1. Donuts (Germany)
American donuts are typically round, fried, and covered in glazes, sprinkles, or powdered sugar. In Germany, the closest equivalent is the Berliner, a round, filled pastry with no hole in the center. Unlike American donuts, which often have a cake-like texture, Berliners are light and fluffy, similar to a brioche dough. They’re usually filled with fruit jam, custard, or even chocolate, making them more like a stuffed pastry than a traditional donut.
Instead of being coated in icing, Berliners are typically dusted with powdered sugar. They’re especially popular during Karneval season, when bakeries sell them in massive quantities. Some pranksters even swap out the jam filling with mustard as a joke, making for an unexpected surprise. If you’re used to American donuts, a Berliner offers a fun and slightly more sophisticated take on the classic fried treat.
2. Pizza (Japan)
In America, pizza is all about gooey cheese, pepperoni, and maybe some veggies if you’re feeling fancy. But in Japan, pizza takes on a whole new personality, often topped with ingredients like squid, mayonnaise, and even sweet corn. Seafood pizzas are especially popular, and some even come with a drizzle of eel sauce instead of marinara. The crust is usually thinner, and some styles lean towards a sweeter or tangier flavor profile than the classic New York slice.
Then there’s Japan’s famous “Mayo Jaga” pizza, which features potatoes, bacon, and a generous drizzle of mayonnaise, according to Rachel Tepper’s HuffPost article. You’ll also find dessert pizzas with toppings like red bean paste, mochi, and matcha. While American pizza chains like Domino’s and Pizza Hut exist in Japan, their menus are wildly different from their U.S. counterparts. If you’re a pizza lover, trying a Japanese-style pizza is a must just for the surprise factor alone.
3. Burgers (India)
In America, burgers are all about beef patties stacked high with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and bacon. But in India, where a large portion of the population doesn’t eat beef for religious reasons, burgers take on a totally different form. The most popular option is the McAloo Tikki, a deep-fried potato and pea patty topped with spicy sauces and fresh veggies, as McDonald’s explained on their blog. Other common burger fillings include paneer (Indian cottage cheese), crispy chicken, and even lentil-based patties.
Even the sauces and spices are bolder in India, with flavors like tandoori, masala, and mint chutney replacing traditional ketchup and mustard. McDonald’s and other fast-food chains have completely reworked their menus to cater to Indian preferences, even offering spicy wraps and rice bowls. If you do find a beef burger, it’s usually made with buffalo meat rather than cow. Whether you’re vegetarian or just love a good kick of spice, Indian-style burgers are a fun twist on the classic.
4. Hot Dogs (South Korea)
An American hot dog is usually simple: a grilled sausage in a bun with ketchup, mustard, and maybe some relish. In South Korea, however, hot dogs are turned into a full-on street food experience, often battered and deep-fried, according to Sue from My Korean Kitchen. Korean corn dogs, as they’re called, are coated in everything from crushed ramen noodles to sugar and even diced potatoes. Some versions have mozzarella cheese inside instead of—or in addition to—the sausage, creating a gooey, stretchy bite.
These corn dogs are wildly popular at food stalls and night markets, often served with a drizzle of sweet and spicy sauce. Instead of the usual mustard and ketchup combo, you’ll find toppings like honey butter, garlic mayo, and even sweet chili sauce. Some variations use rice flour in the batter, giving the coating a crispier, chewier texture. If you thought hot dogs were a simple snack, South Korea’s version will make you rethink everything.
5. Fried Chicken (Taiwan)
American fried chicken is all about crispy, seasoned skin and juicy meat, often served with a side of biscuits or mashed potatoes. But in Taiwan, fried chicken is taken to another level, with extra-thin, extra-crispy coatings and bold seasoning blends. One of the most famous versions is Taiwanese popcorn chicken, which comes in bite-sized pieces seasoned with five-spice powder and basil, according to Chris Joe from CJ EATS Recipes. Another popular style is the massive, flattened chicken cutlet, sometimes bigger than your face, dusted with chili powder for an extra kick.
Instead of traditional American sides, Taiwanese fried chicken is usually eaten on its own as a snack, often in a paper bag for easy munching. The flavors range from sweet and garlicky to fiery hot, depending on the seasoning. You’ll also find unique variations like cheese-filled fried chicken or ones with a black pepper crust. It’s the perfect example of how a classic comfort food can be completely reimagined in another culture.
6. BBQ Ribs (China)
American BBQ ribs are all about smoky, slow-cooked meat slathered in thick, tangy sauce. But in China, ribs are typically prepared in a completely different way—braised, stir-fried, or even steamed. One of the most famous versions is Chinese sweet and sour ribs, which are coated in a sticky glaze made from vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Instead of a charred, smoky crust, these ribs have a glossy, caramelized coating that packs a punch of flavor.
Chinese ribs are often cut into smaller pieces, making them easier to eat with chopsticks. The seasoning leans towards aromatic spices like star anise, ginger, and garlic rather than the bold smokiness of American BBQ. They’re typically served with rice instead of cornbread or baked beans, giving the meal a completely different feel. If you love ribs but want to try them with an Asian twist, these are a must.
