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.
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).
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Barbecue
MOST ICONIC Central Texas-Style Barbecue
View moreGuacamole is a world-famous buttery delicacy dating back all the way to the Aztec empire of the 1500s. It’s a healthy blend of ripe, mashed avocados, onions, chiles, optional tomatillos and selected seasonings such as sea salt and coriander.
The star of this incredibly simple dish is the avocado, high in unsaturated fat, potassium, vitamins, minerals and protein, its name stemming from the Aztec ahuacatl, meaning testicle or testicle tree, which is why it was believed that it was an aphrodisiac by the Aztecs.
Guacamole is sometimes prepared in the molcajete, a traditional Mexican mortar and pestle where onions, chiles, and salt are ground to a paste and added to the coarsely mashed avocados. Of course, guacamole is only as good as the avocados it is prepared with, and among the best are the nutty and creamy Hass and smooth Fuerte avocados.
MOST ICONIC Guacamole
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 moreBest 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
Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac is a renowned artisanal cheesemaker located in the Benedictine monastery of Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, Quebec. Founded in 1912, the monastery began producing cheese in the 1940s, blending European monastic traditions with Quebec terroir.
They are especially famous for their award-winning blue cheeses, such as Bleu Bénédictin, celebrated for its creamy texture and balanced sharpness. All cheeses are handcrafted by monks and artisans using locally sourced milk, with a focus on quality and authenticity.
BEST Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Cheeses
Mowi Canada West is a leading producer of Atlantic salmon in Western Canada, known for its strong commitment to sustainability and quality. Based in Campbell River, British Columbia, the company operates salmon farms along the coasts of British Columbia and Vancouver Island, producing approximately 23,000 tons of fresh and healthy Atlantic salmon annually.
The company is dedicated to environmental stewardship, as demonstrated by the fact that all of its farms are certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP). These certifications reflect Mowi’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and reducing its environmental footprint.
BEST Mowi Canada West Seafood
Inniskillin Winery, located in the heart of Canada’s wine region in Niagara-on-the-Lake, is renowned for producing world-class wines that have won international awards and recognition. Founded in 1975, Inniskillin is a pioneer in Canadian winemaking, especially known for its exceptional ice wines.
Their dedicated approach to viticulture, combined with rich vineyards on the shores of Lake Ontario, allows them to produce wines that reflect the uniqueness of Canada’s nature and terroir. The winery prides itself on using only the highest quality grapes, often handpicked, ensuring the excellence of every vineyard.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2021, 2016

Vivino - 4.5
BEST Inniskillin Winery Wines
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

Golden Leaf Awards - Gold
2023, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022

