You probably guessed it— the word 'hamburger' directly traces back to the port city of Hamburg in Germany. In the 19th century, butchers and merchants there offered ground and seasoned beef, known as the Hamburg steak.
But this Hamburg steak didn't quite resemble the hamburger we know today! In fact, this hearty preparation, often served with onions and spices, wasn’t yet enclosed in bread. Yet, it is this very ground meat that forms the foundation of the modern hamburger.
Originally enjoyed by workers and sailors, this dish was brought to the United States by waves of German immigrants. By the late 19th century, numerous street vendors and restaurateurs started serving this hot ground beef patty tucked between two slices of bread or inside a small bun (bun)—creating a portable, convenient meal ideal for workers and fairgoers.
Did you know that multiple figures claim to have invented the first sandwich? One of them is Charlie Nagreen, known as "Hamburger Charlie", who allegedly flattened a meat patty between two slices of bread at a Wisconsin fair in 1885 to make it easier to eat while walking.
However, the origin of the hamburger is also claimed by the Menches brothers, who assert they served a similar sandwich at a fair in Ohio in the same year, after running out of sausage and substituting with ground beef. Other accounts mention restaurateurs such as Louis Lassen in Connecticut around 1900, who is believed to have sold the first hamburger resembling those we enjoy today.
While stories about its origins vary and many accounts have been passed down orally, pinpointing a single inventor is challenging. What is certain, however, is that the hamburger as we know it was born in North America, where the Hamburg steak was placed inside bread to create a convenient and affordable sandwich. Its popularity skyrocketed in the 1920s, coinciding with the rise of fast food!
Where to eat a good burger in Paris and the Ile-de-France region? Our best addresses
Here are the best places to devour a delicious burger in Paris. Whether you prefer one dripping with melted cheese, vegetarian, or even more original, you're sure to find something you love among these recommendations! [Read more]
Where to eat a good burger in Paris and the Ile-de-France region? Our best addresses
