North America on a plate: foods to inspire your next holiday

The United States (finally) reopened to fully vaccinated South African travellers on 8 November (see entry requirements at the end of this blog), and if you're a foodie planning a trip to 'Murica you're in for a treat because there's more to American fare than McDs and Dunkin’ Donuts.

Head away from the strip malls to sample neighbourhood street food and local fare with history with these foodie highlights of the USA:

Jambalaya on the Bayou

If this old Hank Williams toe-tapping song doesn’t get you in the mood to try out some of New Orleans’ jambalaya, nothing will. This traditional rich dish has a range of ingredients that vary from seafood to sausage and chicken (or a mixture of all three) cooked to perfection with a wild dash of spice. It delivers bold flavours and is a true New Orleans staple.

Pastrami on Rye

Speak to New Yorkers and they’ll tell you the best place to try this iconic American sandwich is at Katz’s Delicatessen on the Lower East Side. This legendary deli has been making their pastrami on rye for over 125 years, and every week they plough through nearly 7 000 kg of pastrami. The numbers speak for themselves.

Ice Cream and Cookie Sandwiches

For a city teeming with toned bodies, it’s ironic that the ice cream and cookie sandwich is a Los Angeles speciality. The idea of squishing delicious ice cream between your favourite cookie is pure genius, and the choices are virtually unlimited. Try peanut butter cookies with banana ice cream and candied bacon or oatmeal cookies with sweet potato and marshmallow ice cream. If you’re still feeling adventurous, try flavours such as Earl Grey tea, cucumber sorbet or coffee toffee and pair them with your favourite cookie. 

Dig in Claws and All

The East Coast of the United States dishes up its fair share of fresh seafood, and in Boston, New England, you’d be well advised to queue with the locals for a lobster roll. These are served with tail, claw and knuckle meat loaded onto a toasted brioche bun. The hot butter option is the way to go. 

Itching for an Enchilada

You’ll find great Mexican food all over the States, but if you try only one thing, make it an enchilada. These bad boys date back to Mayan times, when people in the Valley of Mexico ate corn tortillas wrapped around small fish. These days, both corn and flour tortillas are used and are filled with meat, cheese, seafood, beans, vegetables or all of the above. The stuffed tortillas are covered in a chilli sauce, making for a perfect Mexican breakfast.

Go Here With Sure

Get a taste of America by booking your trip with Sure Travel. Contact your nearest Sure Travel agencyfor bespoke itineraries or packaged tours. 

Current USA Entry Requirements 

• South African travellers to the US will be required to be fully vaccinated
• Travellers must provide proof of vaccination status before boarding an aeroplane to fly, with only limited exceptions
• Vaccines accepted will include those that are FDA approved or authorised (i.e.the Pfizer and J&J vaccines administered in South Africa), as well as vaccines with an emergency use listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO)
• Fully vaccinated air travellers will continue to be required to show documentation of a pre-departure negative viral test from a sample taken within three days of boarding
• The new rules do not require South Africans entering the United States to go into quarantine
• Above rules correct at the time of writing. Please check with your Sure Travel agent for any updates at the time of booking.