wonderful city of San Antonio : It was in this place that the "Queens of Chili" started selling their delicious recipes at affordable prices.

4

Boston Cream Pie

Image: Alonso Reyes

Beignets are not the only sweet treat you’ll find on this list. From the very heart of New England comes the delicious Boston cream pie . As its name suggests, this spongy pie is filled with cream and usually topped with a layer of chocolate.

The Boston cream pie is a long-standing symbol of everything "Bean City" has to offer: After all, it has been proudly produced in this city since at least the 19th century. According to legend, this pie was created in 1856 in the historic Parker House Hotel, by Armenian-French chef Mossburg Sanzian.

5

Philly Cheesesteak

Image: Niramay Kachhadiya

Just like their trademarked slang noun "jawn", Philly’s most iconic dish is an extremely versatile sandwich. The cheesesteak and Philadelphia are as synonymous as… Well, Rocky and Philadelphia. This sandwich is made from pieces of roasted beef, grilled onions and melted cheese served on a hoagie roll, so its popularity doesn’t really need to be explained.

If you are looking for someone to thank for this delicious fast food, you can pay homage to brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri. In the 1930s, these two Philadelphians created what most believe to be the very first iteration of the Philly cheesesteak in their hot dog stand.

6

Gumbo

Image: David Trinks

We told you that beignets weren’t the only Louisiana delicacy making it to this list. Gumbo is an exquisite Louisiana Creole stew characterized for always including three ingredients known as the Creole "holy trinity": celery, bell peppers, and onions.

While this dish has been synonymous with "The Pelican State" since at least the 19th century, gumbo gained national popularity in the 1970s, after the U.S. Senate added it to the dining room’s menu in honor of Louisiana Senator Allen Ellender.

7

New England Clam Chowder

Image: Kevin Lanceplaine

Looking for "warm food for the soul"? Then maybe New England can help: Just try a hearty bowl of clam chowder in any of the states that comprise this beautiful region. This iconic soup has been produced in New England since the 18th century, although it is now widespread throughout the entire nation.

While several variations exist, all clam chowder recipes include clams, potatoes, and onions. The three most popular variants are the New England or "white" recipe (which includes cream or milk), the Manhattan or "red" recipe (which includes tomato sauce), and the Rhode Island or "clear" version which includes neither dairy nor tomatoes.

8

New Mexico Green Chile Stew

Image: Acton Crawford

If you ever visit New Mexico, don’t be surprised if someone asks you the state’s official question "Green or Red?" No, it's not a confusing haiku nor a piece of experimental poetry: they are just asking which type of pepper you would like with your meal. That being said, you should keep this entry in mind before you give out your answer, since you might want to try a bowl of mouth-watering "Chile Verde" or green chile stew.

While there are many variations to this recipe, green chile stew usually includes green peppers (of course), pork, garlic, and green tomatillos . Its spiciness might vary depending on the type of pepper used, but it might go from mildly to extremely spicy.

9

Florida Key Lime Pie

Image: American Heritage Chocolate

You would think the orange, Florida’s most famous fruit, would be featured in The Sunshine State’s iconic dessert, but that honor goes to the delicious Key lime pie. Should you ever find yourself in Key West, don’t leave without trying a piece of this exquisite and citric treat.

As the name indicates, Key limes are essential for making this pie, since they tend to be more acidic and aromatic than other limes. These limes are so revered by the good people of Key West that every year, the Key Lime Festival is held on the Independence Day weekend.

10

Apple pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

We’ll end this article with a sweet treat synonymous with being American . How many times have you heard that something is "as American as apple pie"? This iconic dessert has been tied with our nation’s history and identity since its inception, so it is no wonder that we always choose to have a piece of apple pie on the 4th of July.

While apple pies were brought over to America by European immigrants during the 17th century, it was quickly adopted as one of our nation’s most beloved symbols. Two different recipes for apple pie appear in America’s very first cookbook, Amelia Simmons’ "American Cookery", which was published in 1796.

