10 International Delicacies You Can Buy in America and 5 You Can’t

Food lovers often dream of traveling the world through their taste buds. Luckily, many international delicacies are available right in the United States, thanks to imports and specialty grocers. From Japanese wagyu beef to French macarons, Americans can indulge in global flavors without leaving home. At the same time, some foods remain out of reach due to strict import laws, cultural protections, or safety concerns. Here is a guide to 10 international delicacies you can buy in America, and five you still cannot.

1. Wagyu Beef (Japan)

Wagyu beef, especially prized A5 wagyu from Japan, is considered one of the most luxurious meats in the world. Known for its intense marbling and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, it delivers a buttery flavor unlike any other beef. While not all types are exported, certified wagyu cuts are legally available in the United States at high-end butchers and restaurants. Prices can soar into the hundreds of dollars per pound, but the experience is unmatched. For those willing to splurge, wagyu offers Americans the chance to enjoy one of Japan’s most celebrated delicacies without leaving the country.

2. Macarons (France)

French macarons have become a pastry icon, with their crisp shells, chewy centers, and colorful fillings. These delicate almond meringue cookies are now a staple in the U.S., available at bakeries, patisseries, and even chain cafes. Imported versions can be found at luxury grocers, while American bakeries use traditional methods to craft their own. Classic flavors like pistachio, raspberry, and salted caramel are always popular, while seasonal varieties keep them exciting. Though fragile and time-consuming to make, macarons are widely accessible today, proving that this Parisian delicacy has crossed the Atlantic to charm American sweet tooths.

3. Parmigiano Reggiano (Italy)

Parmigiano Reggiano, often called the “King of Cheeses,” is one of Italy’s most prized exports. Protected by strict PDO regulations, only cheese made in certain Italian regions can use the name. Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is legally imported and available at specialty grocers and upscale supermarkets across America. With its nutty flavor, crystalline texture, and long aging process, it stands apart from domestic imitations labeled simply as “Parmesan.” Whether grated over pasta or enjoyed in chunks, real Parmigiano Reggiano offers Americans a genuine taste of Italian culinary tradition and remains one of the most accessible imported cheeses.

4. Prosciutto di Parma (Italy)

Prosciutto di Parma is a dry-cured ham produced only in the Parma region of Italy under centuries-old traditions. Air-dried for months, it develops a silky texture and a delicate, savory-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with cheese, melon, or bread. The U.S. lifted earlier restrictions on Prosciutto di Parma imports, and today it is widely sold at Italian delis, specialty grocers, and many supermarkets. Authentic versions carry the Parma crown seal, guaranteeing quality. For Americans, this makes one of Italy’s most iconic cured meats readily available, bringing European charcuterie culture into everyday kitchens.

5. Foie Gras (France)

Foie gras, a French delicacy made from the fattened liver of ducks or geese, is known for its rich, buttery flavor and velvety texture. It remains controversial due to animal welfare debates, yet it is still legal to purchase in most U.S. states. California enforces a sales ban, but foie gras is served in fine-dining restaurants and available in specialty shops elsewhere. Often seared, turned into pâté, or paired with fruit compotes, it continues to attract gourmets willing to pay premium prices. Despite its ethical disputes, foie gras is a luxury item Americans can still access.

6. Belgian Chocolate (Belgium)

Belgian chocolate is synonymous with craftsmanship and quality. Iconic brands like Neuhaus, Godiva, and Leonidas export widely, and their pralines and truffles are sold in U.S. specialty shops and luxury grocers. Belgian chocolatiers are known for their meticulous conching techniques, which give the chocolate its silky smoothness. With pralines filled with ganache, buttercream, or nuts, Belgian chocolate offers both richness and refinement. Though expensive, its reputation makes it one of the most sought-after sweets. American chocolate brands often imitate it, but imported Belgian chocolate delivers an experience that connoisseurs consider unparalleled.

7. Iberico Ham (Spain)

Jamón Ibérico is Spain’s most celebrated cured ham, produced from black Iberian pigs and aged for years. Known for its nutty flavor and marbled fat that melts on the tongue, it is a favorite among charcuterie lovers. For years, strict restrictions kept it out of the U.S., but today several types are legally imported, including the premium Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, made from acorn-fed pigs. Prices remain steep, often hundreds of dollars per pound, but specialty grocers and Spanish restaurants now make it available. For American gourmets, this ham is a true taste of Spain’s culinary heritage.

