Where Do Our Favorite Foods Originate From?

Did you think the hamburger came from Hamburg, Germany? Or the Chimichanga from Mexico? Think again. The restaurant discovery app Urbanspoon broke down where some of our favorite foods got their start, and you might be surprised by some of the findings.

1. The Cronut, New York City. This unique pastry, created by Chef Dominique Ansel, had people lining up for blocks after its debut last year. Fans span the world, making it the most virally buzzed about dessert item in history.
2. Snowcream (aka nitrogen ice cream), Lexington, KY. Created by a microbiologist in 1987, nitrogen ice cream was made popular by the Dip ‘n’ Dots brand. The idea for nitrogen ice cream is actually more than 80 years old, but wasn’t put to the test until the late 80s.
3. Chimichanga, Tucson, Arizona. Though there is some controversy regarding its exact restaurant of origin, Tucson claims the food as its own. Chimichangas are deep fried burritos, whose popularity has exploded out of the Southwest and around the world.
4. The Ramen burger, Brooklyn, New York. One of the year’s hottest foods offers a fresh take on an old classic. A foodie favorite, the Ramen burger’s fried noodle bun is a can’t-miss.
5. Chili Cheese Fries, Detroit, Michigan: Chili Cheese Fries were created by two 14 year-old waitresses at a diner in Detroit in the 1970s. More than 40 years later, and Chili Cheese Fries are still a nationwide favorite.
6. Fish Tacos (Modern recipe), Baja California, Mexico. Fish Tacos have been consumed in Mexico for hundreds of years, and the modern day recipe can be attributed to Baja California. Setting the standard, the Baja Fish Taco is lightly battered white fish wrapped in a corn tortilla with a light sour cream or mayo sauce, shredded cabbage, and a squirt of lime juice.
7. Korean Tacos, Los Angeles, California. From its humble beginning as a street vendor food, the So-Cal based Korean Taco has become a must-have mashup, inspiring dozens of delicious taco-spinoffs across the country.
8. Hamburger, New Haven, Connecticut. Despite roots in Hamburg, Germany, the modern hamburger is all-American. Created in the 1900s, the hamburger is credited to New Haven’s Louis’ Lunch restaurant. Though others have tried to claim it, the Library of Congress officially awards the creation of the Hamburger to Louis Lassen and his Connecticut diner.
9. Sliders, Wichita, Kansas. Originally spelled “Slyders,” these mini-cheeseburgers were invented by White Castle. Sliders can now be seen everywhere, from fast food restaurants and bars to gourmet restaurants.
10. Chicken and Waffles, Pennsylvania Dutch country. A long-time favorite in the Southern parts of the country, Chicken and Waffles actually originated in Pennsylvania Dutch country. Many restaurants serve the dish as a large waffle topped with a fried chicken breast smothered in syrup.
11. Cake Pops, Georgia. Invented by Bakerella in Georgia, Cake Pops popularity was solidified when Starbucks started carrying them in stores across the United States.
12. Corn Dog, Texas. The Corn Dog came to be in Texas in the 1920s, but its well-known stick didn’t come until later. Corn dogs in their current fashion became popular when they surfaced at the Texas State Fair later in the decade.
13. Cinnamon Rolls, Sweden. No, they weren’t invented at your local mall’s Cinnabon. In fact, every year on October 4^th, Swedes celebrate Cinnamon Bun Day, or “Kanelbullens Dag.”
14. Grilled Cheese, Iowa. Grilled Cheese has been around for years, and is considered one of the most popular sandwiches in the US. In fact, three out of four people who purchase sliced cheese noted that they make at least one grilled cheese a month! The Iowa man who is credited with creating sliced bread is also responsible for this cheesy sandwich, as the bread allowed for the newly patented Kraft sliced cheese to be used in a new combination, one still loved almost 100 years later.
15. Frozen S’mores, New York City. Chef Dominique Ansel, famous for cronuts, strikes again with an added twist to this campfire favorite. Filled with creamy custard and held together with sweet flakey wafers, the Frozen S’more is poised to return this summer.