1

A song born from the battle

Image: Benjamin Faust

Our anthem was written in mid-September 1814 by Francis Scott Key. But what was it that brought those words to his mind? Well, the lyrics were inspired by the sight of the American flag flying after the British navy was defeated at the Battle of Baltimore.

Key penned the words while observing the conflict at Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. Originally, the anthem began as a poem, not as a song.

It celebrated the fort’s resilience, symbolizing hope for a young nation. Key’s words quickly gained popularity and were eventually set to the tune of an old British song. Little did he know, it would go on to become the anthem we sing today.

2

What’s in a name?

Image: Joshua Woods

Considering what we said before, it’s logical to think The Star-Spangled Banner wasn’t the original title, do you know what it was?

Key’s poem was originally titled "The Defence of Fort McHenry," a clear reference to the conflict that served as his inspiration.

It wasn’t until October or November of 1814, when the first sheet music was printed, that the title changed to the more poetic "The Star-Spangled Banner."

The new name broadened its appeal, allowing it to reach a larger audience who quickly embraced it. It was a name that spoke not just to the battle, but to the pride of the entire nation. This small change made a big difference in how the song was received.

3

A song for all languages

Image: Etienne Girardet

You probably already knew part of these details, but what about this one? Did you know the anthem was translated into German?

During the Civil War, Key’s anthem found a new life: Union supporters translated it into German to recruit German-speaking volunteers for the militia.

That was just the beginning, but it certainly wasn’t the last time it was translated. Over the years, the song has been translated into more than a dozen languages, making it accessible to Americans from diverse backgrounds. This highlights the anthem’s flexibility, which adapts to the times and reaches new groups. After all, freedom and perseverance aren’t exclusively American traits, don’t you think?

4

Baseball’s favorite tune

Image: Wade Austin Ellis

We are all very much used to starting important ceremonies or sporting events by proudly singing the national anthem, but, as you can imagine, there was a first time for that too. Do you know about it?

"The Star-Spangled Banner" made its debut at a sporting event in 1862 during the opening of a baseball stadium in Brooklyn, New York. This marked the first time it was played at a professional game.

Its connection to sports grew stronger over the years, and now it’s a tradition to hear the anthem at nearly every major sporting event. It’s the perfect way to kick off the game, uniting fans in a shared moment of patriotism before the competition begins.

5

Congress made it official… eventually

Image: Joshua Sukoff

The military had already embraced it as an inspirational song, and it had become a tradition to play it at sporting events, but it wasn’t really official until Congress said so and that didn’t happen until 1931. What about that?

The process wasn’t simple, either. Congress debated the decision, facing opposition from various groups—Prohibitionists, pacifists, and even music teachers—but we’ll explore those details in the next section.

Alternatives like "America, the Beautiful" were suggested, but in the end, Key’s song won out. President Herbert Hoover signed the act, and the rest was history: we finally had a national anthem!

6

It’s not easy to sing!

Image: Laith Abuabdu

Remember we said teachers were against it? Can you imagine why? On their side, one of the main complaints about "The Star-Spangled Banner" was that it’s too difficult to sing . And we have to hand it to them, the anthem is notoriously hard to perform.

In terms of scales, the original melody spans an octave and a fifth, a range that challenges even professional vocalists. This explains why many groups struggle with the anthem during public performances. How many can say they’ve truly mastered it—are you one of them?

In any case, the tune, originally a British drinking song, wasn’t designed for mass sing-alongs. No wonder it’s become a patriotic rite of passage to attempt singing it!

7

Women fought for its adoption

Image: Library of Congress

Although it’s not always mentioned first when narrating our history, women have been instrumental in many key moments, and the story of "The Star-Spangled Banner" is no exception.

Women played a significant role in pushing for the anthem’s adoption as the national anthem, how so? The Daughters of the War of 1812, a patriotic women’s organization, were among the most vocal advocates. While some groups opposed it, this organization was very much in favor of it.

