1. Apple Pie
Apple pie is often seen as the epitome of American comfort food. It’s so deeply ingrained in U.S. culture that it’s practically a symbol of the country itself, often referenced in films, songs, and advertisements as the essence of wholesome American values. People tend to think of it as an all-American classic—something that is as much a part of our identity as baseball or the American flag. However, the origins of apple pie are far from American. The concept of fruit-filled pies has been around in Europe for centuries, particularly in England and the Netherlands.
In fact, apple pie as we know it today was influenced by European settlers who arrived in America. They brought with them recipes for pies made with various fruits, and over time, apple pie became the version Americans latched onto, mainly because apples were abundant and easy to grow in the New World. The modern American apple pie, with its double crust and sweetened apple filling, began to take shape in the 17th and 18th centuries. So while apple pie may have become an American symbol, its roots trace back to Europe, where the art of making pies began long before the U.S. was even a thought on the world stage.
2. Karaoke
Karaoke might seem like one of those fun, distinctly American pastimes—something you do at a lively party or in a bar with friends. The image of a microphone, flashing lights, and a crowd of people singing along to pop songs has become almost synonymous with American nightlife. However, karaoke isn’t an American invention at all. It was actually created in Japan in the 1970s by a musician named Daisuke Inoue, who developed a machine that played instrumental tracks with lyrics displayed on a screen. His invention allowed people to sing along to their favorite songs, and it quickly became a popular form of entertainment in Japan.
While karaoke is now widespread in the United States, its origins are firmly rooted in Japanese culture. The word “karaoke” comes from two Japanese terms: “kara,” meaning empty, and “oke,” which is short for “orchestra,” referring to music without vocals. Although karaoke has evolved in the U.S., especially with the rise of karaoke bars and home systems, it was Japan that turned it into the global phenomenon it is today. So, while it’s a beloved activity in America, it’s a tradition that was truly born in Japan.
3. Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are almost synonymous with American cuisine—whether you’re at a baseball game, a summer BBQ, or a 4th of July cookout, they’re a must-have. But here’s the thing: hot dogs are not originally American. The hot dog actually has German roots, specifically in the city of Frankfurt, where sausages called “frankfurters” were first made. These sausages were made from finely ground meats and were sold as street food in the 1800s. The German immigrants who came to the U.S. in the late 19th century brought their sausage-making tradition with them, and it was in America that the hot dog really began to take its iconic form.
The hot dog, as we know it today—served in a soft bun, often topped with mustard, ketchup, and other condiments—became popular in the United States in the early 20th century. However, the sausage itself was just one of many variations of sausages found across Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and other parts of Central Europe. While the U.S. has certainly put its stamp on the hot dog by adapting it into something uniquely American, the sausage at the heart of the dish was born in Germany. So, while we can take pride in the Americanization of the hot dog, we can’t exactly claim it as our own invention.
4. Baseball
Baseball is considered America’s pastime and is deeply woven into the fabric of U.S. culture. The sport seems to be as American as apple pie, but it actually has roots in Britain. While the specific origins of baseball are debated, many trace its history back to games like rounders and cricket, which were played in England and Ireland long before the American version took shape.
It wasn’t until the 19th century, when baseball was formalized with rules and teams, that it became a widely popular American sport. Even though it evolved and gained immense popularity in the U.S., baseball’s origin is firmly European.
5. The Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance is recited by millions of Americans every day and is deeply connected to national pride. However, it was written by a socialist and minister named Francis Bellamy in 1892, and the original version was meant to be part of a campaign to sell flags to public schools. What’s even more surprising is that the Pledge was influenced by a broader tradition of nationalistic oaths found in European countries.
The original intent of the Pledge was to unify the country and encourage patriotism during the country’s burgeoning public education system. While it’s uniquely American in its current form, its roots have strong ties to a broader, global tradition of national allegiance.
6. French Fries
French fries—those crispy, golden delights—are served in nearly every American fast food joint and are often considered the quintessential American side dish. But despite their name, French fries didn’t originate in France. Many food historians argue that they actually came from Belgium, where villagers in the Meuse Valley are said to have been frying potatoes as early as the late 1600s.
