Best North American Foods
Quesabirria is a popular Mexican street food dish, a fusion between birria (a traditional Mexican meat stew) and quesadillas. The dish originates from Tijuana and typically consists of large tortillas filled with birria-style cooked meat (usually beef) and a generous amount of melted cheese.
The tortillas are cooked on the stove until the cheese melts and the outside of the tortilla becomes crispy. Quesabirria is often accompanied by a side of broth, or consomé, for dipping, adding another layer of flavor to the dish.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Tacos
This creamy pudding is one of Puerto Rico’s specialties, made by cooking coconut milk with cornstarch and sugar, then topping the concoction with cinnamon. The end result is a slightly firm pudding with a smooth custard-like texture, and it is typically served cold.
The name tembleque means wiggly, referring to a slight wiggle when the pudding is shaken. This rich dessert can also be flavored with vanilla, nutmeg, or rum, if desired. It is especially popular at birthday parties and similar festive occasions.
Esquites is the name for popular Mexican street food that is usually consumed as a snack on the go. It is made with mature corn kernels, epazote, and salt. Corn is either grilled and shaved, or cooked with epazote, and it is then typically served in small cups, topped with chili peppers, lime juice, or cotija cheese.
Sour cream, mayonnaise, and pequin chili powder are sometimes served on the side so everyone can add the ingredients according to personal preferences. The name esquites is derived from the Nahuatl word izquitl, meaning toasted corn.
MOST ICONIC Esquites
View moreCochinita pibil is a Mexican pork dish originating from Yucatan. Pork is marinated in a combination of annatto paste, bitter orange juice, and garlic. It is slowly baked and then shredded and served on tortillas, tacos, or on its own with shallots, pickled onions, salsa, and various roasted vegetables.
Cochinita pibil is characterized by the red color of the meat, imparted by the annatto seeds from the marinade. Originally, pork was wrapped in banana leaves prior to baking, but today a foil or any other suitable wrapping can be used instead. Since cochinita means baby pig, and pibil means buried or underground, it acts as a proof that the original recipe used a whole suckling pig that was buried in a pit for roasting.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Tortas
MOST ICONIC Cochinita pibil
View moreChilorio is a Sinaloan dish consisting of fried pulled pork meat that is cooked in chili sauce and spices such oregano, garlic, and cumin. Originally, it was used as a way to preserve meat, but today it is usually used as a filling for numerous Mexican specialties such as tacos or enchiladas.
If chilorio is served as a main dish, it is traditionally accompanied by salsa, guacamole, Mexican rice, or refried beans on the side.
MOST ICONIC Chilorio
Antojitos (lit. little cravings) refers to a variety of Mexican foods that are prepared in market stalls and on the streets. Due to the fact that formal, substantial meals are consumed in the mid-afternoon, most antojitos are eaten either in the morning or the evening.
Typical antojitos include fajitas, tortas, tamales, tacos, tostadas, tlayudas, elote, chalupas, gorditas, empalmes, quesadillas, cemitas, empanadas, pambazo, chilaquiles, and nachos. However, vegetables, fruits, and soups such as pozole and menuda are also classified as antojitos.
Central Texas-style barbecue originated in the Czech and German meat markets in the late 19th century. This barbecue style is typically associated with cooking brisket (the fattier portion is called point, while the leaner portion is called flat) low and slow, usually over post oak fire.
The meat is seasoned with salt, pepper, and maybe a bit of cayenne or garlic powder. It is then cooked in offset smokers, while the heat and smoke from the fire go across the meat, adding an irresistible smoky flavor to the brisket (although shoulder clod, chuck short ribs, and larger short ribs are also popular).
MOST ICONIC Central Texas-Style Barbecue
View moreBarbacoa is a term that is mostly associated with Mexico and refers to an ancient technique of cooking meat in underground ovens. There are numerous regional varieties, which usually differ in the type of meat or the cut, but the most common options include lamb, goat, or mutton—and animal heads are traditionally regarded as a favorite barbacoa specialty. Mexican barbacoa involved digging a hole in the ground, lining the bottom and the sides with rocks, and adding a layer of burning wood, which would then be covered with agave leaves.
They would then place the meat on the leaves, and the hole would be covered and sealed. An additional flame would be lit on top to keep animals away, and the meat would be left to cook overnight. Throughout history, the word barbacoa has been associated with numerous meanings.
MOST ICONIC Barbacoa
View moreOriginating from the Mexican state of Michoacán, carnitas is a flavorful dish made from pork (usually front sections or pork shoulder) that is braised, roasted, or slow-cooked in its own fat for a long time until fully tender and succulent.
The heat is then turned up until the meat is crispy on the exterior and can be shredded. Carnitas, which translates to little meats, is often served with tortillas, accompanied by salsas, beans, guacamole, lime, or fresh vegetables. In Michoacán, carnitas are found everywhere from street stalls to upscale restaurants, although the dish is more often made for special occasions such as Christmas, anniversaries, or birthdays.
