1

Apple Pie

Image: Patrick Fore

No dessert is more synonymous with American culture than the humble apple pie. Dating back to the colonial era, this sweet treat has evolved from simple fruit-filled pastries to an unofficial symbol of the United States. Whether served à la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, apple pie remains a beloved classic for Americans of all ages.

2

Cheeseburger

Image: Christian Wiediger

While the two basic ingredients that make a hamburger—bread and beef— have been present in the cuisine of most cultures for millennia, historical evidence suggests that the first country where the two were combined into a "hamburger sandwich" was the United States.

However, it was the addition of cheese that catapulted this culinary creation to legendary status. Whether topped with cheddar, American, or blue cheese, the cheeseburger represents the spirit of affordability and innovation that defines American cuisine.

3

Clam Chowder

Image: Louis Hansel

Consumed by Americans at least since the early 19th century, clam chowder is a creamy soup brimming with fresh clams, potatoes, and onions. Although the most popular version of this dish hails from the shores of New England , there are many other regional variations like the Manhattan or Rhode Island clam chowder.

Served in a bread bowl or alongside oyster crackers, this comforting dish has warmed the hearts of generations, earning its place as a regional favorite.

4

Fried Chicken

Image: Shardar Tarikul Islam

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, fried chicken is a Southern staple that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of food lovers nationwide. The origin of this popular dish in the Southern states has been linked to similar recipes from Scottish and West African cuisines.

Today, thanks in part to brands like Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Popeyes, fried chicken has become a beloved classic enjoyed across the country and around the world, while still retaining its deep-rooted popularity in the South.

5

Jambalaya

Image: stu_spivack, CC BY-SA 2.0

Hailing from the Louisiana bayou, jambalaya is a flavorful one-pot dish that combines rice with an array of meats, seafood, and vegetables. According to linguists, its curious name comes from the Provençal language —spoken in modern southeastern France—meaning something like a mixup.

While there is some evidence that points to the origin of this dish being the French Quarter of New Orleans, what is certain is that it reflects the complex cultural tapestry of the South , with influences from French, Spanish, and West African cuisines.

6

Pot Roast

Image: charlesdeluvio

A quintessential Sunday supper, pot roast is a slow-cooked marvel that transforms tough cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Simmered alongside hearty vegetables—often carrots, potatoes, and onions—in a savory broth, this comforting dish has been bringing American families together for generations.

Similar recipes are found in many cultures, but the origin of the "Yankee pot roast," is often thought to be a local variation of the French dish boeuf à la mode ****, also influenced by German sauerbraten and traditional Jewish cuisine.

7

Shepherd's Pie

Image: JIP, CC BY-SA 4.0

Shepherd's pie, with its comforting layers of seasoned ground meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, has long been a staple of American comfort food. Originally hailing from the British Isles—where it was made of lamb meat— this hearty dish found its way to American tables, where it quickly became a timeless classic.

Whether enjoyed on a cold winter's night or as a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, shepherd's pie warms the soul with its hearty flavors and rustic charm.

8

Cornbread

Image: Nik Owens

Cornbread holds a special place in American cuisine, particularly in the South, where it's considered a culinary cornerstone. Made from a simple mixture of cornmeal, flour, milk, and eggs, cornbread is a versatile accompaniment to countless meals , from barbecue ribs to fried chicken.

With origins in Native American cuisine , the role of cornbread as a pillar of the Southern diet emerged mostly out of necessity, as the heat and humidity of the region made it almost impossible to store wheat for long periods of time.

9

Macaroni and Cheese

Image: Ronaldo de Oliveira

Few dishes evoke nostalgic memories quite like macaroni and cheese. By simply combining tender pasta with a creamy cheese sauce, this childhood favorite has been delighting taste buds for generations.

While its origins can be traced back to Europe, macaroni and cheese became an American household staple during the 20th century , thanks in part to its convenience and affordability.

10

Meatloaf

Image: 4marknelson, CC BY-SA 4.0

Meatloaf, with its hearty blend of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings, is the epitome of classic American food. Originating in traditional German, Scandinavian, and Belgian cuisines , the dish as we know it today was likely first prepared in colonial Pennsylvania, using a mixture of ground pork and cornmeal.

This humble but nourishing dish has graced dinner tables all across the nation, and to this day remains a favorite for its simplicity and budget-friendly ingredients.

1

New Hampshire: Constitution and potatoes

Image: Spenser Sembrat

New Hampshire was a pioneer in colonial America: They were the first colony to establish its own constitutional government. But its tastiest contribution? Potatoes!

In 1719, Scotch-Irish immigrants near Londonderry planted the first permanent potato crops. The tubers quickly became a staple and spread across the colonies only to become the most consumed vegetable in the country. Plus, New Hampshire even declared the potato its official state vegetable in 2013. Who knew potatoes had such historical roots?

