Americans traveling abroad may be surprised to discover just how many unexpected things have been given their country’s name.
American dressing
When you order a salad in Germany, Austria or Scandinavia, be warned that specifying American Dressing will result in a creamy, pink dressing similar to Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing.
If you’re an American hoping for ranch or blue cheese, you might instead find this gentle blend of mayo and ketchup being offered as the quintessential American dressing in local shops and restaurants. This dressing is usually paired with simple garden greens or a chopped salad.
American filet
Ask for “American” or “Filet Américain” at a butcher shop or sandwich counter in Belgium and the Netherlands, and you’ll receive a sandwich spread made from raw minced beef seasoned with capers, onions, mayonnaise, mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
Adapted liberally from classic French steak tartare, the Belgians and Dutch developed the creamy-textured spread as a sandwich condiment, somehow dubbing it American while remaining oblivious to the fact that it is unknown throughout North America.
American coffee
Ordering an “Americano” or “American Coffee” through most of Southern Europe, Latin America, and Asia will get you a single or double shot of espresso diluted with hot water.
The most popular European story holds that the beverage originated during WWII when American soldiers diluted strong European espresso with water in order to approximate drip coffee back home. The name then spread worldwide for any long espresso-based drink.
American sandwiches
Walking through the bakery or packaged sandwich section of any Italian market, you’ll find crustless, square white bread triangles filled with a variety of ingredients and dubbed “Tramezzini” or “Pane Americano.”
Italian bread is crusty and artisan-style, so the soft processed sliced sandwich bread was considered an American postwar import and is still referred to as such today.
American fried rice
“American Fried Rice” from a Thai restaurant is actually fried rice stir-fried with ketchup and raisins. It is typically served with a fried egg and sides of hot dog sausage and fried chicken.
This dessert-style comfort food was created in Thailand during the Vietnam War when American troops were based nearby and has remained a popular item on Thai menus ever since.
American pizza
When you order “American Pizza” in much of Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia, what you will get is most likely a pizza topped with sliced hot dogs and French fries sprinkled on top of the cheese.
While pepperoni or local pan crust varieties are real American styles of pizza, hot dogs and fries together are commonly served in foreign pizza restaurants as the height of American-inspired fast food pizza.
American toast
Buying “American Toast” from supermarkets in Germany, Japan, and some Central European countries means buying extra-large, thick-sliced white sandwich bread that can fit pop-up toasters.
Because bakeries in Europe and Asia traditionally baked dense, crusty loaves, the soft, pre-sliced square white bread baked specially to be toasted warranted its own unique American product designation.
American sauce
When you ask for “American Sauce” at a snack bar or friterie in Belgium or France, you will receive a tangy sauce made of mayonnaise, tomato paste, onions, capers and a hint of spices.
Meant to be poured over freshly fried Belgian fries or on sausages, this dipping sauce was invented in Western Europe exclusively. You won’t find an equivalent version of this sauce stocked in your local American supermarket.
American mustard
Requesting “American Mustard” in the UK, Australia, or South Africa results in the fluorescent yellow, mildly turmeric-seasoned hot dog mustard in squeeze bottles. Since mustard styles commonly found in those countries are stronger (especially English mustard) or whole-grain, smooth, mild, high-vinegar yellow mustard is considered the imported product.
American service
Whether taking a formal dining course or studying international hospitality management, you will learn about the term “American Service.” This term means to plate food individually and in the kitchen, then carry the plate out to the guest.
Though it is used in comparison to French service (where meals are prepared at the table) or Russian service (where food is plated on platters), restaurant industry boards around the world coined the term American Service to mean efficient and streamlined table service.
American ice cream
Buying “American Ice Cream” at many South American or Middle Eastern ice cream parlors or grocery stores can refer to overstuffed soft-serve ice cream or thick, ultra-sweet dairy creams served in oversized waffle cones.
Though authentic frozen treats may consist of gelato or sorbetto fruit-based flavors, attaching the descriptor “American” means bigger portions, more vanilla, and fun whip toppings.
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