The name “French fries” comes from the method of slicing potatoes into thin strips, known as “frenching.” While the French were involved in popularizing this technique, the Belgians are credited with creating the fry. American soldiers encountered fries in Belgium during World War I, and upon returning home, they helped make French fries a beloved staple in the U.S.
7. Yoga
Yoga is so widely practiced across the U.S. today that it’s easy to think of it as a part of the American wellness scene. But yoga is, of course, an ancient practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. The philosophies and physical postures of yoga were developed in India and became deeply intertwined with religious and spiritual practices.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that yoga became popular in the United States, with figures like Swami Vivekananda and later yoga instructors introducing it as a form of exercise. The American version of yoga, often focused on the physical postures, bears little resemblance to its original spiritual roots.
8. Croissants
Croissants are a beloved pastry in American bakeries and cafes. Their flaky, buttery layers are often associated with French elegance and sophistication. However, the croissant didn’t originate in France—it actually has ties to Austria. The pastry’s origins date back to Vienna in the 17th century when it was created to celebrate the defeat of the Ottoman Empire.
The French later adopted and popularized the pastry, giving it the shape we recognize today. The croissant’s reputation as a French treat is due to France’s widespread influence on culinary culture, but its true birthplace is Austrian.
9. Pizza
Pizza might be one of the most American foods we can think of, often topped with gooey cheese and pepperoni, served at parties, and found in nearly every neighborhood. However, pizza as we know it—especially with tomato sauce and cheese—was born in Naples, Italy. The concept of flatbreads with toppings has existed for centuries, but the Italian version that we recognize as pizza today took shape in the late 19th century.
It wasn’t until Italian immigrants brought their recipes to the United States in the early 20th century that pizza became widespread in America. Over time, Americans adapted pizza to their tastes, but the dish itself originated far from the U.S.
10. Tacos
Tacos are a delicious, quintessential part of American fast food culture. Think of taco trucks, Taco Bell, or any neighborhood Mexican restaurant—they’re a staple in American cuisine. However, tacos are a Mexican invention and have been a part of Mexican cuisine for centuries. They originally evolved as a simple dish of tortillas filled with fish or other meats.
American adaptations of tacos, especially the crunchy, hard-shell versions we see today, didn’t become widespread until the mid-20th century. The Americanized taco might be a beloved favorite, but its true origin is distinctly Mexican.
11. The Subway System
When we think of efficient public transit, the New York City subway system often comes to mind. The subway is so integral to daily life in the city that it’s easy to assume it was an American invention. In reality, the world’s first underground railway system was built in London in 1863.
While New York’s subway system was one of the first in the U.S. and influenced subway systems worldwide, its concept and design were inspired by London’s underground network. Still, New York’s system became an icon in its own right.
12. The Martini
The martini is the drink most closely associated with American cocktail culture. It’s the drink of choice for business meetings, fancy dinners, and James Bond movies. But did you know the martini actually has origins in Europe? The first recorded version of the martini is often traced back to the late 19th century in either Italy or France, though it was American bartenders who refined and popularized it.
The drink became a staple in the U.S. after it was served in various American bars and restaurants, especially in New York and San Francisco. While it’s undoubtedly a favorite American drink today, its roots are distinctly European.
13. The Toothbrush
You might think of the toothbrush as a standard piece of American hygiene equipment, but it was actually invented in England in the late 1700s. The early versions of the toothbrush were made from animal bristles, but over time, toothbrushes made of nylon bristles began to take shape in the U.S. in the 20th century.
Despite the fact that the toothbrush was invented elsewhere, the United States played a pivotal role in its modern mass production and widespread use, which is why it might feel distinctly American today.
14. Ice Cream Sundae
The ice cream sundae is a beloved treat, and it’s easy to imagine it as an American classic. However, there’s some debate about its origin, and many historians believe the sundae originated in the late 19th century in the United States, but not exactly in the way we might think. The creation of the sundae was partially a response to laws that banned the sale of soda on Sundays.
Ice cream sundaes were invented as a way for ice cream parlors to still serve ice cream while adhering to these blue laws. However, some argue that the idea of mixing ice cream with various toppings was influenced by European desserts, making the sundae a bit of a hybrid rather than purely American.
