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Pancakes - Pancakes (real ones, not those thin crepe things) are a staple in any American's home. Basically a vehicle for maple syrup and a host of other yummy ingredients, this is one food that can't be found everywhere you go.

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Mac n' cheese - Not just macaroni and cheese in general, but KRAFT mac n' cheese. A package of cheese-flavored orange preservatives and noodles just screams America.

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Spaghetti and meatballs - Although we tend to associate spaghetti and meatballs with Italian food, you will not find this dish in Italy. This classic comfort food is all-American.

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Hot dog - If you ever leave the US, be prepared to have many conversations with people who assume that all Americans eat are hot dogs and hamburgers. Well, they're not completely wrong...

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Chili dogs - The favorite of the ball park, you will not often find chili dogs or baseball outside of the states.

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BLT - The classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich is not something you'll find outside the country.

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Wedge salad - The American version of a healthy salad: a chunk of lettuce drenched in creamy dressing and bacon.

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Biscuits and gravy - The popular Southern comfort food will be in short order in most other countries around the world.

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Cheez-It - The United States is known for its numerous, delicious (yet terribly unhealthy) snack foods. Make sure to say goodbye to those cheesy, crunchy squares before you board your flight.

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Waffles - The US isn't the only country that makes waffles, but the option to go for a 3 AM waffle run? Yes, just in the States.

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Chipotle - While far from authentic Mexican food, it is hard to resist the giant, packed-to-bursting Chipotle burrito.

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Baked pretzel - The baked pretzel sold in carts along city streets or the butter-soaked heart-attack-waiting-to-happen pretzel bites from the classic Auntie Anne's have America written all over them.

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Buffalo burger - The American bison makes for a tasty burger.

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Reuben - Delicious piles of sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and corned beef all sandwiched between toasted bread—what is there not to like?

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Cheese curds - This Midwest favorite is sold in 600 restaurants across 24 states. You definitely won't have that kind of availability overseas.

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Lobster roll - This one conjures up images of small beach towns along the northeast coast. Sweet lobster in a buttered hot dug bun can't be beat.

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Tex-Mex - This fusion of Mexican and American cuisines found in the southwest attracts people from all over. Fajitas, chili, enchiladas, and other delicious dishes will be in short order abroad.

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Nachos - Imagine corn chips topped with dozens of ingredients, including ground beef, cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, lettuce, and olives. Now imagine your life without that. It's hard, isn't it?

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S'mores -

Ask people who have never been to the States if they've ever eaten a S'more and their response is most likely going to be, "whaaaaaaat is that?"

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Saltwater t a f f y -

Originally produced and sold in Atlantic City, NJ, the gooey, sugary saltwater t a f f y has not spread outside country boarders.

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Clam chowder - Clam chowder in a bread bowl is pure creamy seafood goodness and carbs to boot.

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Pickles - If you're expecting to receive everything you order with a pickle on the side, it's best to let that fantasy go before you pack your bags.

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Root beer - The whole world loves Coke, but root beer has yet to gain much popularity unfortunately.

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Oysters Rockefeller - The dish, featuring oysters topped with a butter sauce, herbs, bread crumbs, and cheese, was invented in New Orleans and hasn't yet been adopted into any other cuisines.

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Deep dish pizza - Chicago's version of pizza doesn't resemble in any way, shape, or form the dish that Italians know as pizza. You'll be hard pressed to find this style of pizza outside the US.

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Chocolate chip cookies - The smell of Toll House homemade chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven bring almost every American back to their childhood.

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Pumpkin pie -

This Thanksgiving staple is unheard of in other regions of the world. If you really think you can't live without pumpkin pie, stash a bit of pumpkin pie spice in your suitcase (also only sold in the US!).

See also: The best foods to eat before drinking alcohol

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