Their activism helped build momentum for the 1931 legislation that ultimately led to the anthem’s adoption. In an era when political opportunities for women were limited, this cause offered them a platform to engage in national issues. They succeeded, of course, because persistence pays off!

8

There is no "official" version

Image: Alessio Fiorentino

This might sound far-fetched, but it doesn’t mean there are alternate lyrics to our anthem. Rather, there’s no single, official version of "The Star-Spangled Banner." While various states have tried to legislate performance styles and etiquette, there isn’t a definitive version set in stone.

This flexibility has allowed for creative interpretations, ranging from traditional orchestral performances to more modern adaptations, depending on the context and the event.

And even if it would be nice to have an official version, this gives everyone the possibility to bring new aspects to our national hymn!

9

Jimi Hendrix’s legendary performance

Image: Aditya Wardhana

Proof of what we just said, that the lack of an official version gives place to create amazing new interpretations is Jimi Hendrix’s legendary performance. The psychedelic rock guitarist brought a fresh, rebellious spin to "The Star-Spangled Banner" when he performed it at the 1969 Woodstock Festival . While many are familiar with his electrifying Woodstock rendition, Hendrix actually performed the anthem in concert many more times, over 60 times to be specific.

His interpretation added a new layer of meaning, capturing the turbulent spirit of the era. And even though not everyone liked it, no one can deny that, given the context, it was a powerful message!

10

Do you know the four verses?

Image: Towfiqu barbhuiya

Most of us are familiar with only the first verse of "The Star-Spangled Banner," but did you know the anthem actually has four verses ?

Now, four verses were enough and we can understand that tradition is to sing only the first due to time constraints. But, as it turns out, in 1861, Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. added a fifth verse, advocating for the end of slavery.

While the additional verses are rarely sung, they tell a richer story of American values and challenges. So, even if you never sing it, you can read the full version and enjoy learning about American ideals!

1

Paris, France

Image: U.S. Department of State from United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The U.S. Embassy in Paris is the oldest American diplomatic mission in the world. Benjamin Franklin himself served as the first ambassador, back when the United States was fighting for independence. Today, the chancery building stands on the Place de la Concorde, a spot once used for public executions during the French Revolution. Few embassies can match this mix of American heritage and European history.

2

New Delhi, India

Image: Ash Carter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Set on 28 acres in a district where nearly every corner is marked by a foreign flag, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi feels more like a grand estate than a government office. The entrance alone impresses visitors with its broad fountain and big golden Great Seal of the United States.

When it first opened in the 1950s, the complex introduced many locals to the clean lines and bold simplicity of American modernist design. Decades later, the compound still carries that sense of mid-century optimism, standing as both a piece of architectural history and a stage for diplomacy.

3

London, United Kingdom

Image: Phil Lev

If James Bond had to hand-deliver a top-secret note to Uncle Sam, this is exactly where he’d go. Opened in 2018, the current building of the U.S. Embassy in London came with a price tag of about $1 billion—yes, billion with a "B." It spans nearly 12 acres along the River Thames, enough to be one of the most enviable addresses in town.

The sleek glass cube design doesn’t just reflect light, it sparkles as if auditioning for a starring role in a spy flick. Its gardens and public walkways also make it one of the few embassies in the world that feels just as welcoming as it does secure.

4

Brasília, Brazil

Image: mbastosbr

When Brazil built a new capital in 1960, the United States became the first nation to establish its embassy in the brand-new city of Brasília. The 12-acre compound took another decade to finish, but the wait was totally worth it.

Today, the building unfolds like a tropical retreat with lush courtyards, a marble facade, clusters of palms, and broad office space that seem to invite a slower pace. Inside, the Stars and Stripes waving overhead reminds you that this is less about vacation and more about international business, carried out in unmistakably American style.

5

Yerevan, Armenia

Image: Arina Dmitrieva

If embassies were given awards, the U.S. outpost in Yerevan would easily take home the trophy for "biggest backyard." Sprawled across 22 acres, it’s more park than office, with open lawns rolling out under the backdrop of Armenia’s rugged mountains.

