1

Hamburger

Image: Carles Rabada

Due to their popularity and widespread appeal, hamburgers are considered an unofficial national dish of the United States, and there’s good reason for this. It's hard to think of a more American dish than a hamburger, right?

Well, hamburgers may be a national treasure today, but their very name gives us a clue about their true origin: Germany’s Hamburg .

2

Hot dogs

Image: Peter Secan

Few things are as American as buying a hot dog from a street vendor and enjoying it in the sun, right? Well, not exactly. The more formal names of the humble hot dog—frankfurters and Vienna sausages—give us, once again, a hint about their German and Austrian true origin.

3

French fries

Image: Elizabeth Jamieson

While French fries have been a national staple for quite some time, their very name also gives away their foreign origin. There is an ongoing debate about whether these fries are actually French or Belgian , but in any case, these delicious bits of joy are not American.

4

Mustard

Image: Peter Werkman

Mustard, the first of many popular condiments cherished by Americans, was first consumed by the Egyptians in its original seed form and later by the Romans as the paste we most commonly use today.

5

Ketchup

Image: Dennis Klein

Another condiment that is at least as popular as mustard in America, if not more, ketchup originated as a Chinese fermented fish sauce called "kê-tsiap." Over time, the sauce evolved, leaving the fish behind and replacing it with tomatoes to become the ketchup we know today.

6

Pickles

Image: Mehmet Uzut

Another food highly appreciated on American soil is pickles. Whether on burgers, served as a side with sandwiches, chopped into relish for hot dogs, or enjoyed in many other ways, these vinegar-soaked cucumbers are a staple of our cuisine. But multiple records trace the origin of these treats as far as ancient Egypt , where even Cleopatra was rumored to love them.

7

Apple pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

This may be shocking to some, but alas, it is true: the quintessentially American apple pie is not really American. The earliest known recipes for apple pie belong to the ancient Greeks . And Dutch bakers created the modern version of the pie in the 15th century.

8

Mac and cheese

Image: Hermes Rivera

Thomas Jefferson is often credited with inventing macaroni and cheese after bringing back a macaroni machine from a trip to Europe, but he was not the first to come up with the idea.

The original recipe for macaroni baked with cheese sauce first appeared in the 14th-century cookbook Liber de Coquina, which is believed to have been written by an Italian author.

9

Bacon

Image: Casey DeViese

Nobody "invented" bacon, right? It’s just a piece of meat. The origins can be traced back to the ancient world, where curing and preserving pork became a common practice. But, as it happens, most sources agree that the Celts were the first to prepare and cook it in the way we do today.

10

Meatloaf

Image: RitaE

A humble recipe, for sure, meatloaf was made in Medieval Europe from scraps of meat held together by fruits, nuts, and seasonings. It was created to stretch leftover beef or create a more substantial meal from less expensive cuts of meat.

11

Mayonnaise

Image: May_hokkaido

The third and final condiment on our list is another American staple, even though its French name might give us a pretty straightforward idea of its origin. But it's not that simple.

The French mayonnaise is likely derived from Spanish versions of aioli, which is a garlic mayonnaise.

12

Barbecue

Image: Andrik Langfield

Surely, something as American as a barbecue must be a local invention, right? Wrong, again. Known as "barbacoa" in the West Indies long before it became popular in America, barbecues have been around for a long time. Even the modern barbecue, with spice-rubbed meat slowly cooked over a fire and topped with sauce, originated in the Caribbean .

1

Hollywood

Image: Jake Blucker

Palm trees, long roads, and one iconic mountain with a most recognizable sign that reads "Hollywood." This place is much more than just that—it’s become a symbol of big dreams and even bigger screens.

Since the early 1900s, Hollywood has been the heart of the world’s movie industry . Films that reach global audiences have been made every single day ever since. Americans popularized the blockbuster, and movie stars like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean became household names worldwide. With events like the Oscars, red-carpet premieres, and starry paths like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the place keeps the mystique alive. This results in millions of tourists flocking to the iconic Hollywood sign every year, hoping to catch a glimpse of stardom. From romantic comedies to superhero flicks, Hollywood movies have a unique style that’s unmistakably American. And hey, who hasn’t secretly wanted to be in the movies?

2

The American Dream

Image: frank mckenna

Few phrases denote the American spirit as much as the "American Dream," and no, it’s not just that it’s right there in the phrase. It’s the fact that the phrase has become a source of inspiration for more than one generation. The American Dream is about the chance we all get (or should get) in life to achieve success, regardless of our background.

The idea is rooted in the belief that hard work and determination can lead to prosperity—a notion that has attracted immigrants and risk-takers for centuries. From the Gold Rush to Silicon Valley, the Dream has evolved but remained relevant because it speaks to the essence of the human spirit.

The American Dream can mean building a home, becoming a CEO, or attending an Ivy League college. It doesn’t matter—it's a concept that feels uniquely American, where ambition is practically a national pastime.

3

Fast food

Image: Kenny Eliason

When people think of American food, fast food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC often come to mind. While fast food wasn’t exactly created in our country, it certainly popularized the quick-and-easy dining experience.