7. Pancakes (Netherlands)
American pancakes are thick, fluffy, and stacked high with syrup and butter. But in the Netherlands, pancakes—called pannenkoeken—are much thinner, closer to a French crêpe than the traditional American short stack. They’re also much larger, often filling an entire plate, and are commonly topped with both sweet and savory ingredients. Instead of just maple syrup, you’ll find them loaded with apples, bacon, cheese, or even curry sauce.
Dutch pancakes can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making them a more versatile dish than the classic American version. Some restaurants specialize in dozens of different pannenkoeken combinations, including adventurous ones with seafood or spiced meats. Unlike American pancakes, which are typically eaten with a fork and knife, pannenkoeken are sometimes rolled up and eaten by hand. If you ever visit the Netherlands, trying one of these giant, paper-thin pancakes is a must.
8. Grilled Cheese (France)
The American grilled cheese is all about gooey cheddar or American cheese sandwiched between crispy, buttered bread. In France, however, the equivalent sandwich is the croque monsieur, which takes the concept to a whole new level. Instead of plain toast, it’s made with crusty bread, filled with ham and Gruyère cheese, and then topped with a layer of creamy béchamel sauce. The result is a sandwich that’s crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and incredibly rich.
If you add a fried egg on top, it becomes a croque madame, which is even more decadent. Unlike American grilled cheese, which is usually a quick meal, a croque monsieur feels like a dish you’d order at a fancy café. The flavors are bolder, with the nutty Gruyère adding depth that American cheese just doesn’t have. If you’re a grilled cheese fan, the French version is a must-try upgrade.
9. Cheesecake (Japan)
American cheesecake is dense, rich, and packed with cream cheese, making it a heavy, indulgent dessert. In Japan, however, cheesecake is a whole different experience—it’s lighter, fluffier, and almost soufflé-like in texture. Japanese “cotton” cheesecake is airy and jiggly, made with whipped egg whites that give it a melt-in-your-mouth feel. It’s less sweet than its American counterpart, with a slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with tea.
Instead of a thick graham cracker crust, Japanese cheesecakes often have no crust at all or a very thin, delicate base. Some versions are even steamed rather than baked, making them incredibly soft and moist. While American cheesecake is meant to be rich and decadent, the Japanese version feels almost cloud-like in comparison. If you love cheesecake but find it too heavy, this might be the perfect alternative.
10. Mac and Cheese (Germany)
Mac and cheese is the ultimate American comfort food, with creamy cheddar sauce coating every bite of pasta. In Germany, though, the closest thing is Käsespätzle, a dish made with tiny egg noodles and rich, melty cheese. Unlike the smooth, uniform sauce in American mac and cheese, Käsespätzle is made by layering fresh cheese between the noodles and baking it until bubbly. Caramelized onions are often added on top, giving it a deep, sweet-savory flavor.
The texture is also quite different since the noodles are chewier and irregularly shaped, making each bite unique. While mac and cheese is often seen as kid-friendly in the U.S., Käsespätzle is a beloved comfort food for all ages in Germany. It’s usually served as a side dish, but in some regions, it’s hearty enough to be a full meal. If you’re a mac and cheese lover, this is one variation worth trying.
11. Ice Cream (Turkey)
Ice cream in America is all about smooth, creamy scoops in cones or cups, often piled high with toppings. But in Turkey, ice cream—known as dondurma—is famous for its thick, stretchy texture and unique preparation style. Made with a special ingredient called salep (a flour from orchid roots), dondurma is chewier and more resistant to melting than regular ice cream. Vendors often put on a playful show, using long metal paddles to stretch and flip the ice cream before handing it over.
The flavors are also different, with popular options including mastic (a resin that gives a pine-like taste), rose, and pistachio. Because of its unusual texture, dondurma is eaten more slowly than American ice cream, making it a great treat for hot days. Some vendors even tease customers by pretending to hand them their cone, only to snatch it away at the last second. If you ever visit Turkey, trying this stretchy, chewy ice cream is a must.
12. Ketchup (Philippines)
Ketchup is one of the most iconic American condiments, typically made from tomatoes, vinegar, and sugar. But in the Philippines, the most popular version is banana ketchup, which swaps out tomatoes for mashed bananas. It has a sweeter, fruitier taste than traditional ketchup and is often dyed red to look more like the classic version. Originally created during World War II due to a tomato shortage, banana ketchup has since become a staple in Filipino cuisine.
It’s used on everything from fried chicken to spaghetti, giving dishes a slightly tropical twist. Filipino-style spaghetti, in particular, is much sweeter than its American counterpart, thanks in part to the banana ketchup mixed into the sauce. While it might sound strange to ketchup purists, many people love its unique flavor and versatility. If you ever get the chance to try it, don’t be surprised if you end up preferring it over the tomato-based version!
