The pageantry and fandom can only mean one thing: the FIFA World Cup time has arrived on North American shores. You might assume the folks who traveled thousands of miles to root for their home team in one of the 11 host cities across the U.S. would also be flocking to tourist destinations like the Statue of Liberty or the Golden Gate Bridge. Many European travelers, however, are headed straight to Buc-ees and Taco Bell. And they couldn’t be more impressed by the American culinary innovations we might take for granted: caramel corn “Beaver nuggets,” endless fountain drink options, and DIY BBQs in the parking lot. 

Granted, much of what makes American food culture great is that it’s a product of the “melting pot.” Combining foods and flavors from a wide array of cultures in both high-brow (yellowtail crudo with jalapeno) and low-brow form (Taco Bell’s best-selling Crunchwrap Supremes). Sometimes, it takes an outsider’s perspective on tailgating or massive milkshakes to understand why they’re so great.  

I know this sounds dramatic but this genuinely felt like an out of earth experience.Massive burritos, ridiculous portions and flavours that make no sense but somehow work.America, what are you doing to me? pic.twitter.com/WQkpvlgLxu— Skylar Skye (@SkylarSkye3) June 15, 2026

I know this sounds dramatic but this genuinely felt like an out of earth experience.Massive burritos, ridiculous portions and flavours that make no sense but somehow work.America, what are you doing to me? pic.twitter.com/WQkpvlgLxu— Skylar Skye (@SkylarSkye3) June 15, 2026

The shock and awe of southern hospitality

One........

© Upworthy