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In America, the "Hamburg steak" evolved into the modern burger. Legend has it that Charles Nagreen, known as "Hamburger Charlie," was one of the first to serve ground meat between two slices of bread at fairs in the late 1800s. His goal was to allow visitors to eat quickly without the need for forks and knives.
Several places claim to have "invented" the first burger. One of the most well-known claims comes from New Haven, Connecticut, where Louis Lassen allegedly created the first burger in 1900 for a customer who requested a quick meal to go. Lassen placed ground meat between two slices of toast, thus creating the shape of the modern hamburger.
Burgers began gaining popularity in the early 1900s, particularly with the opening of the fast-food chain White Castle in 1921. The McDonald’s chain, founded in the 1940s, further accelerated the expansion of the burger as a symbol of fast food. During World War II, American soldiers brought hamburgers to Europe, where they quickly became internationally popular.
With globalization, the burger has evolved into countless variations, from traditional beef patties to vegetarian and vegan alternatives. In many cultures, the burger has been adapted to local tastes – in Japan, you can find a burger with rice cakes instead of bread, while in India, there’s the McAloo Tikki burger, tailored to local dietary preferences.
The burger, one of the most popular dishes worldwide, has a rich and complex history that spans various cultures and continents. Its origins trace back through centuries, and the modern version has evolved through a series of events and cultural influences.
The story of the burger can be traced back to the 13th century, when Mongolian warriors, during their long rides, consumed pieces of raw meat that softened under their saddles. This technique was later adopted in Europe, where it evolved into a dish known as "steak tartare." In the 19th century, in the German city of Hamburg, the "Hamburg steak" became popular as a dish made of ground meat, often seasoned and shaped into a patty.
In the late 19th century, German immigrants brought the "Hamburg steak" to the United States, where the dish became very popular among workers and merchants.
