The long history of the hamburger - in short

2024. 10. 25.

The origin and history of the hamburger

The history of the hamburger is at least as exciting as the food itself. Although many believe it to be an American invention, its roots actually go back much further.

What do Mongolians have to do with hamburgers?

It may come as a surprise to you, but when we talk about the history of the hamburger, we have to start all the way back to the Middle Ages. Its origins can be traced back to the Mongols and Tatars. According to the stories, these warrior peoples chose a very strange method to secure food during the campaigns: they placed raw meat under the horses' saddles.

This procedure, although it sounds strange to today's eyes, was extremely practical. The meat was tenderized by the friction and heat of riding, so warriors could eat it on the go without having to stop. This dish is what you might know today as tartar beefsteak.

When the Mongols marched through Europe, they also introduced their food and customs to the continent. Minced meat was introduced to Russia and the western parts of Europe, and the way it was prepared changed over the years. For the Germans, especially in the city of Hamburg, minced meat was served seasoned, boiled or fried, which was more similar to today's hamburger. This "Hamburg steak" was what the Germans who emigrated from Germany in the 19th century brought with them to America.

Once in America, the Hamburg steak quickly grew in popularity, especially in markets and restaurants frequented by immigrants. The meat was placed between two buns, which was a practical innovation: together with the bun, the food became much easier to eat and carry, especially in the increasingly urban environment. This is how the hamburger we know today was born.

American hamburger

The hamburger appeared in America, and soon New York and Texas, fought for the title of who owned the first real hamburger. In New York, at the end of the 19th century, hamburgers could already be found in markets and street vendors, where they were served as a quick and cheap solution.

However, Texas also applied for the title of the home of the hamburger: according to legend, a local chef, Fletcher Davis, offered hamburgers in the city of Athens in the 1880s, which he later made known worldwide at the World's Fair in St. Louis.

After that, the hamburger spread almost all over America: street vendors quickly discovered that it was not only tasty, but also extremely economical. It is easy to prepare and consists of cheap ingredients.

This is how this food became one of the cornerstones of American street food culture.

The spread of fast food restaurants

In the middle of the 20th century, fast food restaurants that are still dominant today appeared on the scene: McDonald's and Burger King. They not only offered a simple dish, but also created a completely new food culture.

McDonald's revolutionized the operation of fast food restaurants with its lightning-fast service system: the hamburger became a symbol of fast, cheap and delicious food. Burger King followed a similar path, but with its own characteristics, such as flame-grilled meat patty, it further increased the popularity of the hamburger worldwide.

As fast food restaurants have gone global, the hamburger has become ubiquitous around the world, but the food has continually adapted to local tastes and needs.

The secret of success

And how can it still be one of the most popular dishes? In recent years, gourmet versions have appeared, in which premium ingredients, special meats and handmade buns are the focus. Nowadays, it can be integrated into almost every eating habit: meat-free alternatives, vegetable or plant-based burgers are everywhere, but gluten-free ones are not surprising either.

This is precisely why the hamburger is more than a fast-passing food trend: although it is popular due to its simplicity, it is constantly able to renew itself and adapt to the latest food trends.

The most expensive hamburger in the world

Many people don't believe it, but there are hamburgers that cost thousands of dollars. These luxury burgers are made with toppings like gold, truffle, caviar and premium beef.

But what makes a hamburger so expensive? Well, not only the special ingredients, but also the environment contributes to its price: they are usually prepared by the best chefs in the world and served in the most famous luxury restaurants.

Try the real one!

However, you don't have to pay a fortune for the real experience! A really good hamburger will give you the same feeling. Of course, there are those for whom the fast food version is the real thing, but you can believe us: a fresh, home-made hamburger made from quality ingredients is a completely different experience!

A homemade hamburger depends not only on the ingredients! If you are still a beginner, it is worth buying a few useful accessories.

The secret of a perfect hamburger lies in an evenly cooked meat patty - and the meat patty shaping tools help with this.

Grilling also greatly affects the final result. Gammo's grill machines and pans are all designed so that the meat patties are crispy on the outside and really juicy on the inside.

Next time you want to eat a hamburger, take a little more time! If you do it right, you will immediately understand why it has been loved for centuries!

In the meantime, browse our online store, and get quality kitchen accessories!