Food & Dining

Food & Dining in the United States

American cuisine is a melting pot reflecting centuries of immigration. While "American food" often conjures burgers and pizza, the reality is far more diverse.

Dining Out

Restaurant Tipping Culture:

• Standard tip: 15-20% of pre-tax bill
• Quick service: $1-2 or round up
• Delivery: 15-20% minimum, $3-5 for short trips
• Bars: $1-2 per drink
• Tipping is expected, not optional - servers rely on tips for income

Typical Restaurant Costs:

Grocery Shopping

Major Chains:

• Budget: Walmart, Aldi, Costco (membership), Trader Joe's
• Mid-range: Kroger, Safeway, Publix, H-E-B
• Premium: Whole Foods, Sprouts, specialty stores

Average Monthly Grocery Cost:

• Single person: $300-500
• Couple: $500-800
• Family of 4: $800-1,200

Tip: Costco or Sam's Club membership ($60-120/year) saves money if you buy in bulk.

Finding International Foods

Most cities have ethnic supermarkets:

• Asian: H Mart, 99 Ranch, local Asian markets
• Latin: El Super, Northgate Market, local Hispanic markets
• Indian: Patel Brothers, local Indian grocers
• Middle Eastern: Local halal markets
• European: Cost Plus World Market, specialty stores

Cities with best international food:

1. New York City - everything from everywhere
2. Los Angeles - exceptional Asian and Mexican
3. Houston - incredibly diverse
4. San Francisco - Asian and innovative cuisine
5. Miami - Latin American and Caribbean

American Food Culture

Portion sizes: Much larger than most countries. It's normal to take leftovers home ("doggy bag").

Common American foods:

• Breakfast: Pancakes, eggs, bacon, cereal, bagels
• Lunch: Sandwiches, salads, fast food
• Dinner: Meat + sides (vegetables, starches)
• Snacks: Ubiquitous and often unhealthy

Regional specialties:

Dietary Accommodations

Vegetarian/Vegan: Increasingly easy, especially in cities. Many restaurants have options. Chains like Chipotle offer customizable meals.

Halal/Kosher: Available in cities with Muslim/Jewish populations. Use apps like Zabihah (halal) or find local kosher grocers.

Gluten-free: Widely accommodated. Many restaurants have GF menus. Dedicated GF products in most grocery stores.

Allergies: Restaurants legally required to disclose major allergens. Staff generally trained on allergies.

Food Delivery

Major apps:

• DoorDash (most popular)
• Uber Eats
• Grubhub
• Postmates

Costs: Delivery fee ($2-6) + service fee (10-15%) + tip (15-20%). Total adds 30-50% to meal cost.