6 "Foreign" Foods that Were Actually Born In America
The United States, in a place where people around the world come together to live there's bound to be some tasty food. Many immigrants bring the tastiest dishes from their homelands adding to the ever growing American menu.
However, not all food that bears the reputation of a culture actually comes from within its borders.
Here are a few examples of foods that aren't from where you think they're from.
The United States, in a place where people around the world come together to live there's bound to be some tasty food. Many immigrants bring the tastiest dishes from their homelands adding to the ever growing American menu.
However, not all food that bears the reputation of a culture actually comes from within its borders.
Here are a few examples of foods that aren't from where you think they're from.
1. Chimichangas
Chimichangas for those who are unfamiliar, are basically deep fried burritos.
These bundles of meat and bean filled goodness are often marketed as Mexican and sold at Mexican style restaurants.
At a glance, this seems like the right call. After all, it does have similar ingredients to most Mexican food. However, the chimichanga was originally developed in Tucson Arizona, where due to its geographical location culture (as well as food) leak over from Mexico.
These bundles of meat and bean filled goodness are often marketed as Mexican and sold at Mexican style restaurants.
At a glance, this seems like the right call. After all, it does have similar ingredients to most Mexican food. However, the chimichanga was originally developed in Tucson Arizona, where due to its geographical location culture (as well as food) leak over from Mexico.
2. Fortune Cookies
When people think of Chinese food, there's not a single one that doesn't spare a thought to the tried-and-true way to end a Chinese meal: the fortune cookie.
However, we as a people have been deceived, all this time the secret overlords of restaurant society led us to believe that fortune cookies were Asian, BUT THEY WERE LYING! The exact origin of the fortune cookie is under dispute, but one thing is clear... it wasn't in Asia.
In a 1983 court case, the final verdict was that it was created in San Francisco. They may not be Chinese, but those sweet, crispy confections sure as hell taste good.
However, we as a people have been deceived, all this time the secret overlords of restaurant society led us to believe that fortune cookies were Asian, BUT THEY WERE LYING! The exact origin of the fortune cookie is under dispute, but one thing is clear... it wasn't in Asia.
In a 1983 court case, the final verdict was that it was created in San Francisco. They may not be Chinese, but those sweet, crispy confections sure as hell taste good.
3. German Chocolate
Next up in our list of food flavored fibs is german chocolate cake. Despite its seemingly straightforward name is actually a dessert of American origins.
The word German in this instance refers not to the subject's country of origin but to the last name of its creator, Samuel German.
This confectionery conundrum of a name was created when the original product German's chocolate dropped the 's in the hopes of making things simpler. Had they only known...
The word German in this instance refers not to the subject's country of origin but to the last name of its creator, Samuel German.
This confectionery conundrum of a name was created when the original product German's chocolate dropped the 's in the hopes of making things simpler. Had they only known...
4. French Dip Sandwich
The French as bad as they are at winning wars, sure as hell know how to make a tasty sandwich, except apparently, they don't.
The popular French dip sandwich, inseparably paired with a warm cup of tasty meat juice, despite its name is not in fact of French origin. This lying sandwich's true origins lie in the town of Los Angles.
Two restaurants claim to have first stumbled upon the idea of dipping a sandwich in meat juice but as both are located in the city of LA, I do believe we can rule out France. Well, at least they still have french fries...oh...wait.
The popular French dip sandwich, inseparably paired with a warm cup of tasty meat juice, despite its name is not in fact of French origin. This lying sandwich's true origins lie in the town of Los Angles.
Two restaurants claim to have first stumbled upon the idea of dipping a sandwich in meat juice but as both are located in the city of LA, I do believe we can rule out France. Well, at least they still have french fries...oh...wait.
5. Russian Dressing
This delicious, deli-made classic may be overshadowed by its sweeter cousin, thousand islands, but Russians never go down without a fight. Unfortunately for this spicy sauce, its first adoption was not in the frozen vistas of the motherland.
In reality, Russian dressing was first created in New Hampshire. A far cry from its inferred birthplace. The exact reason for the confusing naming scheme is unknown however its thought to be a result of its being created as a competitor to Russian salads of the era.
Unfortunately, the name Balboa dressing was unavailable.
In reality, Russian dressing was first created in New Hampshire. A far cry from its inferred birthplace. The exact reason for the confusing naming scheme is unknown however its thought to be a result of its being created as a competitor to Russian salads of the era.
Unfortunately, the name Balboa dressing was unavailable.
6. Fajitas
You'd figure that anything that uses Spanish phonetics and includes tortillas in the recipe would be Mexican, but alas it isn't so.
Apparently, the south-west US is a big fan of culinary appropriation.
Fajitas are just one item on a fairly long list of foods that are made in the United States but inspired by Mexican cuisine. Despite the fact they originated in Texas they were made by Mexicans.
The story goes that when the Mexican cowboys brought the cows to be butchered they received the unwanted skirt steak, which they included in a taco-like dish.
Apparently, the south-west US is a big fan of culinary appropriation.
Fajitas are just one item on a fairly long list of foods that are made in the United States but inspired by Mexican cuisine. Despite the fact they originated in Texas they were made by Mexicans.
The story goes that when the Mexican cowboys brought the cows to be butchered they received the unwanted skirt steak, which they included in a taco-like dish.
Post A Comment: