Reese's peanut butter cups are the holy trinity of badness.
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Difference in food between Europe and USA
- Thread starter fireflame
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Reese's peanut butter cups are the holy trinity of badness.
SillyEskimo
Member
Jesus Christ I never realized the extent of European ignorance of American food. You should be embarrassed.
Funky Papa
FUNK-Y-PPA-4
I think there's way too much talk about quality and too little about the economics of food when it comes to these threads.
I'd probably go bankrupt if I lived in America and tried to buy 1 kg of Spanish ham every couple of weeks like I usually do or the amount of fresh produce I get each weekend at the market. Conversely, American beef is cheap. It's actually hard to believe how little it costs compared to where I live.
Pricing and availability can make a world of difference, even if we have pretty much the same kind of ingredients.
in my travels I did find the 'american kitchen' to serve big portions; and be a bit on the fat side (sweet as well). I'm not saying that their arent places that serve normal portions; it's just my impression of a few restaurants and diners I've visited. Also, 'junk food' is WAY TO CHEAP.
As for Europe (disclaimer; I'm Dutch, our kitchen sucks and I wouldnt really recommend it to anyone except for some mashed dishes); I would say the 'best', most healthy and varied cuisine comes from the mediterranean countries, so Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, etc.
Other cuisines have their highlights but they get samey quick. I've visited a lot of Eastern-European countries and meat/processed meat and potato-based meals are a mainstay the further you go east. Pierogi's are awesome tho
I've got a buddy in Munich, so when I'm there its a lot of Bavarian food (pork legs, organ meat, potatoes, and beer 
)
As for Europe (disclaimer; I'm Dutch, our kitchen sucks and I wouldnt really recommend it to anyone except for some mashed dishes); I would say the 'best', most healthy and varied cuisine comes from the mediterranean countries, so Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, etc.
Other cuisines have their highlights but they get samey quick. I've visited a lot of Eastern-European countries and meat/processed meat and potato-based meals are a mainstay the further you go east. Pierogi's are awesome tho
I've got a buddy in Munich, so when I'm there its a lot of Bavarian food (pork legs, organ meat, potatoes, and beer )I'm sure it goes both ways but it does seem like it's a common thing for people outside the US to have very strong opinions about what happens here and it's generally uninformed or based off American sitcoms or something.
I'll give it a pass though as I can understand the world being very upset with us over Trump.
I don't know why so many Americans on GAF take it so personally when people make comments about the food. I'm basically American (I'm from Canada) and I hate how huge companies control and distort people's palates to maximize profit, and I hate how many people prioritize price over all else when it comes to food, even when they can afford better. We have a problem in our attitudes to food and could benefit from a little humility when comparing ourselves to Europe and Asia.
Apparently sugar isn't necessary. It's just a holdover from when people would reasonably need to test if their yeast was still alive.
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Deleted member 1159
Unconfirmed Member
Dumb joke that Americans clap after everything, including meals.
His Majesty
Banned
Only Pfeffersoße is acceptable on a Schnitzel.
I would argue that Dutch people wouldnt really care about what you do with your German dish
ThatStupidLion
Member
This thread makes it seem like europeans eat like poor americans when they visit there
AstroNut325
Member
I find most American and European food to be really bland. I like spice and flavor. For that, I love Asian food.
balladofwindfishes
Member
Some American food (all were invented in America and are readily available in almost any area)
It's almost like Americans have varied diets and eat food inspired by other countries, but are distinctly American.
It's almost like Americans have varied diets and eat food inspired by other countries, but are distinctly American.
Acidote
Member
I think it would be through fermentation of the dough for one or two days. Or using "masa madre", I don't know how to translate that. Bakeries have a "mother dough" they keep pretty much forever by adding flour and water. They pick portions of that dough and mix it with the new fresh dough to kickstart the fermentation process.
Or it could be something else. I don't know wtf I'm talking about.
Westbahnhof
Banned
I mean, not EVERYTHING, unless you count hard to find imports.
I'd be surprised to find locally produced surströmming, horse Leberkäse, or stuff like that. Stuff that's even rare where it comes from.
It's not about how far back it goes, it's about how much was changed.
Like I said, in my eyes, deep dish is unique enough to qualify as American.
In Austria, we love our apple strudel.
Supposedly, it was invented by trying to copy Baklava. Nobody would call it {whereever baklava actually was invented} food, because it's so so different.
And as someone else pointed out, adding your own twist to Chinese food in your American kitchen, you'll probably still call it Chinese food.
But in the end, as previously stated, it's semantics.
I guess to me, the recipe origin is the deciding factor, unless it's changed beyond recognition.
PdotMichael
Banned
US food isn't bad because you can buy European stuff somewhere.
Well... I'm not sure I understand that argument.
Well... I'm not sure I understand that argument.
Alx
Member
It reacts with the small amount of sugar in the flour, but it's a very slow process, which is why the dough has to rest for several hours. Adding sugar would certainly speed up the process, which I suppose is why it's done with US bread, but it's not allowed here (just like it's not allowed to add sugar to wine for similar purpose).
Bloodporne
Member
Also, from my experience, this:
Literally every single supermarket near me offers that among like 30 different types of breads including their own in-house baked loaves. I honestly don't know a single person that buys this Wonder Bread toast at this point.
Not aimed at you, Nightfall:
As a European living in the States, I'm always amazed by the amount of weird assumptions people make about this place. The big difference is that it's easier to accidentally buy shitty foods in the States, but it's not like the options aren't there and very readily available. It's absurd nonsense to assume every American shops exclusively at Wal-Mart and eats Twinkies and junk food all day.
You don't need sugar if using quality/reliable yeast. The flour itself contains maltose and glucose which is sufficient to feed the yeast. You only need 4 ingredients flour, yeast, water and salt.
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My go-to Schnitzel at the restaurant I go to has a Schnitzel with schlemmer-sauce, peach, and cherries and I'll be damned if that's not the best thing ever.
I love my Wiener, Jaeger, Zwiebel and Pfeffer-schnitzel, but that weird combination is just amazing, fuck the purists.
Muffin1611
Banned
I would argue that Dutch people wouldnt really care about what you do with your German dish
I had such a discussion on GAF already!
At least I think they were Dutch. Pretty sure.
Skellig Gra
Member
That's a good point. Sure if I wanted to buy some Jamón Serrano it is much more expensive here. Same with something like Parmigiano Reggiano. They are still in almost every halfway decent grocery store.
Fair enough, we do have a massive German population but stuff can still be real rare. A better way to put it is stuff you would typically eat on a normal day we have.
PdotMichael
Banned
You can only compare what is common in the USA and in the various European states. In our connected world you can get most stuff from everywhere, it's just way more expensive.
Wal-Mart didn't become such a dominant company in the USA because no one is getting their food from it.
johancruijff
Banned
good old EU Vs USA thread
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Deleted member 98878
Unconfirmed Member
OG Shaka Zulu
Member
Lmao!
I didn't mean to offend anyone with my (obviously a bit exaggerated) take on american bread.
What I experienced was that even breads which look more like traditional european style bread are still full of artificial sweeteners and sugar and whatnot. They all tasted kinda... fake.
I'm sure you can get good bread at a lot of places in the US, but there's way more shitty bread.
What I experienced was that even breads which look more like traditional european style bread are still full of artificial sweeteners and sugar and whatnot. They all tasted kinda... fake.
I'm sure you can get good bread at a lot of places in the US, but there's way more shitty bread.
I've watched man vs food, I know all
Muffin1611
Banned
Lmao
Yup. We used to run a bakery many years ago, my dad (the baker) was one of the few bakers in our town who kept using adatives to an absolute minimum, even if it could increase production. Maybe also why (and the rise of supermarkets with in-store bakeries) we had to give up on the store at a certain point, heh
Shadowhelper
Banned
Who in their right mind likes German food? It's just a bunch of nasty meat. Boring food. Sure I've had some good roasts in Germany. But, I don't think cuisine that consists of mostly of Shnitzels and sausages is very good at all. Relative to America, the food is boring and bad.
Dutch food? Lmao.
This thread is difference between food in Europe and in USA. The cuisine in USA is super global, so you have to include what you find normally, which is also a shit ton of Asian food. Korean and Thai food is everywhere in America. A good American bbq joint puts to shame any European roast, as well.
European food is like European culture. Old and a bit boring. Food in Belgium is dire! Omg. Horrible and boring. Just meat and fried carbs. In both Antwerp and Brussels, yeesh. The food you find in Europe is legit mediocre compared to America. Not even a comparison, imo.
Food culture is so vibrant and exciting in the cities of America. S. American, Mexican and Asian cuisine, as well as the more usual staples, and new trends and types of foods at a dizzying pace.
Dutch food? Lmao.
This thread is difference between food in Europe and in USA. The cuisine in USA is super global, so you have to include what you find normally, which is also a shit ton of Asian food. Korean and Thai food is everywhere in America. A good American bbq joint puts to shame any European roast, as well.
European food is like European culture. Old and a bit boring. Food in Belgium is dire! Omg. Horrible and boring. Just meat and fried carbs. In both Antwerp and Brussels, yeesh. The food you find in Europe is legit mediocre compared to America. Not even a comparison, imo.
Food culture is so vibrant and exciting in the cities of America. S. American, Mexican and Asian cuisine, as well as the more usual staples, and new trends and types of foods at a dizzying pace.
hehe I just find it odd that a Dutch person would care that much about German/Austrian food
Chozoman
Banned
Yep...judge an entire country's food by their gas-station offerings...this fucking thread, man.
Blackpuppy
Member
As an American who has been living in France for 12 years here is my take:
I think it's best to divide this up between 'home' and 'restaurant'.
At home, I find that meals in France are prepared with fresher ingredients bought from markets and are usually much simpler. We have the same meals as in the states: pastas, couscous, ratatouilles. Casseroles aren't really a thing though. Everything is brought out in bits instead of a buffet style as in the states. Meals in France usually end with cheese and perhaps a little dessert. Heavy snacking is frowned upon. I've visited some families in the States who were just like: 'Hey grab what you want, when you want it!'. In France, you eat your main meals and perhaps a 'goûter' (snack) between lunch and dinner.
In the States, there isn't easy access to fresh produce and everything is bought in supermarkets. I do feel like people don't like preparing meals as much, so here's some meat, some green beans and some applesauce. Something easy to put together. I've also found food to be more expensive in the States as well. I'm not just talking about fancy cheeses, but something like breakfast cereal or carrots. While I'm on the subject of cheese... God, the cheese is so good in France. And it's inexpensive. I once saw 15 dollars for a slice of Brie in the States. WTF? Same goes for wine: it's a much more important staple in France, whereas in the States, it's seen as something more 'fancy' so it's priced higher.
Now let's talk about restaurants.
In France, restaurants are very very traditional. Unless it's a cool new place set up by bobos (hipsters), you're always going to get the same thing: coq au vin, steak frites, saucisses, blanquette de veau, etc etc etc.
While it's delicious, it can get a bit boring after a while.
The States has a very vibrant restaurant scene, especially in urban areas. Sure there are big chains like Applebees or TGIF, but you can find delicious local places that aren't afraid to mix things up and create weird fusions between different types of cuisine. Some of my most memorable meals have been in places like this (Northstar in Columbus for example has THE best veggie burger).
This goes hand in hand with my opinions on beer: France pretty much only makes lagers and wheat beers. Nothing against lagers, but man I really really realllllly miss the selection of beers at any decent bar in the States. (but free health care definitely makes up for that
)
I think it's best to divide this up between 'home' and 'restaurant'.
At home, I find that meals in France are prepared with fresher ingredients bought from markets and are usually much simpler. We have the same meals as in the states: pastas, couscous, ratatouilles. Casseroles aren't really a thing though. Everything is brought out in bits instead of a buffet style as in the states. Meals in France usually end with cheese and perhaps a little dessert. Heavy snacking is frowned upon. I've visited some families in the States who were just like: 'Hey grab what you want, when you want it!'. In France, you eat your main meals and perhaps a 'goûter' (snack) between lunch and dinner.