8. Truffles (Italy and France)

Truffles, highly aromatic fungi, are among the most luxurious ingredients in the world. White truffles from Piedmont and black truffles from Périgord are especially valued for their earthy aroma and ability to elevate simple dishes. While fresh truffles are seasonal and extremely costly, they are legally imported into the United States during harvest. Gourmet shops also sell preserved truffle products like oils, salts, and sauces. Even in small amounts, truffles transform pasta, risotto, or eggs into gourmet meals. Although they command premium prices, truffles remain one of the most accessible luxury imports available to Americans.

9. Swiss Fondue Cheese (Switzerland)

Fondue is one of Switzerland’s most famous contributions to global dining, made with cheeses like Gruyère and Emmental. These authentic cheeses are widely imported into the United States and sold at high-end grocers, often alongside fondue kits. When melted with wine and garlic, they create the traditional communal dish that became internationally popular in the 20th century. Authentic Swiss cheese stands apart from domestic imitations, with nutty flavors and smooth melting qualities. For those wanting to recreate Alpine dining at home, genuine Swiss fondue cheese is easy to find in American markets.

10. Sushi-Grade Fish (Japan and Global)

Sushi has become a staple in American dining, and high-quality fish is now accessible nationwide. Imports include tuna, salmon, and uni, sourced from Japan and other regions known for premium seafood. Specialty fish markets and Japanese grocers stock sushi-grade cuts that meet safety standards for raw consumption. While it requires careful handling, the rising popularity of sushi in the U.S. has expanded access to authentic, internationally sourced fish. Whether dining out at top sushi bars or preparing rolls at home, Americans can enjoy one of Japan’s greatest culinary exports with confidence in quality and freshness.

International Delicacies You Can’t Buy

While America’s diverse markets offer plenty of global flavors, not every delicacy makes it across the border. Strict import laws, endangered species protections, and food safety regulations keep certain items firmly off-limits, no matter how curious or wealthy the eater might be. Some of these banned foods are controversial because of how they’re produced, while others are simply too risky to allow. Here are five fascinating international delicacies you still cannot buy in the United States.

1. Casu Marzu (Italy)

Casu marzu is a traditional Sardinian cheese notorious for containing live insect larvae. The maggots help ferment the cheese, producing a strong flavor and creamy consistency. While it is considered a delicacy in Sardinia, it is banned in the United States and the European Union for food safety reasons. Health authorities warn of potential infections from consuming live larvae. Despite its infamy, Casu marzu cannot be legally imported or sold in America. Its outlaw status has only fueled curiosity, making it one of the most controversial cheeses in the world.

2. Haggis with Sheep Lung (Scotland)

Haggis, Scotland’s national dish, combines sheep heart, liver, and lungs with oats, suet, and spices, cooked in a sheep’s stomach. The version containing sheep lung is banned in the U.S. because livestock lungs are prohibited in human food. This restriction, in place since the 1970s, is meant to reduce health risks. Modified haggis recipes without lung are available in America, but purists argue they lack the authenticity of the original. To taste traditional haggis, Americans must travel to Scotland, where the dish is still celebrated as a cultural and culinary icon.

3. Kinder Surprise Eggs (Europe)

Kinder Surprise Eggs, the chocolate treats with a toy hidden inside, are beloved in Europe but banned in the U.S. The FDA prohibits candy with non-edible objects embedded inside due to choking hazards. Kinder offers an American-friendly version called Kinder Joy, which separates the toy from the chocolate, but the original hollow egg remains unavailable. U.S. Customs has even confiscated eggs from travelers attempting to bring them in. While the ban may frustrate fans, safety laws keep the classic Kinder Surprise off American shelves.

4. Beluga Caviar (Caspian Sea)

Beluga caviar, harvested from beluga sturgeon in the Caspian and Black Seas, is among the world’s most luxurious foods. However, imports to the U.S. have been banned since 2005 because the species is endangered. Overfishing and habitat destruction have caused population declines, leading to strict protections. While Americans can buy other caviar varieties like osetra or farm-raised alternatives, true beluga caviar remains prohibited. The ban underscores the balance between preserving biodiversity and indulging in rare delicacies, leaving this coveted item off the American market.

5. Ortolan Bunting (France)

The ortolan bunting, a small songbird, was once consumed as a delicacy in France. Traditionally, diners ate the bird whole, often under a napkin to capture its aroma. Due to animal cruelty concerns and population decline, hunting and consumption of ortolan is banned in France and illegal in the United States. Its notoriety persists in food history, but the dish is no longer available. For ethical and environmental reasons, Americans cannot access this controversial delicacy, which remains a symbol of how cultural practices can fade under modern scrutiny.