The most delicious trend taking over American social media right now? Watching World Cup fans try American food for the first time — especially ranch dressing. A group visiting Texas from Japan raves about the steak and Caesar. A Whataburger pilgrim deems it “the best dining experien ce of my entire life.” A Buc-cee’s employee obligingly calls, “Brisket on the boooooard” as an English visitor passes by. A Norway fan tries the impossibly Bostonian combo of clam chowder with a Dunkin’ drink on the side. And almost everyone tries Raising Cane’s, because they’ve heard about that sauce. American commenters are eating it up with vicarious joy and incredulity that any country might exist without the miracle of ranch dressing. They’re also joking that while many Americans say they come home from European vacations several pounds lighter from all the walking, these globetrotters will be going home carrying an extra “FIFA 15.” Even TSA has taken note of the number of travelers’ posts extolling the virtues of their newfound favorite condiment. “Please avoid chugging ranch outside security,” the agency deadpanned on Instagram by way of reminding World Cup travelers of the 3.4-ounce liquid limit on carry-on bags. “the airlines will check it for you.” One of the most-followed accounts is German soccer superfan @FreddyLA7, whose road trip from Georgia to Texas has had people on the edges of their seats, waiting to see his next meal. He has explored the wonders of Taco Bell, Chili’s, Wendy’s, Chipotle and more. He even braved a Waffle House at the only time that really matters (1 a.m.) although some commenters wonder whether it was truly an authentic experience, as no fights broke out. “He watched the NBA Finals at a Chili’s. He walked into a Buc-ee’s and I genuinely think he saw the face of the divine,” Houston attorney Jimmy Ardoin posted on Threads about Freddy’s seemingly endless quest. “This man is experiencing America for the first time with the wonder of a newborn and the stamina of a Navy SEAL.” It’s not all about the battles, though. The England Pod hosts waded into a contest almost as big as the World Cup itself — regional barbecue — and found a way to make peace. “I say just enjoy them both, man,” concludes Ali Maxwell after he and co-host George Elek demolished a ton (metric of course) of brisket from the award-winning Pecan Lodge in Dallas, Texas. “Messi, Ronaldo. Kansas City barbecue, Texas barbecue. Why not both?” There is a definite lean towards large chains instead of local favorites. Some of them are apt to make an American cringe a little bit about our international reputation, like Chipotle five times in a few days, or breakfast at the 7-Eleven rotisserie. If you consider how much entertainment media consumed in Europe is filmed in America, though, the fun of it might make more sense. When you’ve seen every gritty cop on TV walk into a giant convenience store, maybe going in real life is like Disneyland. (They’re also completely enamored of our big yellow school buses, which are “just like in the movies.”) Still, many of the tourists have been doing their homework in preparation for these once-in-a-lifetime trips, and some Americans hoping to share their love of country have thrown out suggestions for visitors online: Regina Pizzeria in Boston, The Serving Spoon’s soul food near Los Angeles, puffy tacos at San Antonio’s iconic Teka Molino and the behemoth sandwiches at Park Wood Deli in Midland Park, New Jersey. Roger Busch, Park Wood’s “Deli Guy,” often brings customers behind the counter to watch their sandwich being made, but with international visitors, he thinks his everyday practice is extra special. World Cup attendees from Scotland, Portugal, England, Sweden, France and all over the U.S. have stopped by in recent days. That has put business up about 25%, Busch tells TODAY.com, and “when people come from far away, they deserve a little more than just a handshake.” One visitor from Norway chose a meatball Parm sub, to Busch’s delight. Those aren’t just his mom Lucille’s recipe — she’s still making them personally, by hand, after more than 40 years in business. The dream just doesn’t get any more American than that. This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY: George W. Bush and Michelle Obama have sweet reunion, complete with a mint moment Malia, 27, and Sasha, 25, make rare joint appearance at Obama Presidential Center opening: See the photo She wanted to thank teachers on a budget. Instead, she started an internet feud This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser. ...read more read less