For me an opulent Surf and turf (lobster + steak) screams american food, esp. in a 'traditional' diner.

Or for a different twist head to Manila and see what those american-crazy filipinos are having - besides basketball games on TV. Pizza Hut, TGIs, ... are all present and cheaper than a good local or asian restaurant. Oh, and the Philippines will be the first asian country to have a serious obesity problem.

The Scots.

Think who started the "Deep Fried Mars Bar" amongst other things. That's not to say it isn't tasty!

My Vietnamese brother-in-law considers Cracker Barrel to be the epitome of 'American' food.

Modern American high end food started here.

It is probably fairly described as the modern American cuisine now. Previously I think it was more regional. Those regional versions still exist in better and worse forms but I think what was originally called "California Cuisine" has supplanted them on the national level.

NO, we don't think that our food (South Louisiana) is real American food. ;)

Anytime that I leave South Louisiana, I always avoid any restaurant that advertises Cajun, Creole, or New Orleans food.

Lots of interesting viewpoints, though the OP is asking whether other countries recognize a specific "American" cuisine, not what Americans think it is.

I know but I thought I would throw in another view. I was trying to think whether California cuisine is seen outside the US but I pay so little attention to anything American related while traveling that I cant remember. I was hoping that others might comment on whether they see that perspective on American food.

Yeah... and most of the responses (not surprisingly) settled on rehashing the stereotypes we all know.:rolleyes:

mike

Unfortunately, I would consider going for American food too be, meat meat and more meat...or something heavily processed. That's enough to put me off the idea.
I appreciate that's not how people in the USA eat at home (and USA is fairly diverse), but it is the stereotype that comes to mind when I think of food in an US American eatery and typically what one finds in a US food establishment outside of the USA.
Just my perspective (from the UK).

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Actually I don't think that is far off from how a large number of Americans eat at home.

When I think american food, I think the stereotypical fried junk (mcdonalds etc). And also clam chowder, caffinated everything, and what's it called? Hash or something? Random minced salty meat?

Hash browns, i.e. shredded potatoes grilled in a skillet?

Or if hash refers to some random minced salty meat, I have no idea. Spam? ;)

Here's hash according to Wikipedia.

I've never eaten it, but then I'm probably not a typical American as I don't like meat in general.

To me Fried Chicken, Mac&Cheese, baked potatos and anything with butter on tops I consider as American food. Don't forget the bacon bits:p.

Yuck. Kinda reminds me of an East Coast friend's description of scrapple.

Please don't think that's normal American food! :p