Paul, if you or any other American has read this thread, you should now be comfortable that you can find plenty of American-style food among the hundred or so hotels and restaurants providing dining services in Udon Thani.
And, if you are like me, you are interested in finding American brands in grocery stores. When you go the the main shopping complex I recommend you visit the grocery store, Tops, and investigate what is on the shelves, the produce section, the meat section, etc. You will likely find quite a few well-know American brands such as Campbell soups and Ritz crackers.
The Thai saying, "same-same, but different" might well describe American-style food that you will be served and enjoy in Udon Thani.
Take Nobis Restaurant for example. Nobis is a very popular restaurant offering good food at reasonable prices. It is well-located on the same street as The Irish Clock ond other popular hotels and bars. The owner is German and the restaurant foods are German-oriented, but hardly strange to an American.
If I were to take you to Nobis for American food, I would recommend you select among "small sandwich with ham and cheese," the hamburger, and hot dog. The ham and cheese is my favorite not only because it is excellent but it only cost 65 baht which is about $1.75US. Now to explain the same-same but different. You don't get ham and cheese on sliced white bread. It comes on a freshly baked Kaiser roll. You could ask if they have sliced white bread. They will likely say no. They may have other breads which they are willing to slice for you. Take the Kaiser roll, it is good. You should know that it is important to specify whether you want mayo, mustard or whatever. These restaurants cater to a global cliental and the tastes, or fixings, are diverse. I might ask for mayo, lettuce, tomato, salt and pepper or perhaps just mustard. The same for the hamburger. Ask what it come with and order what you prefer. The hot dog they serve is quite good. I like the standard fixings, but it is not American standard. The hot dog is described as German sausage and is top quality, up there with the American pricey Nathan's hot dag. Nobi is a butcher and I think he produces most of his meats which is a big plus in my opinion. He has a farm which is the source of some of his produce. What American restaurant can match this combination. But if you ask for minced onion and mustard on your dog they will give me that.
Nobi has a great web site with pictures of most of his menu. Take a look here:
http://nobis-restaurant.com/index.php?page=menu
Did you notice the big American breakfast, Spaghetti Bolognese, and the Chili Con Carne on the menu?
The foreign-managed restaurants are in a very competitive market and the well-managed ones go the extra mile to satisfy and maintain customers. The are very receptive to giving the customer what he wants - within reason. Which helps when experiencing and enjoying dining in Udon Thani.
