Hamburger
A ground beef patty in a bun, globally iconic.
A hamburger, often known as a burger, consists of fillings—usually a patty of panfried or grilled ground meat, typically beef—placed inside a sliced bun, sesame seed bun, or bread roll. These patties are often served with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, bacon, or chilis, together in the bun or roll. The filling of the burger can be topped with condiments such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish, or a 'special sauce', often a variation of Thousand Island dressing. A burger with the patty topped with cheese is called a cheeseburger, in which case 'hamburger' often refers to a burger without cheese. Under some definitions, a hamburger is considered a sandwich.
- field
- Food
- known_for
- Iconic fast-food sandwich of ground beef patty in a bun
- origin
- Hamburg, Germany (name origin, but exact connection is contentious)
Lore & Background
Versions of the meal have been served for over a century, but its origins are still unclear. However, this may have contained roasted beefsteak rather than Frikadelle. It is not known which of these stories is the reason hamburgers got their name.
Reader's Guide
Hamburgers are commonly prepared at home and typically associated with fast-food restaurants but are also sold at other restaurants, including high-end establishments. There are many international and regional variations of hamburgers. Some of the largest multinational fast-food chains feature burgers as one of their core products: McDonald's Big Mac and Burger King's Whopper have become global icons of American culture. Hamburgers are staples of fast food and are usually served with a side of french fries. The invention of hamburgers is attributed to various people, including Charlie Nagreen, Frank and Charles Menches, Oscar Weber Bilby, Fletcher Davis, and Louis Lassen. White Castle traces the origin of the hamburger to Otto Krause in Hamburg, Germany. No conclusive argument has ended the dispute over invention. An article from ABC News sums up: 'One problem is that there is little written history. Another issue is that the burger spread happened largely at the World's Fair, from tiny vendors that came and went instantly. And it is entirely possible that more than one person came up with the idea at the same time in different parts of the country.'
Did You Know?
- The term 'hamburger' originally derives from Hamburg, Germany, but the exact connection between the food item and the city is contentious.
- By linguistic rebracketing, 'burger' became a self-standing word used for sandwiches with different meats, such as buffalo, chicken, turkey, or fish, and even meatless veggie burgers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hamburger?
A hamburger is a sandwich built around a ground-meat patty—most often beef—served inside a sliced bun, sesame-seed bun, or bread roll. It is typically dressed with toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, or pickles, plus condiments such as ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.
What is the difference between a hamburger and a cheeseburger?
A cheeseburger is a hamburger with a slice of cheese melted onto the patty. In everyday usage, the word 'hamburger' often specifically denotes the no-cheese version.
What toppings and condiments are traditional on a hamburger?
Classic toppings include lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, bacon, and chilis, while condiments range from ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise to relish or a 'special sauce' that is usually a Thousand Island-style dressing.
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