There’s something uniquely American about the convenience of a drive-thru and the guilty pleasure of a cheeseburger and fries. Fast food became a symbol of the American lifestyle in the 1950s, when suburban families sought meals that were fast and tasty.

Today, we even have healthier options, which proves that the industry can adapt while keeping its original charm. It’s quick, it’s familiar, and for many, it just feels like home.

4

Baseball

Image: Joshua Peacock

Speaking of institutions, enter baseball! Rooted in the 19th century, baseball has been a staple of American culture—generations of families united through teams, ballparks, and timeless rivalries .

The crack of the bat, the seventh-inning stretch, and the smell of hot dogs are classic hallmarks of the American baseball experience. You can perfectly picture that, can’t you? The World Series is one of the most anticipated events each year, attracting fans from all over the country.

While it’s played elsewhere, no one embraces baseball quite like America. From Little League to Major League, it’s a sport that feels imprinted in our history. Baseball captures something timeless about America, just as it always has.

5

The Fourth of July

Image: Stephanie McCabe

Summer starts, and with it, one already starts thinking about a certain barbecue, under some certain fireworks, celebrating a certain national date, right?

Every summer for the past 246 years, Americans have gathered to celebrate Independence Day with a bang . Well, not precisely that many years, but you get the point.

The Fourth of July marks the anniversary of the US independence in 1776, and it is celebrated with parades, BBQs, and fireworks displays.

Patriotism meets tradition, and we get flags waving, sparklers shining, and people enjoying a day off work with loved ones. Many cities host grand parades, and fireworks shows light up the skies from coast to coast. There’s nothing quite like the Fourth in this country; it’s a holiday with heart and history.

6

The Wild West

Image: Jeremy Alford

The Wild West conjures images of cowboys, saloons, and dusty trails that are purely American. This period in the 19th century was marked by westward expansion, tales of rugged frontiersmen, and gold rushes.

That was the beginning of cowboy culture, but certainly not the end. Even today, the cowboy spirit lives on in American folklore and pop culture. People still visit old Western towns and attend rodeos to catch a glimpse of that era.

We mentioned Hollywood, and that’s also connected to this because Western movies helped immortalize the myths of the Wild West, with iconic gunslingers and epic standoffs. Although the frontier is long gone, the independent, adventurous spirit it represents still resonates. Don’t you think?

7

Silicon Valley

Image: Amy Vosters

First the cowboys, the gold rush, and the expansion of our territory. But after that was settled, development and innovation knew no bounds, and thus we got places like Silicon Valley—a city that represents modern times and the technology that will take us into the future.

Located in California, this is where major tech giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook all got their start, transforming the area into a hotbed for innovation . Silicon Valley has impacted everything from our daily routines to global communication, with inventions that changed the world. The region is home to countless startups, bringing together brilliant minds and bold ideas.

This technology-driven culture reflects the American spirit of invention and risk-taking. It’s a place where possibilities seem endless, and tech dreams come true.

8

American football

Image: Tim Mossholder

As if baseball wasn’t enough of a cultural activity, American football came to be the country’s favorite sport, bringing people together on fall weekends to cheer for their teams and boo the rivals—admit it!

While other sports are popular worldwide, football, the NFL, and the Super Bowl in particular, are unique to the US. The thrill of game day, with fans tailgating and players charging down the field, is unmatched.

The Super Bowl has even become a cultural event, complete with halftime shows and commercials that people actually watch! Where else have you ever seen something like that?

From high school games to professional leagues, football is a major community event. Fans don their jerseys and root for their team through thick and thin. As American as it gets, right?

9

Route 66

Image: Mateusz Szerszyński

The Main Street of America, the Will Rogers Highway, the Mother Road—how many nicknames can one route have? Well, apparently, that’s what you get when you become the most famous route on the continent.

Route 66 is an iconic symbol of American freedom and adventure. It stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles, and this historic highway takes travelers through diverse landscapes and all kinds of towns.

Route 66 has been immortalized in songs, stories, and even neon signs in roadside diners. Though parts of the road have faded, its legacy remains strong in American culture. Route 66 represents the spirit of exploration that defines our nation. After all, who doesn’t love a good road trip?

10

The Bald Eagle

Image: Mathew Schwartz

Think of words that describe our country. You might be thinking of words like "resilience," "freedom," or maybe even "fierceness." Did we get it right? In any case, if you agree with us on those words, you’ll see that they could describe America or the bald eagle, which was chosen as the national emblem in 1782. This majestic bird has come to represent the United States’ fierce independence.

With its impressive wingspan and piercing gaze, the bald eagle is often seen soaring high in American skies, symbolizing strength and vision. Although once endangered, conservation efforts helped bring the eagle back from the brink, making it an environmental success story. The bird appears on everything from coins to government seals, proudly representing the nation. Even in popular culture, the bald eagle is a go-to image for patriotism. Don’t you just love it?

1

Daiquiri

Is it possible that our favorite vacation cocktail was originally a "medicine"? Back in 1898, an American mining engineer named Jennings Cox was working in the village of Daiquiri, Cuba. He mixed local rum, lime, and sugar to keep his workers refreshed and to ward off yellow fever.

