American food
From IkataWiki
American food generally refers either to
- food typically eaten in America, but can also mean
- food particular to America.
Discussions about "American food" can therefore be somewhat confusing.
On one hand, because America is a "melting pot" of many cultures from around the world, one can argue that any food is American food, as just about any kind of food worldwide can be found in America.
On the other hand, one can also identify foods that were either invented in or popularized by America, and so can be called "American food" in the second sense.
Foods particular to America
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Portions
Portion sizes of food served in American homes and restaurants are considered to be quite large by people from other countries, including Japan. It is common for Japanese travelers to find that a typical American single-serving meal is enough to feed two or three Japanese people. This rule of thumb holds true even when looking at multinational chain restaurants, such as McDonalds, where in Japan everything from the burgers to the fries to the drinks are significantly smaller than what one would find in an American store.
Because of this, it is important for host families who are hosting visitors from abroad to be aware of overfeeding their guests. Even if you tell your visitor only to eat what he or she wants, it is easy to feel pressured to clear one's plate. When possible, try to eat in a style that allows each diner to serve him or herself.