2

Massachusetts: Named after the original inhabitants

Image: Wei Zeng

When English settlers arrived on the Mayflower in 1620, they weren’t stepping onto empty land. Indigenous peoples had called the area home for thousands of years.

The colony’s name, Massachusetts, honors the Massachusett tribe. Derived from the Algonquian word Massa-adchu-es-et , it translates to "great hill-small place." Even as history tells a more complicated story about their interactions with the settlers, it’s a nice tribute to the land's original inhabitants.

3

Connecticut’s secret tree

Image: Christopher Luther

Connecticut’s colonial history has a touch of mystery and rebellion . In 1662, the colony was granted a royal charter ensuring its right to self-govern by King Charles II. After his death, in 1686, King James II tried to revoke it.

Legend has it that, during a heated debate, the charter was spirited away during a momentary blackout and hidden in the hollow trunk of a white oak tree. The "Charter Oak" became a symbol of freedom and self-determination, and it’s now honored as Connecticut’s official state tree.

4

Rhode Island: Refuge for the rejected

Image: Demure Storyteller

The colonies were revolutionary, but some views were too progressive for the era. That is why Roger Williams, Rhode Island’s founder, was banished from Massachusetts . He had progressive views on religious freedom and so he found sanctuary in what later became Rhode Island.

In 1636, he purchased land from the Narragansett people and founded a colony based on the separation of church and state. It became a haven for minority religious groups like Baptists, Quakers, and Jews.

5

New York: From New Netherland to a global capital

Image: Benjamín Gremler

Before it was New York, it was New Netherland, a bustling Dutch colony founded in 1624. The Dutch established New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island, but in 1664, the English seized the territory and renamed it after the Duke of York.

New York grew rapidly, eventually becoming the first capital of the United States after the Revolutionary War. It’s amazing to think this vibrant city started as a modest Dutch trading post.

6

New Jersey’s devilish legend

Image: Benjamin Ashton

The Pine Barrens of New Jersey are home to one of America’s oldest and creepiest legends : the Jersey Devil. Do you know how it goes?

According to folklore, a woman named Mother Leeds cursed her 13th child, who was born as a monstrous creature, and fled into the forest. The tale, rooted in both colonial superstition and Indigenous folklore, has been passed down for centuries, keeping imaginations alive, and visitors on edge, in the Garden State.

7

Pennsylvania: The King’s debt becomes a colony

Image: The Body

Pennsylvania owes its existence to a royal, and quite big, IOU. King Charles II granted William Penn the land in 1681 as payment for a debt owed to Penn’s father.

Penn established the colony as a safe haven for Quakers, emphasizing religious tolerance and fair dealings with Indigenous peoples. Pennsylvania, clearly named after the family’s name, became a model of diversity and coexistence, attracting settlers of all faiths and backgrounds.

8

Delaware: The First to Declare Independence

Image: Demure Storyteller

Independence from Britain? They all did that, but Delaware took it a step further! Though initially governed as part of Pennsylvania, Delaware established its own legislature in 1704.

On June 15, 1776, this colony declared independence not just from Britain but also from Pennsylvania, making it the first colony to break away formally . Known as the "First State" for ratifying the US Constitution in 1787, Delaware’s pioneering spirit is woven into its history.

9

Maryland: A pirate colony?

Image: Luisa Frassier

Maryland’s early days weren’t all peaceful. William Claiborne , a man of the Virginian council, refused to accept that his settlement on Kent Island was part of Maryland after the colony’s charter was granted in 1632.

Claiborne launched pirate raids on Maryland’s trading posts, leading to charges of piracy and murder. While he eventually lost his claim, Claiborne’s defiance adds a plot twist to Maryland’s story.

10

Virginia: Witch trials in the South

Image: Henry Deng

Did you think witch trials only happened in Salem? Think again. Virginia held about two dozen trials between 1626 and 1730, including the infamous case of Grace Sherwood. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, maybe "The Witch of Pungo" does.

While we’re not going to get into the details of how they proved she "was a witch," she was convicted of witchcraft and spent several years in jail before she was released.

11

North Carolina: The Mystery of Roanoke

Image: Gene Gallin

North Carolina’s Roanoke Colony remains one of America’s greatest mysteries. In 1587, over 100 settlers vanished without a trace , leaving behind only the word "Croatoan" carved into a tree.

As you can imagine, there are plenty of theories surrounding this event: Did they join local Indigenous tribes, or succumb to the harsh environment? While we may never know, the "Lost Colony" keeps historians and treasure hunters quite captivated.

