There was this one mom and pop burger joint that had the simplest, most basic, super greasiest burgers but to this day they were the best burgers I’ve ever tasted. The place was tucked away in an alley and it was one of those “you have to be a local to even know this exists” places.
Also, having moved from a smaller town to a bigger city, I miss how close everything and everyone was. You wanted to go see someone, or go do something, it was always just a walk away instead of having to deal with all the hullabaloo of traffic and bus lines and yada yada.
Bagels (though now I make my own), fruit/veg, and Mexican food.
I moved to Germany from the USA and I now teach German to immigrants. The most universal experience for immigrants to Germany from warmer countries is the slow resignation not to even try peaches, corn, berries, or avocado (it’s reasonable based on geography, just still sad). I was astounded when my husband said he didn’t like peaches, but then I tried a German peach. They’re woody, flavorless, and expensive.
same with the bagels… guess you at least get to enjoy pretzels though?
and perhaps funnel cake?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funnel_cake#cultural_variations
In south German cuisine, the equivalent is called Strauben or Strieble and is made and served similarly.
most fruit doesn’t travel very well. it’s very regional.
most fruits that are national/international are specifically bred for their ability to be transported long distances, and lack flavor and texture that local produce has. hence why your garden strawberries/tomatoes taste like 10x better than the ones at the store.