Maple

A maple was a type of tree which gave maple syrup.

Whilst in New Orleans in the early 21st century, the Eighth Doctor chose a restaurant that served deep fried rice cakes, to which he added maple syrup, and ate them with grits. (PROSE: The City of the Dead)

Behind the scenes
In the real world, maple syrup, along with maple leaves, is a symbol of Canada. Grits are symbolic of the United States of America, deep frying of Scotland, and rice of China. The mix of racial stereotypes is likely the joke.