This drink migrated to the States, becoming popular during the 1940s and 1950s, and a favorite of Ernest Hemingway and President John F. Kennedy . While Hemingway famously drank daiquiris in Havana, JFK later helped make the cocktail fashionable in American political circles. Rum brands like Bacardi and Captain Morgan helped make the cocktail a summer favorite, and the original recipe started to vary among bars and vacation spots.

2

Hamburger

Did you know one famous hamburger origin story points to a small town in New York? According to the Menches family legend, brothers Frank and Charles Menches were selling pork sausage sandwiches at the 1885 Erie County Fair in Hamburg, New York, when they ran out of pork . A local butcher suggested ground beef instead. The brothers reportedly seasoned the beef with coffee, brown sugar, and other ingredients, then served it between bread with ketchup and sliced onions. The sandwich was said to be a hit, so they named it the "hamburger" after the town where the fair was held.

3

German Chocolate Cake

Don’t let the name fool you into thinking this recipe comes from overseas. This dessert was actually born in Dallas in 1957 when Mrs. George Clay sent the recipe to the local newspaper, the Dallas Morning News . The German part actually comes from Sam German, the man who developed the dark baking chocolate for Baker’s Chocolates Company back in the 1850s.

This cake quickly became a sensation at birthdays and other celebrations thanks to its coconut-pecan frosting. The confection eventually inspired similar cupcakes, brownies, and even an ice cream flavor.

4

Philly Cheesesteak

One of Philadelphia’s most famous foods started almost by accident. In 1930, Pat Olivieri was running a hot dog stand in South Philly when he decided to grill some chopped beef and place it inside an Italian roll for himself. A taxi driver nearby smelled it, asked for one too, and legend follows that the word spread quickly around the city .

Shortly after, melted cheese became part of the recipe —usually Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American cheese. Today, locals debate whether the best version is sold at Pat's King of Steaks or Geno's Steaks.

5

Hot Dog

Just like the hot dog itself has two main ingredients, its origin story also comes in two parts. Some people say the sausage came from Frankfurt, Germany, while others believe the wieners of Vienna, Austria, inspired it. Frankfurt even celebrated the sausage’s 500th anniversary in 1897 to strengthen its claim.

But how did the hot dog become an American favorite? Before the 1850s, people in New York usually ate frankfurters between two slices of bread. Around that time, Austrian baker Ignatz Frischman arrived near Coney Island, and he noticed how much the crowds loved the sandwiches. After opening his bakery, he created a long, soft roll made especially for the sausages, and street vendors quickly started using them .

6

S'mores

The first known recipe for the summertime classic appeared in a 1927 Girl Scout handbook, where campers were taught to roast marshmallows over a fire and sandwich them between graham crackers and chocolate.

Companies like Hershey's, Jet-Puffed, and Honey Maid helped turn s’mores into a must for campfire treats, and now, they can be made in ovens or microwaves with peanut butter or flavored chocolate.

7

Corn Dog

A hot dog dipped in cornmeal batter, placed on a stick, and deep-fried until golden brown. That is how a classic corn dog is made. During the late 1920s, one Minnesota family sold their version of the corn dog at the Oregon local fairs under the name "Pronto Pup" because they disliked the term "corn dog." Even so, "corn dog" became the most recognized name, especially after state fairs in Texas and the Midwest helped popularize it throughout the country.

They are staples at carnivals, baseball games, and amusement parks, and are usually adorned with mustard or ketchup . Also, newer versions use spicy sausages, cheese-filled batter, or mini bite-sized pieces for easy snacking.

8

Lobster Roll

One early story places its birth in a Connecticut restaurant during the 1920s, where warm lobster soaked in butter was served inside a toasted roll. Years later, Maine helped popularize a different version with cold lobster mixed with mayonnaise, and the debate between the two styles continues.

By the 1970s, lobster rolls had turned into a symbol of seaside vacations across the Northeast. People have them at seafood shacks, harbor towns, and summer festivals. Famous spots like Red's Eats became famous for lobster meat rolls, while others, such as Luke's Lobster, helped introduce the sandwich to the rest of the country.

9

Reuben Sandwich

The Reuben Sandwich has been part of a food debate for nearly a century. One version takes us to the 1920s, Omaha, Nebraska, where grocer Reuben Kulakofsky asked for a special sandwich during late-night poker games at a hotel . The other one says a New York deli owner was already serving something very similar around the same time.

No matter the truth, the sandwich was already appearing on menus by the 1930s with its mix of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread. It is a classic choice at American diners and Jewish-style delis.

10

Piña Colada

It first appeared in 1954 at the Caribe Hilton. Bartender "Monchito" Marrero, after trying different recipes, finally arrived at the rum, coconut, pineapple juice fusion we enjoy today.

Coco López and Malibu, both liquor brands, helped turn the drink into an easy, homemade one, enabling more flavors like strawberry, mango, or even banana. Also, as Caribbean vacations and cruise trips became popular during the second half of the 20th century, the piña colada started showing up at beach bars and resorts all over the country.