Counterpoint - I've had several people including vietnamese americans say that the pho you get in the US is better than what's in Vietnam because of the food inspectors and other government systems that ensure a safe food supply line and cooking preparation area etc versus Vietnam. I'll tell you I lived in Colombia and the best bandeja paisa is in texas versus the places in Colombia. I've spent years in Mexico and I can find mexican food that is almost as good. Nothing beats ramen in japan or sushi for that matter but some of the best sushi i ever ate was in a large city in the middle east and I've done several trips to Japan.
Americans aren't as stupid as you assume we are. We know often food like Chinese and Mexican is catered to us but the same happens all over. It's not like we're some special lazy garbage people. If you go to Spain and order Chinese, it's made to accomdate their tastes.
> If you go to Spain and order Chinese, it's made to accomdate their tastes.
Just like how pho and bandeja paisa in America is accommodated for the American palette which would be why Americans (I'm assuming you are American) would prefer their version of the dish over the country of origin's version?
Furthermore maybe you like the Middle East's sushi more because the Middle East has no sushi legacy and can appeal to the Western palette more?
I agree that America can have incredible cuisine that rivals other countries, but that's sort of the article's point - the majority of America is still devoid of this excellence.
It's funny you mention that about vietnam. I have read that online a few times. I've mentioned it to a few vietnamese-american friends and they looked at me like I'm crazy. There are a lot of places taking shortcuts with pho in the US though.
I dont think americans are stupid,we just don't grow up eating food that is interesting and don't get used it. we eat carbs, sugar, butter/cream with lean cuts of meat. it takes work to explore food beyond that, so it doesn't happen and we get watered down international cuisines
Americans aren't as stupid as you assume we are. We know often food like Chinese and Mexican is catered to us but the same happens all over. It's not like we're some special lazy garbage people. If you go to Spain and order Chinese, it's made to accomdate their tastes.