Food has a way of bringing people together, no matter where people live. While the United States and Europe each have their own culinary traditions, plenty of dishes have become favorites on both sides of the Atlantic. Some started in America and spread overseas, while others took on new life after crossing the ocean.
Here are 15 foods and drinks that continue to win over diners in both the U.S. and Europe.
Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings started in Buffalo, New York, but they’ve become a regular menu item in pubs, sports bars, and casual restaurants across Europe. Crispy chicken wings coated in spicy sauce and served with ranch or blue cheese dressing have broad appeal.
They’re especially popular during sporting events, where they’re shared with friends alongside fries, beer, and other comfort foods.
Related: 17 Restaurant Dishes Chefs Warn Aren’t Worth Your Money
Barbecue
Barbecue means different things depending on where you are, but the love for smoky, slow-cooked food is easy to find in both America and Europe. In the United States, barbecue often includes brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and regional sauces with very loyal followings.
Across Europe, grilling traditions vary by country, yet barbecue festivals, backyard cookouts, and smokehouses continue to grow in popularity. Local ingredients may change, but gathering around the grill remains much the same.
Related: 15 Wild Canadian Dishes That Overwhelm the Tastebuds of Americans
Tex-Mex and Mexican Food
Tacos, burritos, nachos, enchiladas, salsa, and guacamole have become everyday menu items far beyond North America. Tex-Mex, which blends Mexican cooking with Texas influences, has gained a strong following across Europe.
Many European cities now have dedicated taco bars and Mexican restaurants, while supermarkets regularly stock tortillas, salsa, and taco seasoning for home cooks.
Related: 15 Food Brands With Some of the Most Loyal Customers Around
Burgers
The hamburger may be one of America’s best-known foods, but it’s now a global favorite. From fast-food chains to gourmet restaurants, burgers appear on menus throughout Europe.
Many restaurants add local twists with regional cheeses, specialty sauces, or locally sourced beef, while still keeping the classic burger at the center of the meal.
Hot Dogs
Hot dogs have long been associated with baseball games, backyard cookouts, and street vendors in the United States. They’ve also become a familiar sight across Europe at food stalls, festivals, and casual restaurants.
Toppings vary from country to country, ranging from simple mustard and ketchup to sauerkraut, fried onions, spicy sauces, and regional specialties.
Fried Chicken
Crispy fried chicken has earned fans around the world. Southern-style fried chicken remains a comfort food favorite in America, while European restaurants continue putting their own spin on the classic.
Some recipes feature lighter coatings or local seasonings, but the combination of crunchy breading and juicy chicken keeps people coming back.
Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Fluffy pancakes topped with maple syrup have become a staple at brunch spots throughout Europe. While pancakes exist in many cultures, the thick American version has become especially popular.
Many cafés serve them with fresh berries, whipped cream, bacon, or butter, giving customers plenty of choices for breakfast or brunch.
Milkshakes
Few drinks bring back childhood memories quite like a thick milkshake. American diners helped popularize them, and they’re now common in cafés, burger restaurants, and dessert shops across Europe.
Classic chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry remain favorites, while cookies-and-cream, caramel, and seasonal flavors have also found plenty of fans.
Barbecue Sauce
American barbecue sauce has become a pantry staple well beyond the United States. Its sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor pairs well with grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches, and even fries.
While some Europeans prefer less sweetness, many have embraced regional American barbecue sauces for home grilling and restaurant meals.
Steaks
A perfectly cooked steak appeals to diners almost anywhere. American steakhouses helped popularize large cuts like ribeye, New York strip, and filet mignon, and many European restaurants now feature similar offerings.
Whether grilled over charcoal or cooked in cast iron, steak remains one of the most popular choices for special occasions and hearty dinners.
Pizza
Pizza was born in Italy, but American versions have earned their own loyal following. Thick crusts, generous cheese, and creative toppings offer a different experience from traditional Neapolitan pizza.
Many European pizzerias now serve both styles, giving customers the choice between classic Italian recipes and American-inspired creations.
Italian-American Pasta Dishes
Italian-American favorites such as spaghetti and meatballs, baked ziti, chicken parmesan, and fettuccine Alfredo have become household staples in many countries.
These dishes combine Italian roots with American influences, creating hearty meals that continue to appeal to families looking for comforting, satisfying dinners.
Salads
Fresh salads remain popular across both continents. Caesar salad, Greek salad, Cobb salad, and Mediterranean-inspired bowls all appear regularly on restaurant menus.
People appreciate salads for their flexibility, whether they’re served as a light lunch, side dish, or a full meal topped with chicken, seafood, or steak.
French Dip Sandwich
The French dip sandwich combines thinly sliced roast beef on a crusty roll with a side of warm au jus for dipping. Although its exact origins are American, the sandwich draws inspiration from French bread traditions.
Its simple ingredients and rich flavor have helped it gain popularity well beyond the United States.
Craft Beer
American craft breweries have earned respect from beer lovers across Europe. India pale ales, stouts, porters, sour beers, and hazy ales are now common at specialty pubs and beer festivals throughout the continent.
At the same time, European brewing traditions continue influencing American brewers, creating a two-way exchange that has expanded choices for beer fans everywhere.
