The study, carried out by restaurant furniture experts Seating Masters examined the search volume for over 300 cuisine-related searches in the US over the past 12 months. Different combinations of search terms were used to demonstrate the overall search volume, and the results were then averaged over the past 12 months. These findings were aggregated by each cuisine to determine the most popular food in each state. For example, search terms such as “[cuisine_origin] food”, “[cuisine_origin] restaurant” or “[cuisine_origin] take-out” were used to gather data.
Chinese is the most popular type of cuisine in the US, with an average monthly search volume of 8,599,933. Chinese food is widely consumed nationwide due to its convenience, affordability and exotic yet exciting flavors. Chinese residents have adapted to creating American-Chinese food, which has evolved into its own cuisine. Menu favorites such as Crab Rangoon, General Tso’s Chicken, and Chop Suey are all dishes created for the American palate yet inspired by traditional Chinese cuisine. The most popular day of the year for Chinese consumption is Christmas Day in the US.
The second most popular cuisine in the US is Mexican, with an average monthly search volume of 7,726,160. Mexican cuisine is well-known for its colorful, flavorful, and exquisite delicacies. From fajitas to burritos to tacos, there are so many desirable dishes to indulge in. Mexican food has become an integral part of American mainstream life, and not only have restaurants mastered the art of flavorful dishes, but there is also a wide variety of delicious Mexican drinks to choose from, including a range of Margaritas and the famous Tequila Sunrise.
In third place is Indian, with an average monthly 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 consists of a diverse range of curries, rice dishes, meats, vegetables, and bread, all flavored with a traditional range of spices.
Italian is the fourth most popular cuisine in the US, with an average monthly search volume of 3,070,734. Typical Italian ingredients, methods, and dishes influence other palettes across the globe and even spread to sub-cultures such as American-Italian food. The cuisine is well known for its splendid range of pasta, pizza, and risottos, not to mention its array of cheeses and herbs. Italian restaurants and takeaways are widespread across the US, enriched in traditional and American-Italian flavors.
In fifth place is Thai, with an average monthly search volume of 2,666,218. Thai cuisine provides an array of meat and seafood with rice, seasonal vegetables, and traditional Thai herbs and spices. These are used in many Thai specialties including Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong and Khao Pad among many other delicacies. The Thai restaurant scene is widespread in the US and has consistently grown in popularity.
The top ten most popular cuisines in the US
| Rank | Cuisine | 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 |
The sixth most popular cuisine is Korean, with an average monthly search volume of 1,165,571. Korean cuisine reflects a complex interaction of natural ingredients and different cultural trends. Korean cuisine is largely based on rice, vegetables, seafood, and meats. The most popular dishes devoured globally include Japchae, Tteokguk, Gimbap, and Bibimbap.
Japanese is in seventh place, with an average monthly search volume of 1,085,735. Japanese foods are well known due to their unique and intricate flavors, not to mention their wide variety. Some of their most popular dishes include Sushi and Sashimi, Tempura, Yakitori, and Onigiri.
In eighth place is Vietnamese, with an average of 805,956 searches per month. Vietnamese cuisine is well known for its many flavor combinations, which include lemongrass, ginger, mint, long coriander, and many 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 search volume of 732,216. The Jamaican cuisine consists of a huge variety of flavors, spices, and influences from many food cultures. Jamaican foods’ rich and tasty flavors have helped produce gourmet dishes like Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, Callaloo and Bammy.
In tenth place is Greek, with an average monthly search volume of 674,700. Similarly to other Mediterranean cuisines, it heavily uses wheat, olive oil and wine in their dishes. Olive oil is collected fresh from local olive trees and is used to cook most vegetables and proteins. Some favorite Greek dishes include Moussaka, Pastitsio, Gyros and their infamous Tzatziki sauce.
The least popular cuisine in the US is Tunisian, with an average monthly 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. From Asian to European, there are so many varieties of food that the US favours over their own and with a limitless selection, the choice is huge.
“It is interesting to see how different cuisines have adapted their traditional style to fit the American palette for success in the food industry. Not only have such cuisines grown in popularity, but they have also expanded into new environments and adapted to make themselves more well-known in the US”.
Google search data has revealed that Chinese is the nation’s most popular cuisine, with an average of 8,599,933 monthly searches.
The study, carried out by restaurant furniture experts Seating Masters
