For a long time, the United States has been viewed as a melting pot of numerous diverse cultures. Nowhere is this diversity more apparent than in the culinary delights American restaurants have to offer. Historically, as different immigrants arrived in the country, they brought with them their recipes and combined them with the agricultural produce available to them. The results were American foods that kept the traditions of their respective heritage.

As a traveling expert physician and oncologist, Priyesh Sharad Patel is no stranger to sampling cuisine on his trips abroad. He also loves to travel with his family, and part of the charm of taking trips is to sample different treats and foods. However, when he is back home in Seattle, Washington, Priyesh Sharad Patel loves to give his taste buds a buzz occasionally by taking the family out for meals. Over time, he has come to appreciate the different cuisines that his city, and indeed America, offers.

Because immigrants tended to settle in groups, cuisines in America have taken on a regional perspective. The diversity of American cuisine is apparent when one travels throughout the country, as Priyesh Sharad Patel has. Foods that are common in one region can be hard to find in another.

Louisiana, for example, is well known for its mix of cuisines, but more so for Cajun and Creole. The spices and ingredients that go into making these are unique to the region, which makes foods highly flavorful. Farther east in Maine, one will be treated to some of the best-caught seafood in the country. A sampling of foods in the Southwest shows a heavy influence of Spanish and Mexican flavors, such as enchiladas and tortilla soup. Cities like Chicago and New York have their unique styles of pizza. In a nutshell, every region will have its specialty.

To sample the various cuisines that America has to offer, one has to be willing to travel and keep an open mind, Priyesh Sharad Patel says. Skip the fast food chains and large restaurant establishments, he adds. Rather, make an effort to visit the local restaurants that are known for traditional dishes and regional treats. It is a sure way to appreciate the culinary diversity of the country.