Lisa O
American cuisine is a melting pot of flavors and influences, and many iconic dishes have become symbols of American culture. However, the origins of some of these beloved foods are shrouded in controversy, with multiple regions, chefs, or countries claiming to have created them. Here’s a look at 15 iconic American foods with origins that are hotly debated.
Hamburger
The origin of the hamburger is one of the most hotly contested in American culinary history. Some claim it was first served at Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1900, while others argue it was created at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair by a vendor who placed a Hamburg-style steak between two slices of bread.
Hot Dog
The hot dog, a staple of American street food, has a murky origin story. The term “hot dog” is believed to have originated in New York in the early 20th century, but the sausage itself traces back to German immigrants. Coney Island is often credited as the birthplace of the American hot dog, with Nathan’s Famous opening in 1916. However, others claim the frankfurter, named after the German city of Frankfurt, was brought to America much earlier.
Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings are named after their city of origin, Buffalo, New York, but there is debate over who first created them. The most popular story credits Teressa Bellissimo, owner of the Anchor Bar, with inventing the dish in 1964 when she served chicken wings coated in hot sauce as a late-night snack. However, some say that John Young, another Buffalo native, was serving a similar dish called “mambo wings” years earlier.
Apple Pie
The phrase “as American as apple pie” suggests that this dessert is quintessentially American, but its origins are far from it. Apple pie recipes date back to medieval England and the first American version is believed to have been brought over by European settlers. The apples themselves are not native to North America; they were introduced by European colonists.
Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is a beloved Southern dessert, but its origins are debated. Some claim it was created by early American settlers who lacked the proper ingredients to make traditional English pies and instead “cobbled” together a dish using stewed fruit and dough. Others believe it was inspired by African American culinary traditions in the South. The exact origin is unclear, but peach cobbler’s association with Southern hospitality is undisputed.
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is often associated with the Southern United States, but its origins are a blend of multiple culinary traditions. Scottish immigrants are credited with bringing their method of deep-frying chicken to America, while enslaved Africans in the South added their own seasonings and techniques. The result was a dish that became a staple of Southern cuisine. Despite its popularity, the dish’s origins remain a point of contention, with debates over who deserves credit for perfecting it.
Potato Chips
Potato chips were reportedly invented in 1853 by George Crum, a chef at Moon’s Lake House in Saratoga Springs, New York. The story goes that a customer repeatedly sent back Crum’s fried potatoes for being too thick, prompting him to slice them paper-thin out of spite, thus creating the first potato chips. However, some historians argue that similar recipes existed before Crum’s creation, casting doubt on his role as the true inventor.
Reuben Sandwich
The Reuben sandwich, a hearty combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on rye bread, has two competing origin stories. One claims it was invented by Reuben Kulakofsky, a grocer in Omaha, Nebraska, who created the sandwich for his weekly poker game in the 1920s. Another story credits Arnold Reuben, a New York deli owner, with inventing it around the same time. Both cities fiercely claim the Reuben as their own.
Caesar Salad
The Caesar salad is widely believed to have been invented by Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American restaurateur, in Tijuana, Mexico, in 1924. However, some argue that the recipe was actually created by Cardini’s brother, Alex, or even by another chef entirely. Despite the debates over its creator, the Caesar salad has become a global sensation, with countless variations served around the world.
Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie is a beloved dessert in Florida, but its origin is surrounded by controversy. Some claim it was first made by “Aunt Sally,” a cook for Florida’s first millionaire, William Curry, in the late 1800s. Others argue that local sponge fishermen were making a similar pie even earlier, using the region’s plentiful key limes. The true origins of this tart, creamy pie remain a matter of debate, but it’s unquestionably a Florida favorite.
Philly Cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak, a sandwich made with thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and onions on a hoagie roll, is synonymous with Philadelphia. The sandwich is widely attributed to Pat Olivieri, who allegedly invented it in the 1930s when he decided to put beef on his hot dog grill. However, some say it was actually his brother Harry who came up with the idea.
Bananas Foster
Bananas Foster, a dessert made with bananas, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, rum, and banana liqueur, flambéed and served over ice cream, is a New Orleans classic. It’s widely believed to have been invented in 1951 by chef Paul Blangé at Brennan’s Restaurant. However, some claim that variations of the dish existed before it was popularized at Brennan’s.
Barbecue
Barbecue is an American culinary tradition with deep roots in the South, but its origins are complex and controversial. Different regions of the U.S. claim their own styles and methods, from Texas brisket to Carolina pulled pork. The techniques and flavors of American barbecue are influenced by Native American, African, and European cooking traditions.
Clam Chowder
Clam chowder, especially New England clam chowder, is a beloved American soup, but its origins are disputed. Some credit French settlers in Nova Scotia for creating the dish, while others believe it was developed by British colonists in New England. The rivalry between New England-style chowder, which is creamy, and Manhattan-style chowder, which is tomato-based, adds another layer to the controversy, with each region defending its version as the original.
Cobb Salad
The Cobb salad, a mix of greens, bacon, chicken, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, cheese, and tomato, is named after Robert Cobb, the owner of the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood. Legend has it that Cobb created the salad in 1937 as a late-night snack. However, some believe that the salad was actually invented by Cobb’s chef or that similar salads existed before it became famous at the Brown Derby. The true origin of this iconic salad remains a topic of debate.