In the States, there isn't easy access to fresh produce and everything is bought in supermarkets. I do feel like people don't like preparing meals as much, so here's some meat, some green beans and some applesauce. Something easy to put together. I've also found food to be more expensive in the States as well. I'm not just talking about fancy cheeses, but something like breakfast cereal or carrots. While I'm on the subject of cheese... God, the cheese is so good in France. And it's inexpensive. I once saw 15 dollars for a slice of Brie in the States. WTF? Same goes for wine: it's a much more important staple in France, whereas in the States, it's seen as something more 'fancy' so it's priced higher.
Now let's talk about restaurants.
In France, restaurants are very very traditional. Unless it's a cool new place set up by bobos (hipsters), you're always going to get the same thing: coq au vin, steak frites, saucisses, blanquette de veau, etc etc etc.
While it's delicious, it can get a bit boring after a while.
The States has a very vibrant restaurant scene, especially in urban areas. Sure there are big chains like Applebees or TGIF, but you can find delicious local places that aren't afraid to mix things up and create weird fusions between different types of cuisine. Some of my most memorable meals have been in places like this (Northstar in Columbus for example has THE best veggie burger).
This goes hand in hand with my opinions on beer: France pretty much only makes lagers and wheat beers. Nothing against lagers, but man I really really realllllly miss the selection of beers at any decent bar in the States. (but free health care definitely makes up for that
)Nope, that is helpful. I know (a little bit) about mother dough.
I just getting into bread baking (of celiac reasons) and am trying to trouble shoot why it take my yeast so long to rise even with sugar. lol.
His Majesty
Banned
polandball gone wrong
Wal-Mart is super popular because lots of people in the US live paycheck to paycheck and don't give a flip about artisanal cheeses. Also if you live outside of a big city then lots of the ridiculous assumptions about the US in here actually slowly become true.
Westbahnhof
Banned
Funky Papa
FUNK-Y-PPA-4
People are exposed to their surroundings, and while fine dining restaurants are not rare, there's an overabundance of low quality and fast food restaurants all over America. So you are not wrong, but it's also easy to understand why some visitors get funny ideas about American food. The same is also true if you are an American visiting the usual European tourist trap, since those restaurants are all about serving quickly and cheaply or so-so at grossly inflated prices.
Tourists are also prone to have bad experiences with food since many of them just want something cheap and quick/on the go unless they are eating at their hotel/having a night out. Many of them don't mingle with the locals. And unless you are visiting some town in Southeastern Asia or other place with a strong culture of street food, you are just setting yourself for disappointment.
You don't get to truly appreciate local cuisine until you've lived somewhere for a while.
The "Europe" bread on the picture is utilitarian cheap stuff(by local standards) for most part as well, not some high end produce. Which probably sums up most of the arguments in this thread really - you can mostly find 'any' food in developed countries but what's cheap local stuff in one can be premium in another.DirtyLarry said:
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Deleted member 1159
Unconfirmed Member
It's almost as if a country of immigrants brought recipes from where they originated...
Wal-Mart is what it is because they offer cheap bullshit that priced local companies out of the market. In some rural parts of the country it can be the only option for miles, but that's in no way indicative of the norm.
Muffin1611
Banned
You never witnessed Spargel season, I take it. We have lots of nice stuff besides meat!
Imma also gonna give you some facts:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_cuisine
MilkyJoe
Member
Pretty much different foods with the same name. Equally good in their own right.
Food in the US is full of shit , that's why it tastes good to you. If we ate like that on a daily basis we'd have all the same health epidemics.
And for the record German food is fucking great, you don't know what you are talking about. Except currywurst, that shit is rank.
Widdle Puppy
Banned
The food is so damn rich in the USA. So easy to put on fat. I'm in Russia now and the proportions are smaller and what you are eating is often nutrient rich and "clean" like fish, chicken and then some whole milk.
I wouldn't even say that all the healthy food I'm having here isn't available in the USA, it's just that there isn't as much junk food and sugar filled drinks everywhere you go here. You can still eat healthy like this in the USA it's just harder with the temptation and habit of junk food easily available everywhere.
I wouldn't even say that all the healthy food I'm having here isn't available in the USA, it's just that there isn't as much junk food and sugar filled drinks everywhere you go here. You can still eat healthy like this in the USA it's just harder with the temptation and habit of junk food easily available everywhere.