‘I can understand the, um, obesity here’: The World discovers American cuisine at the World Cup

World Cup fans came from overseas for the cheering. But they’re also doing a lot of chewing, delighting their hosts with rave reviews of North American cuisine.

“It’s greasy, it’s disgusting, but it’s absolutely glorious,” Jack Goodwin, a soccer enthusiast from London, said about the American food he has tried in Dallas, Boston, New York and Atlanta.

“I don’t want to say this because it’s a little bit harsh, but the portions are a little bit larger — a lot more tastier — so I can understand the, um, obesity here. I don’t want to be harsh, but yes, the food is fantastic here.”

International visitors want to try popular fast-food chains and local gems

Many fans are making a point to try regional specialties or chains they can’t find where they live, like In-N-Out Burger or Buc-ee’s convenience stores. Erling Haaland, a striker for Norway’s World Cup team, posted a photo on X of himself outside Katz’s Delicatessen in New York.

Harrison Murphy, who was traveling from London with his brother for the knockout rounds, had breakfast at a Chick-fil-A in Atlanta this week.

“Have you had Chick-fil-A? It was fantastic and so cheap. The sauces are free! It was remarkable,” Murphy said. “I said, ‘This is my first time, what should I try?’ The woman said, ‘You’ve got to try the Chick-fil-A sauce.’ My God, was it fantastic.”

Gary Bishop had never heard of poutine — often considered Canada’s national dish —........

© Fortune