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Came For The World Cup, Stayed For The Food

The World Cup officially kicked-off in Boston on June 11, and European tourists have taken the city by storm, but not for the reason you might think. European fans have been making numerous discoveries while in Boston, from visiting their first Walmart to Scottish tourists going down the infamous Boston Cop Slide while playing bagpipes, but the real standout of being in the States is all of the food that America has to offer. 

In a viral TikTok with over 239 thousand likes, British TikTok user @YuPizzaSheet tries Chick-fil-A for the first time and his response is one of sheer awe. After taking a bite of one of Chick-fil-A’s classic sandwiches, the British tourist exclaims “Oh my days,” which is a totally valid reaction to a good chicken sandwich from such a beloved chain. @YuPizzaSheet also tries Chick-fil-A’s tater tots, which he endearingly calls fried potatoes much to my amusement (and the amusement of the comment section), and declares the whole meal a “ten out of ten.”

Chick-fil-A isn’t the only chicken joint that has our friends across the pond reeling. TikTok user @erinoconnellxxx is a Scottish TikToker who made a video of trying Raising Cane’s for the first time after a night out in Boston. While she didn’t freak out quite as much over Raising Cane’s, the chain’s secret sauce was “delish,” and she dipped everything, including the garlic toast, in the tangy condiment.

@erinoconnellxxx

Comment any other American fast food recommendations. ALSO promise we’ve eaten in local restaurants & cafe’s I just haven’t posted yet 🤭 #boston #worldcup #raisingcanes

♬ original sound – Erin O’Connell

Europeans aren’t just trying American food, though. Some are also taking playful jabs at their own and creating humorous videos on the subject. One such TikToker, @LLEVELL made a skit that seemingly pokes fun at @YuPizzaSheet’s TikTok, complete with exclamations of adoration and dramatic facial expressions. I guess soccer is only one source of friendly rivalry in Europe.

It’s not just chicken chains that Europeans are exploring. One German fan has gone viral on X  for his documentation on Waffle House and Taco Bell. The fan, who’s X handle is @FreddyLA7, has thoroughly enjoyed his time in the States so far, with visits to Taco Bell being called “the holy land,” and USA Today reporting that J.J. Watt of the NFL has begun to follow Freddy and even got him a luxury hotel room in Houston. 

Food is one of those universal languages. It transcends culture, time, location, and more, and it truly brings people together, no matter where they come from. The World Cup may have been what brought Europeans to the U.S., but it seems that it’s the food that has them begging to stay. If any Europeans in Boston for the World Cup are reading this, tell me when you try your first Dunkin iced latte. Your life will never be the same.

Juliette Lanier is the senior reporter for her college's newspaper, The Regis Herald. She writes for a variety of genres, including news articles and human interest pieces. Juliette also specializes in writing for the theatre and dance events at her college.

Beyond writing for literary magazines and newspapers, Juliette is also the Senior Editor of her college's literary magazine, Hemetera, where she is published as well. Juliette writes a variety of genres for Hemetera, such as poetry, creative nonfiction, and short stories. She was also recently named the first runner up for the American College Theatre Festival's Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy Program

In her free time, Juliette enjoys reading, acting, and exploring Boston. Juliette is is also a full-time crafter and can always be found with a new hobby in hand, with the most recent being dying Barbie doll hair for the kids at her workplace.