Yet, the real deal is inside. The embassy serves as a gathering spot for locals, hosting cultural festivals, English-language programs, art exhibits, and workshops that make diplomacy accessible and engaging. With its airy design and community-centered vibe, it feels less like a fortress and more like an open invitation to join.

6

Ottawa, Canada

Image: Jane T D.

Right across the northern border, Canada hosts a striking U.S. Embassy right on Ottawa’s Sussex Drive. Spanning 138,000 square feet and completed in 1999, the building simply stands out. With its stainless-steel dome that gleams in the sunlight, it feels like a freshly minted coin.

Step inside and you’ll find an airy glass interior with open spaces, echoing the values of dialogue and solidarity. In a city lined with Gothic revival architecture, the U.S. Embassy rises as both a modern landmark and the stage where American diplomacy meets Canadian friendliness.

7

Tokyo, Japan

Image: Evgeny Tchebotarev

Set amid Tokyo’s frantic setting, the U.S. Embassy in Japan has stood its ground since the 1970s, quietly observing one of the world’s most dynamic capitals. Step outside its secure walls, and in just minutes you’re in the tranquil embrace of the Imperial Palace gardens, where koi ponds and ancient stone bridges feel worlds apart from the neon lights. Contrast is the essence of this post, rooted in a nation where skyscrapers rise beside shrines, and where diplomacy intertwines with both centuries-old heritage and cutting-edge modernity.

8

Canberra, Australia

Image: National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Opened in 1963, the U.S. Embassy in Canberra feels like a time capsule from the golden age of mid-century design. With its grand dome and red-brick elegance modeled after Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the building brings a piece of Virginia heritage halfway around the world.

Framed by tall eucalyptus trees and the crisp skies of Australia’s capital, it strikes a balance between old-world stateliness and natural charm. For many visitors, this government office is a symbol of American history and Australian hospitality.

9

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Image: here, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Known as Palacio Bosch, this embassy doesn’t look like an office building at all. Originally built in 1910 for one of Argentina’s wealthiest families, the mansion still carries a Belle Époque aura. With sweeping marble staircases, glittering chandeliers, and fancy salons full of gilded details, it feels like the set for The Great Gatsby .

Outside, the gardens stretch wide and elegant, providing the backdrop for countless receptions where formal diplomacy blends with the warmth of Argentine culture. Guests might hear live music drifting through the air, join in animated conversation, or even share a round of _mate_—a reminder that this embassy is as much a cultural meeting point as it is a place for politics.

10

Oslo, Norway

Image: Christoffer Engström

Though smaller in scale than others on this list, the U.S. Embassy in Oslo stands out with a design that mirrors the Norwegian landscape. Its facade pairs sleek glass walls with rugged stone, a blend that feels both contemporary and timeless.

In the summer, the building glimmers in the glow of endless daylight. Come winter, snow transforms its sharp lines into something out of a Nordic fairytale, with frosted rooftops and a quiet stillness in the air. More than just an office, this embassy feels woven into its setting—an architectural nod to Norway’s mix of modern design and deep connection to nature.

11

Mexico City, Mexico

Image: Oscar Reygo

In one of the world’s liveliest capitals, this embassy makes its mark with sheer scale: over 1.8 million square feet of workspace. That makes it one of the largest American embassies , almost a city within a city.

Beyond its size, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico plays a central role in cultural exchanges and international cooperation, making it as vital to daily life as the bustling neighborhoods that surround it.

12

Singapore

Image: Mark Stoop

Nestled among orchids, palms, and flowering shrubs, the U.S. Embassy in Singapore feels more like a tropical retreat than an office. Its wide, low-slung profile is designed to stay cool in the humid climate, blending seamlessly into the greenery. Just like in the rest of the city, architecture and nature work in harmony, offering a daily reminder that diplomacy can grow strong roots in even the warmest of places.