I’m an American, and never thought we invented any of those. These broad, sweeping American stereotypes are as obnoxious as American tourists in Brussels. (See what I did, there.)
Original post has been flagged for a swipe at American tourists, but its list of "foreign" foods that are actually American is a good one. That list:
- pizza pepperoni (Italy)
- mayonaise (Belgium/France)
- paella (Spain)
This phenomenon is not unique to America though. Like, try Chindian food some time. Not invented in China.
Also, agreed!, the food is definitely very indian and very delicious. Soy sauce might be the most Chinese thing about it.
An American would absolutely recognize it for what it is, it might just be a bit different from what they where assuming.
That being said most Spaniards happily chuck whatever they happen to have laying round into their paella when cooking at home.
Interested in how you came to that conclusion. All of the restaurants near me that serve paella offer a wide variety of protein options.