MOST ICONIC Carnitas
View moreMAIN INGREDIENTS
Entrecôte is a type of beef steak that's cut from between the ribs, but it's more commonly known as a thin and boneless rib-eye steak. The butchers cut bone-in rib-eyes with the bone on each side, but there are also six leftover boneless steaks from the meat between each bone-in rib-eye, and they're known as the entrecôtes.
Due to the fact that these cuts are thin, it makes them great for quick cooking on the grill or in a pan (high heat), but it's important not to overcook them. The steaks are juicy, tender, and generously marbled. This type of meat cut is popular in France and Europe, and the word entrecôte means between the ribs.
VARIATIONS OF Ribeye
MOST ICONIC Ribeye
Best North American Food Producers
Rogue Creamery was founded in 1933 in Oregon, and has since become a recognized name in the cheese industry, specializing in organic, hand-crafted cheeses with a particular focus on blue cheeses. The creamery has maintained high standards of quality over the years and has built an outstanding reputation in the United States and worldwide.
Rogue Creamery is committed to sustainability, with its business model based on environmentally responsible practices. The creamery uses only milk from local farms that meet strict organic production standards. The milk used for their cheeses comes from farms that practice sustainable agricultural methods.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023
BEST Rogue Creamery Cheeses
Edna's Cocktails is a Canadian company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, specializing in the production of natural, high-quality non-alcoholic cocktails. Founded in early 2022, the company is dedicated to providing sophisticated and flavorful alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages, combining authentic extracts, juices, and natural flavors to create unique tastes.
Edna's offers a variety of cocktails, including Mojito, Mule, Paloma, Collins, and Mezcalita, designed to be enjoyed chilled over ice or as a mix for those who wish to combine them with alcoholic drinks. Edna's Cocktails is committed to creating beverages that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone.
BEST Edna's Coctails Non-alcoholic Cocktails
Real Treat is a Canadian producer specializing in the creation of premium organic cookies and hot chocolate beverages. Founded in 2014, Real Treat is based in Cochrane, Alberta, Canada. Founded by Jacqueline Day, the company was inspired by a desire to create gourmet cookies free from artificial ingredients but rich in complex flavors.
Their cookies feature sophisticated combinations like salted caramel with fennel and dark chocolate with smoked pecans. Recognized for their authentic quality and taste, Real Treat has won prestigious food industry awards.
BEST Real Treat Biscuits
Jasper Hill Farm is a cheese producer located in Greensboro, Vermont. The company specializes in creating high-quality cheeses with a focus on local production and sustainable agricultural practices. Jasper Hill provides aging and affinage services and develops cheeses that showcase the dairy culture of Vermont.
They work closely with small local dairies to produce a variety of cheeses, incorporating unique aging environments to enhance flavor and texture.
AWARDS
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022, 2019
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
BEST Jasper Hill Farm Cheeses
Wild Orchard is a premium tea company specializing in organic and regeneratively farmed teas, grown on Jeju Island, South Korea. They offer a range of high-quality teas, including green tea, oolong, and matcha, which are all cultivated without the use of sprays, fertilizers, or irrigation.
The farm's unique growing conditions, including volcanic soil, ocean mist, and subtropical rain, contribute to the rich flavor and phytonutrient content of the teas. Wild Orchard focuses on sustainable, organic farming practices to produce exquisite, clean, and delicious teas that cater to health-conscious consumers.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
Great Taste Awards - 1 Star
2022
BEST Wild Orchard Tea Company Teas and Herbal Infusions
Garden To Cup Organics is an organic tea brand that offers a wide range of high-quality, sustainably grown teas. Their goal is to provide tea lovers with fresh, flavorful, and pure teas, all cultivated without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides.
The brand emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability and ethical farming practices, ensuring that each cup of tea is not only healthy but also contributes positively to the planet. Their offerings include a variety of teas, such as black, green, herbal, and flavored teas, all sourced from the finest organic tea gardens.
BEST Garden To Cup Organics Teas and Herbal Infusions
Founded in 2000 by Diane St. Clair in Orwell, Vermont, Animal Farm Creamery quickly gained cult status among top chefs, including those at The French Laundry and Per Se, where its butter became an essential ingredient in fine dining. Animal Farm Creamery employs the best traditional dairy methods, producing handcrafted cultured butter made from fresh, raw milk, collected directly from the farm.
The butter is churned and shaped by hand, giving it an exceptional texture, rich dairy flavor, and delicate aroma. In addition to butter, the creamery also produces high-quality cream, which is regionally distributed through Provisions International.
BEST Animal Farm Creamery Butters
Sartori Cheese is a brand specializing in the production of high-quality cheeses with a particular emphasis on artisanal and hand-crafted products. Founded in a small business in Wisconsin, Sartori quickly became known for its innovative production techniques and unique, rich flavors of cheese.
The brand offers a wide range of cheeses, including various types of hard cheeses as well as cheeses with added spices and herbs, enhancing every bite. Sartori is renowned for using the finest milk from local farms in its production process, creating cheeses that not only meet high taste standards but also provide a richness of textures and aromas that develop over time.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
BEST Sartori Cheese Cheeses
Fra' Mani is a distinguished producer of premium charcuterie, based in Berkeley, California, and founded in 2006 by renowned chef and cookbook author Paul Bertolli. Inspired by Italian flavors, techniques, and traditions, Fra' Mani is dedicated to preserving time-honored culinary customs through its products.
Their philosophy is based on the belief that time is the key ingredient in crafting exceptional products and that flavor cannot be rushed. Fra' Mani uses only the highest quality ingredients, sourced from family farms committed to the land, animals, and people, without the use of antibiotics, artificial growth hormones, or meat by-products.
BEST Fra’ Mani Meat Products
La Quercia is a distinguished American producer of cured meats, founded in 2005 by Herb and Kathy Eckhouse. Their mission is to craft premium-quality charcuterie, such as prosciutto and pancetta, using responsibly sourced ingredients and proprietary recipes.
Their inspiration came from over three years spent living in Parma, Italy, where they witnessed firsthand how high-quality ingredients are transformed into exquisite local cured meats. The pork used by La Quercia comes from sustainable farms, primarily raised and processed within 200 miles of their facility.
BEST La Quercia Meat Products
Best North American Food Products
AWARDS
London IOOC - Gold
2023
Anatolian IOOC - Gold
2023
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2022
Hudson Flower is an artisanal cheese, typically produced in the Hudson Valley region of New York. This cheese is characterized by its creamy texture and rich flavor, with subtly sweet notes that develop during the aging process. It is often used in various culinary applications but can also be served as part of a cheese platter alongside fruits and nuts.
Its excellent melting properties make it a great choice for pizzas and other dishes that require melted cheese.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2022
Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022, 2019, 2017
Lucini Premium Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a high-quality product crafted by Lucini Italia. Renowned for its robust and well-balanced flavor, this olive oil is made from 100% Italian olives harvested at their peak. The production process involves cold pressing the olives within 24 hours of harvest to ensure the maximum retention of flavors and nutrients.
Lucini Italia emphasizes sustainable farming practices and careful selection of olives to maintain the premium quality of their olive oil. It is often used in gourmet cooking and appreciated for its fresh, fruity aroma and slight peppery finish.
AWARDS
Olive Japan - Gold
2022
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2021, 2019, 2014
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2018, 2016, 2015
This high proof, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon was named for Henry McKenna, the Irish immigrant who adapted his family's whiskey recipe to work with the grains he found in Kentucky. Henry McKenna is one of the longest aged Bottled-in-Bond whiskeys available today, resting in the barrel through 40 Kentucky seasons.
Critics agree that this is perfectly balanced Bourbon.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2020, 2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
Pleasant Ridge Reserve from Uplands Cheese in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, is an acclaimed Alpine-style cheese crafted exclusively from the summer milk of grass-fed cows. Its unique taste profile includes a rich and salty flavor with a fruity finish, which develops through a natural, washed rind process.
This cheese is particularly notable for being the most awarded in American history, having won the American Cheese Society’s Best of Show three times and the U.S. Cheese Championships in 2003.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2005, 2001
Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
Marco Polo Reserve from Beecher's Handmade Cheese is a unique cheese that incorporates both green and black cracked peppercorns, adding a distinct peppery zest to its profile. This cheese is traditionally cloth-bound and aged in open air, which intensifies its flavor by reducing moisture and enhancing its salty and rich notes.
The texture is slightly crumbly due to the aging process, and it has a robust flavor that combines nutty, earthy tones with a tangy finish. Marco Polo Reserve has been recognized in several cheese competitions, winning awards at both the American Cheese Society and the World Cheese Awards, affirming its high quality and distinctive taste.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2021
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2011
Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon, named in honor of Colonel Albert Blanton, is a pioneering bourbon with a rich legacy. Crafted from a handpicked, limited supply, this bourbon offers a deep and complex aroma, blending warm nutmeg and spices with dry vanilla notes.
The palate reveals harmonious flavors of honey, bold caramel, and corn, leading to a medium finish where the corn and nutmeg reemerge, leaving a satisfying and lasting impression. First introduced in 1984, Blanton's remains a benchmark as the first Single Barrel Bourbon sold commercially, encapsulating both history and exceptional craftsmanship.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel is one of the most renowned whiskeys in the world, known for its bold and intense flavor. This bourbon offers rich notes of dark chocolate, caramel, butter, with earthy tones of walnut and hazelnut, while the palate features warm vanilla, oak, and spicy notes.
With a high alcohol content, it delivers a deep and long-lasting finish. Best served neat or with a splash of water, unfiltered and in its purest form.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release Whiskey Finished in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Barrel DSX3 American Whiskey
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 North American Foods” list until April 06, 2025, 90,209 ratings were recorded, of which 71,354 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.