I’m mostly interested in food that is not commonly served elsewhere.
For example, borsch or blintzes for Russian food. You generally cannot find those in non-Russian restaurants. Also, Russian black bread is different from regular whole wheat bread, and much better.
Counting myself as American: Cornbread. There is no food more distinctively American than cornbread.
Counting myself as Irish, which is what I most identify with: Full breakfast with brown soda bread. Except for the bread, it’s all things familiar to Americans, but there’s virtue in simplicity. And Irish brown bread is so rich it could make a meal in itself.
Counting myself as German, from the majority of my ancestry: Probably some sort of sausage or schnitzel, though I’m less sure about that.
We should surrender the fries to Belgium. But kroketten and bitterballen are a nice replacement. Kale mash with smoked sausage is another important addition.
A nice corned-beef sandwich – not too fat, not too lean, sliced thin but not too thin – on rye (with seeds, thankyouverymuch) with a little brown mustard. No cheese, no mayonnaise, no bread but rye (although pumpernickel is good in a pinch). Said sandwich must be served with a half-sour pickle. Fake orgasm optional.
For me, regionally: An everything bagel with cream cheese and lox, paired with a coffee and finished off with a nice black and white cookie. You can have some fresh, thin-crust pizza, too, but only if you promise not to use a fork.