5 Non-American Foods That Americans Should Try

American cuisine is known for its diversity. We have dishes that are unique to our country, like fried chicken and apple pie, and some foods have been adopted from other cultures, like tacos and pizza.

But there are still some foods that Americans simply don't eat. A recent poll by the National Restaurant Association found that only 20 percent of Americans have tried sushi, which is a shame because it's delicious! Here are five other non-American foods we should all be eating more often:

●    Pho

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup dish consisting of broth, rice noodles called bánh phở, and a few different kinds of meat (usually chicken or beef). It's usually served with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro, lime wedges, and bean sprouts on the side, so you can add them to yourself as you eat. You can find pho at most Asian restaurants in the United States, but if you want to try making it at home, this recipe from Food & Wine makes a delicious broth using charred ginger and beef bones instead of just water, as many recipes do.

●    Sushi

Sushi is rapidly becoming more popular in the US - especially among young people - but it hasn't entirely caught on yet with older generations, who are more accustomed to Americanized sushi rolls like California rolls or spicy tuna rolls. The traditional form of sushi, however, is a healthy alternative to meat-heavy meals because it consists primarily of rice ("sushi") topped with raw fish ("sashimi"), vegetables, and seaweed. Sushi can be made at home with a few ingredients such as soy sauce, wasabi paste, and raw fish - or you can buy it pre-made at your local grocery store. There are many variations of sushi that aren't raw fish-based, including vegetarian options like cucumber rolls and avocado rolls.

●    French Toast

French toast is a breakfast staple for Americans, but it's not something most people think about when they think about France. It's not even really French! It was invented in America in the early 20th century by chefs trying to make use of bread that was too stale to sell or serve as sandwiches.

●    Harissa Paste

Harissa is a spicy red paste made from chile peppers and other ingredients such as garlic, coriander, and caraway seeds. It is used in North African cuisine and can be found in many meals, such as couscous or tajines.

Harissa paste can be added to soups or stews for flavor and spice. It also works well with grilled meats or vegetables like eggplant or sweet potato. Harissa paste can be found in most grocery stores and is sold in jars or plastic containers. It's easy to use; just add it to any dish that needs a kick of heat and spice!

●    Borscht

Borscht is probably one of the most famous Ukrainian foods, but few people know that it's Russian in origin — where it's known as "borshch." Ukrainians only adopted it after being conquered by Russia in the 18th century and then again by Poland in the 19th century (during which Polish Jews also migrated into Ukraine). The beet soup is still famous in both countries and Poland and Belarus (where it's called "borsh"). Many borscht varieties are made from beef, pork, chicken, or fish broth with different vegetables depending on seasonality and regionality; beetroots, potatoes, and carrots are common ingredients. There are also many different ways to prepare the soup, including using a meat stock, adding sauerkraut, and cooking it with milk.

Conclusion

Some will argue that there's no reason to eat foods from other cultures. Limiting yourself to "American" cuisine prevents the health risks associated with these unfamiliar foods. But again, you only live once. And if you have an opportunity to try some of the above foods out, why not seize it? If nothing else, they'll give you a new perspective on the world in a way that isn't readily obtainable through your typical Facebook newsfeed. So what are you waiting for? Open up a menu and get ready to venture into the wide world of international cuisine. It won't kill you—and it might just be delicious.