12

South Carolina’s "Blue Gold" boom

Image: Omri D. Cohen

South Carolina’s indigo trade, led by Eliza Lucas Pinckney in the 1730s, turned the colony into an economic powerhouse. This vibrant blue dye, vital for textiles, was so lucrative it earned the nickname "blue gold."

Despite the challenges, which included sabotage by rivals, the crop’s success transformed South Carolina’s economy. However, its growth came at the cost of enslaved labor, a sobering reality of the colony’s prosperity.

13

Georgia: A colony for a cause

Image: Jaanus Jagomägi

Founded in 1732 by James Oglethorpe, a prison reformer, Georgia was established as a social experiment . It was designed to provide a fresh start for England’s "worthy poor," and to that end, the colony outlawed slavery and large landholdings.

However, settlers soon pushed back, and by 1751, many of the original restrictions were lifted. Despite its challenges, Georgia’s idealistic beginnings make it a unique addition to the 13 colonies.

1

Philadelphia: Jawn

Meaning: used as a placeholder for a noun.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Philly, be aware that the word jawn can and will be used in every sentence, no matter if the jawn in question is a thing, person, event, or place. If it’s a noun, it can be jawn’ed.

2

New England: Grinder

Meaning: a sub sandwich.

Subs must be one of the most widely known American sandwiches, and rightfully so. Its possibilities when it comes to fillings are seemingly endless, no matter your personal tastes. But you must consider that not every sub is called a sub. If you are passing through New England and fancy a sandwich, looking for a grinder will get you there quicker.

3

Midwest: Schnockered/ Schnookered

Meaning: Schnockered: wasted/ Schnookered: scammed

Is there a connection between excessive alcohol consumption and being easy to deceive? Midwesterners apparently think so, because they use very similar terms for both situations. We tend to agree; nothing good can come from doing business while under the influence.

4

New York: Schlep

Meaning: a difficult task, to carry something with difficulty.

As far as hectic places go, New York seems to be leading the rankings. No wonder they have a dedicated slang repertoire for difficult situations. If you are planning on visiting the Big Apple, take it easy; you will most likely encounter a schlep.

5

Florida: No-see-ums

Meaning: tiny biting midges.

Ah, Florida! The land of cruises, alligators, and invisible attacking bugs. These welcoming critters are known for attacking at dawn and leaving itchy marks that will sting for days. They go by the government name of Ceratopogonidae, but the no-see-ums nickname seems more accurate.

6

Boston: Regular

Meaning: coffee with cream and sugar.

Forget about americanos, lattes, and espressos, a regular is the Boston way to go. Associated with a popular Dunkin’ order, it will come already creamed and sugared. Not advisable for diabetics and lactose intolerants.

7

Puerto Rico: A mi, plín!

Meaning: I don’t care.

Puerto Rican slang can be hard to decipher even if you speak some Spanish, but this makes it even more unique. This phrase —literally translated as ‘to me, plin’— is commonly used to express that something or someone is of no concern to you. What is a ‘plin’? We don’t really know, but to us, plin!

8

Pacific Northwest: The mountain is out

Meaning: there is good weather

Mount Rainier is one of the icons of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, even though the stormy weather can often make it difficult to admire. On the days when the sky is clear and cloudless, this natural wonder "is out" and can be seen in its entirety. For the locals, the mountain being out has become synonymous with lovely weather and sunny skies.

9

Texas: Fixin’ to

Meaning: about to.

We are including this phrase as Texan slang, but you might hear it from Southerners of other states. What do they use it for? Not to talk about repairs, but to say they are about to do something or getting ready for something. Important: do not confuse it with ‘fixins’, a way to refer to side dishes or condiments.

10

Alaska: Sourdough

Meaning: a long-time resident.

Alaska is filled with natural wonders, but it has always been a tough place to live in, especially during the time of the pioneers. These brave people relied on a few food sources, one of them being sourdough starter to make bread and biscuits. In time, seasoned Alaskans came to be referred to as ‘sourdough’, as a way of honoring their resilience and love for the territory. Opposite to a ‘sourdough’, you can find a ‘cheechako’ or newcomer.

11

Utah: RM

Meaning: someone who returned from their missionary service.

Utah is known for many things, one of them being its high number of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints members (commonly known as Mormons). Many members of the Church choose to serve as missionaries, an activity that can take them to a different state or even a different country for up to two years. Once they come back, they might be referred to as RM, or ‘returned missionary’.

12

Hawaii: Da kine

Meaning: placeholder for something.

If you are in Hawaii, you might notice locals using this phrase to refer to various things, similar to how other English speakers use ‘whatsit’ as a placeholder. A common phrase in Hawaiian Pidgin, ‘da kine’ can be used for objects, people, places, ideas, and much more.