Published: 2023-09-06
The hot dog is a popular fast food enjoyed by people worldwide, but its origins are often overlooked. This article uncovers the history of the hot dog, tracing it back centuries before the discovery of the New World by Columbus.
The Frankfurter
Sausages, which are an essential component of the hot dog, can be traced back to ancient times, with some historians believing they were created in the 1st century AD. Legend has it that Emperor Nero's cook accidentally discovered sausages by stuffing minced meat and spices into the intestines of a roast pig. This concept spread throughout Europe, with Germany and Vienna both claiming to be the creators of the Vienna sausage.
Putting the Sausage into a Bun
The debate over who was the first to put sausages into buns continues, with Emil Reichel and Samuel Ladanyi, two Austro-Hungarian immigrants in Chicago, being credited by Vienna for this invention. They presented their food creations at the 1893 World's Fair and later opened a meat processing plant. Interestingly, there may be a Hungarian connection to the development of the modern hot dog.
Hot Dog in the US
German immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the United States in the 19th century. In the 1860s, Germans began selling "dachshund sausages" from food carts in New York, potentially giving the hot dog its name. Charles Feltman, another German immigrant, opened the first hot dog stand in Coney Island and quickly gained popularity. The hot dog's breakthrough came when a St. Louis sausage vendor started serving his product in a white bun. The hot dog's popularity continued to grow, even making its way onto the White House menu in 1939.
The Hot Dog's Arrival in Hungary
The hot dog arrived in Hungary during the 1960s and quickly became popular, especially in Budapest. Hot dog stands became a common sight, offering this quick and delicious meal to locals and tourists alike.
Questions & Answers
What are the origins of the hot dog? The history of the hot dog can be traced back centuries before Columbus explored the New World. Some believe that the first sausage was created in the 1st century AD when Emperor Nero's cook stuffed intestines with minced meat and spices.
Who claims to be the creator of the Vienna sausage? Germany claims the Vienna sausage as its own, but Vienna itself also claims to be the creator of this delicious treat.
Who were the inventors of putting sausages into buns? It is widely debated who was the first to put sausages into buns. In Vienna, Emil Reichel and Samuel Ladany, who emigrated from the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy to Chicago, are often credited as the inventors. They presented their food creations at the 1893 World's Fair and later opened the Vienna Beef Company.
When did Germans start selling "dachshund sausage" in New York? According to some sources from the 1860s, Germans started selling "dachshund sausage" from food carts in New York.
Who opened the first hot dog stand in Coney Island? Charles Feltman, a German immigrant, opened the first hot dog stand in Coney Island. He became very popular, selling over 3,600 frankfurters in his special bun in the first year of opening.
When did the hot dog arrive in Hungary? The hot dog arrived in Hungary in the 1960s and became popular in Budapest by the late 1970s.