Great Taste Awards - 1 Star
2022
BEST Wild Orchard Tea Company Teas and Herbal Infusions
Jakeman's Maple Products is a family-owned company with over 140 years of tradition in producing premium, 100% pure maple syrup. Their syrup is locally sourced from more than 200 small maple farms across Ontario, supporting local farmers and communities.
In addition to maple syrup, the company offers a variety of other maple-based products such as cookies, candies, and pancake mixes, providing consumers with a wide range of delicious options. Jakeman's Maple Products is committed to sustainability and innovation, integrating clean technologies into their operations to ensure environmentally friendly and successful production.
BEST Jakeman's Condiments
Prince Edward Aqua Farms is renowned for producing premium shellfish, particularly their Island Gold Blue Mussels, which have earned international acclaim for their delicate flavor and nutritional value. Cultivated in the pristine natural bays of Prince Edward Island, these mussels are rope-grown, resulting in top-quality, hearty meats harvested year-round. The company is committed to environmental stewardship, implementing sustainable practices across all operations.
This dedication is exemplified by their Ocean Wise certification, assuring consumers that their products are an environmentally responsible seafood choice. Beyond mussels, Prince Edward Aqua Farms offers a diverse selection of shellfish, including oysters, clams, and quahogs, all cultivated and harvested with the same meticulous attention to quality.
BEST Prince Edward Aqua Farms Seafood
Lobsters 'R' Us is a respected seafood producer specializing in the supply of premium live lobsters and snow crab. Their commitment to excellence at every stage of the process—from harvest to delivery—ensures freshness, safety, and authentic ocean flavor.
Through close collaboration with local fishers and the use of state-of-the-art storage facilities, the company maintains ideal conditions to preserve the natural quality of its products. Energy-efficient technology and an advanced traceability system guarantee consistent quality and full transparency in every shipment.
BEST Lobsters 'R' Us Seafood
Clearwater Seafoods is a leading Canadian company specializing in premium, wild-caught seafood. Founded in 1976 as a small local lobster shop in Nova Scotia, Clearwater has grown over the decades into one of the largest vertically integrated seafood companies in North America, renowned for its superior quality, food safety, and reliable global distribution.
Its product range includes a wide variety of shellfish, including scallops, lobsters, clams, snow crab, Norwegian lobster (langoustine), rock crab, whelk, and turbot. All products are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), ensuring their sustainability and exceptional quality.
BEST Clearwater Seafoods Seafood
Best North American Food Products
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
Bonne Bouche is an acclaimed aged goat cheese produced by Vermont Creamery in Websterville, Vermont, USA. This cheese is known for its distinctive ash-ripened rind that develops a creamy and robust flavor as it ages. Initially aged for 10 days, Bonne Bouche can continue to mature for up to 90 days, becoming softer and more piquant over time.
It's made from pasteurized goat's milk sourced from small family farms, both local and Canadian, and is celebrated for its wrinkly, geotrichum-rind, giving it a unique texture and appearance.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2018, 2013, 2010, 2001
Greensward from Murray's Cheese is a distinctive soft cheese that showcases the collaborative efforts of Murray's Cheese and Jasper Hill Farm. Greensward has a creamy texture that's enhanced by wrapping it in spruce bark. This cheese, which has won several awards, including recognition from the American Cheese Society, is noted for its bold and creamy taste with hints of mushrooms, brandied cherries, and woodsy spruce notes.
The cheese is washed in cider during its aging process, which contributes to its unique flavor profile. Each round of Greensward is aged in Murray’s caves, where it develops a delicate pungency and a spoonable texture that has become a favorite among cheese lovers.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022, 2017, 2016
The Crema di Mascarpone is characterized by its soft, creamy texture and a slightly sweet, buttery taste. It maintains a white and creamy appearance and is produced using cow’s milk. The product is versatile in its use, suitable not only for desserts but also as a rich spread.
For those looking to incorporate a gourmet touch into their dishes, BelGioioso Crema di Mascarpone offers a delightful taste of Italian cheese craftsmanship right from the heart of the USA.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023, 2022, 2018, 2017, 2014
Rogue River Blue is a distinctive artisan cheese produced by Rogue Creamery, based in Oregon, USA. This cheese is notable for being a seasonal product, made exclusively with autumnal-equinox milk from cows that graze in fields along the Rogue River.
It is wrapped in Syrah grape leaves that have been soaked in pear spirits, which adds unique flavors and complexity. The aging process lasts for 9 to 11 months, enhancing its creamy texture and creating a flavor profile that includes hints of fruit, spice, blackberry, vanilla, hazelnut, and chocolate.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2013, 2011, 2009, 2004
Bijou is a type of aged goat cheese produced by Vermont Creamery, known for its artisanal dairy products. Bijou, meaning "jewel" in French, reflects the small, precious nature of this cheese. It is characterized by its delicate, wrinkled rind and creamy, dense interior that becomes more complex in flavor as it ages.
Typically, Bijou has a mildly tangy, slightly sweet taste with earthy undertones, making it a versatile option for cheese boards, salads, or cooking. The cheese is hand-rolled and aged to ensure consistency and quality, showcasing the creamery’s dedication to traditional cheese-making techniques.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2019, 2016, 2015, 2014
Barely Buzzed is an artisan cheese crafted by Beehive Cheese, characterized by its unique rind that is rubbed with a blend of espresso and lavender. This blend infuses the cheese with a distinctive aroma and complex flavor profile that juxtaposes the subtle floral notes of lavender with the deep, robust tones of espresso.
The cheese itself is made from the milk of local Jersey cows in Utah, ensuring a creamy, rich texture. Barely Buzzed has received acclaim for its innovative flavor combination and has garnered awards, solidifying its reputation as a standout product in the artisanal cheese community.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023, 2015, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007
Jakeman's Pure Maple Syrup is a premium Canadian maple syrup, renowned for its rich flavor and smooth texture. Made from 100% pure maple sap, it is carefully sourced from local farms across Ontario, including communities like the Mennonite region of St. Jacobs and the vast maple forests of Northern Ontario.
This syrup is the perfect breakfast companion—ideal for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. It can also be used as a natural sweetener in a variety of recipes, adding an authentic Canadian touch to your dishes. Jakeman's Maple Products is a family-owned company with a tradition dating back to 1876, dedicated to supporting local communities and producing award-winning maple syrup.
Inniskillin Vidal Icewine 2022 is an exceptional Canadian dessert wine that reflects Inniskillin’s commitment to creating world-class ice wines. Made from 100% Vidal Blanc grapes from vineyards in the Niagara region, this wine offers a wealth of aromas and flavors that captivate wine lovers.
The wine has a deep golden color with hints of orange, indicating its maturity. The aromas are rich and varied, with prominent notes of roasted pineapple peel, candied papaya, creamy peach, apple pie spice, and fragrant nectar. On the palate, this ice wine is full and rich, with vibrant acidity and bubbles that cut through its dense texture.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2024
Black Truffle Burrata is a specialty cheese product crafted by BelGioioso Cheese. This product features a combination of classic Italian-style burrata with the added infusion of black truffle. The burrata comprises an outer shell made of mozzarella cheese, which encases a creamy interior filled with stracciatella mixed with delicate pieces of black truffle.
This cheese is celebrated for its rich and indulgent flavor profile, blending the mild, milky freshness of burrata with the earthy, aromatic notes of black truffle. It is typically used in gourmet dishes and is best served fresh to maximize its complex taste and texture.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023, 2015, 2014




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 13, 2025, 90,359 ratings were recorded, of which 71,444 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.