American cuisine is as diverse as the country itself — a melting pot of immigrant traditions, regional specialties, and innovative chefs. From New York pizza to Texas BBQ, from Cajun gumbo in Louisiana to Hawaiian poke, every region offers distinctive flavors. MUST-TRY REGIONAL DISHES New England: clam chowder, lobster roll, Boston cream pie Mid-Atlantic: Philly cheesesteak, Maryland crab cakes, NY pastrami South: fried chicken, BBQ ribs (Memphis/Kansas City/Texas), shrimp & grits, key lime pie Cajun/Creole (Louisiana): gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, etouffee Midwest: Chicago deep-dish pizza, Wisconsin cheese curds, Detroit-style pizza Southwest: Tex-Mex, green chile, Navajo frybread California: tacos, In-N-Out burgers, sourdough, wine country cuisine Pacific Northwest: salmon, Dungeness crab, coffee culture (Seattle) Alaska: king crab, halibut, reindeer sausage Hawaii: poke, kalua pig, loco moco, shave ice DRINKS Kentucky bourbon, Napa Valley wines, craft beer (everywhere), Hawaiian Kona coffee, root beer floats, Arnold Palmer (lemonade+iced tea). TIPPING is essential: 18-20% in sit-down restaurants. Sales tax 0-10% added at register (not included in menu price).