14 American Foods that aren’t Actually American
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By Nandor Barta on 05/05/2024 - May contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure.
Are you searching for a new way to spice up your diet? Look no further than this list of 14 ‘American’ foods that aren’t actually American. From pizza to hot dogs, you may be surprised to learn where these beloved dishes truly originated. Indulge in a little bit of culinary history and impress your friends with fun food facts. Get ready to rethink what it means to be ‘American’ and how global influences have shaped our taste buds.
1. Hamburgers
Image credit: Depositphotos.The hamburger that is synonymous with the US has its origins in Hamburg, Germany. The concept of ground beef patties was actually brought to America by German immigrants.
2. Hot Dogs
Image credit: Depositphotos.Just like hamburgers, hot dogs are not originally from the US, but from Europe. Sausages in a bread roll, which we now call hot dogs, were popular street food in Germany and Austria before being brought to the United States.
3. Fortune Cookies
Image credit: Canva Pro.Despite their association with Chinese restaurants in the US, fortune cookies are not really a Chinese invention. This sweet cookie with a fortune inside actually originated from Japan.
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4. Chilli Con Carne
Image credit: Depositphotos.Chilli con carne, a spicy stew containing chili peppers, meat, and often tomatoes and beans, is a dish identified with Tex-Mex cuisine, but it actually originates from Northern Mexico.
5. Fried Chicken
Image credit: Canva Pro.Fried chicken is a staple in American southern cuisine, but the idea of deep-frying chicken in fat comes from Scottish immigrants who brought it to the US.
6. Bagels
Photo credit: Canva ProBagels may be a breakfast staple in the US now, but they were actually brought over by Polish-Jewish immigrants in the early 20th century.
7. Pizza
Image credit: Depositphotos.Pizza, though widely consumed in the US, didn’t originate there. It was famously developed in Naples, Italy and was brought to the US by Italian immigrants.
8. Donuts
Image credit: Canva Pro.Donuts might feel like a very American treat, but they were initially introduced to America by the Dutch in the 19th century.
9. Nachos
Image credit: Canva Pro.Those cheesy nachos that you enjoy are not an American invention but a dish that actually originated from Northern Mexico.
10. French Fries
Image credit: Depositphotos.Despite being called ‘French’ fries, these crispy, golden delights aren’t from France at all. They originated from Belgium where locals were frying up potatoes as early as the 17th century.
11. Lobster Rolls
Image credit: Canva Pro.While now a classic dish in New England, lobster rolls trace their origins not to the U.S., but Nova Scotia in Canada.
12. Chicken Parmesan
Image credit: Canva Pro.Chicken parmesan, a beloved Italian-American dish, is actually not Italian at all. Its roots are in the US, inspired by Italian immigrants.
13. Turkey
Image credit: Depositphotos.While turkey is a fixture on American tables especially during Thanksgiving, the bird itself is not native to the US. Turkeys were first domesticated by the ancient Mayan culture in Central America and Mexico.
14. German Chocolate Cake
Image credit: Depositphotos.German chocolate cake seems like a dessert that should come from Germany, but it’s not. The recipe originated in the US and is named after an American chocolate maker named Samuel German.
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