The study was conducted by Seating Masters, a restaurant furniture expert. It examined the search volumes for over 300 searches related to cuisine in the US during the past year. The search volume was calculated by averaging different combinations of search terms over the last 12 months. These findings were aggregated according to each cuisine in order to determine the most popular foods in each state.
Chinese cuisine is the most searched for type of food in the US with an average monthly volume of 8,599 933. Chinese food is consumed across the United States due to its affordability, ease of preparation and exotic yet exciting flavours. American-Chinese foods have evolved into a unique cuisine thanks to the adaptations made by Chinese residents. Menu favorites like Crab Rangoon and General Tso’s Chicken are dishes that were created for American palates but inspired by traditional Chinese food. Christmas Day in the US is the most popular Chinese day of the year.
Mexican is the second-most popular cuisine in America, with an annual average search volume of 7,726,160. Mexican cuisine is known for its colorful, flavorful and exquisite delicacies. There are many delicious dishes to choose from, including fajitas, burritos and tacos. Mexican food has become a mainstay of American culture. Restaurants have mastered the art and offer a wide range of tasty dishes. They also serve a variety Mexican drinks including Margaritas as well as the famous Tequila sunrise.
Indian ranks third, with an annual average search volume of 3,543.987. The traditional food of India has been widely appreciated for its fabulous use of herbs and spices. Indian cuisine is a variety of curries, rice, meats, vegetables and bread, all of which are flavored with traditional spices.
Italian is the fourth-most popular cuisine in the US with an average monthly volume of 3,070.734. Italian food, ingredients, and methods are influencing other cultures around the world. They have even spread into subcultures like American-Italian cuisine. The cuisine is known for its wide variety of pasta, pizza and risottos. It also has a large selection of herbs and cheeses. Italian take-outs and restaurants are widely available in the US. These restaurants offer a variety of traditional and Americanized Italian flavors.
Thai is ranked fifth with an average monthly search volume 2,666,218. Thai cuisine provides an array of meat and seafood with rice, seasonal vegetables, and traditional Thai herbs and spices. These spices are used in a variety of Thai dishes, including Pad Thai and Tom Yum Goong. The US Thai food scene is growing in popularity.
The top ten most popular US cuisines
| Rank | Country | Average Monthly Search Volume |
| 1 | Chinese | 8,599,933 |
| 2 | Mexican | 7,726,160 |
| 3 | Indian | 3,543,987 |
| 4 | Italian | 3,070,734 |
| 5 | Thai | 2,666,218 |
| 6 | Korean | 1,165,571 |
| 7 | Japanese | 1,085,735 |
| 8 | Vietnamese | 805,956 |
| 9 | Jamaican | 732,216 |
| 10 | Greek | 674,700 |
Korean cuisine is the sixth-most popular, with a monthly average of 1,165.571. Korean cuisine is the result of a complex interplay between natural ingredients and cultural trends. Korean cuisine is largely based on rice, vegetables, seafood, and meats. Japchae is the most popular dish in the world, followed by Tteokguk and Gimbap.
Japanese is ranked seventh with an average monthly volume of 1,085,735. Japanese foods are well known due to their unique and intricate flavors, not to mention their wide variety. Sushi and Sashimi are some of the most popular dishes, as well as Tempura, Yakitori and Onigiri.
Vietnamese is in eighth place, with an estimated 805,956 searches a month. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its unique flavor combinations. These include lemongrass and ginger, as well as mint, long coriander and other herbs and spices. Traditional dishes include Phở , Bánh Mì, Cơm Tấm and Bún Bò Huế
Jamaican is the ninth-most popular cuisine in the US with an average monthly volume of 732.216. Jamaican food is a diverse mix of flavors, spices and influences from different cultures. Jamaican food’s rich and tasty flavors helped create gourmet dishes like Jerk Chicken. Curry Goat. Callaloo and Bammy.
Greek ranks tenth, with a monthly average search volume of 674.700. Like other Mediterranean cuisines it uses a lot of wheat, olive oil, and wine. Olive oil, which is collected from local olive groves and used for cooking most vegetables and protein sources, is a popular ingredient in Greek cuisine. Moussaka and Pastitsio are some of the most popular Greek dishes.
Tunisian is the least searched cuisine in America, with a monthly average search volume of 5,902.
Nick Warren, Head of Ecommerce from Seating Masters has commented on the findings:
“This data shows America’s keen passion to indulge in different cuisines from all around the world. The US prefers a wide range of foods, from Asian to European.”
It is interesting to observe how different cuisines have adapted traditional styles to suit the American palate for success in food industry. Not only have these cuisines gained in popularity, they have also expanded to new environments and adapted in order to become more well-known in America.
Google search data has revealed that Chinese is the nation’s most popular cuisine, with an average of 8,599,933 monthly searches.
