10 Fun Facts About Burgers

Origin Story

The hamburger, as we know it today, is said to have originated in Hamburg, Germany. There are many different theories about how the hamburger got its name. One theory is that it was named after the city of Hamburg, Germany. Another theory about the burger origin is that it was named after the Hamburg steak, a type of ground beef steak that was popular in Germany in the 19th century. The hamburger was then brought to the United States by German immigrants in the 19th century and the first hamburger in the United States is said to have been served at a restaurant in New York City in 1885.

Hamburgers quickly became popular in the United States, and they were soon being served at restaurants and lunch counters all over the country. In the early 1900s, hamburgers were also being sold at street carts and fairs.

White Castle

White Castle, founded in 1921, is often credited as the first fast-food hamburger chain in the United States. They are renowned for serving small, square-shaped hamburgers which they refer to as ‘sliders’. 

World's Largest Burger

The largest hamburger ever made weighed over 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms) and was cooked in 2012 in the town of Hamburg, Germany.

Cheeseburger Birth

The cheeseburger is said to have been invented in the 1920s. Lionel Sternberger is often credited with putting cheese on a hamburger at his father's Pasadena, California, sandwich shop. However, other sources claim the invention of the cheeseburger comes from Kaelin's Restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. Kaelin claims to have invented the cheeseburger in 1934, and they even have a menu from that year to back it up. The menu lists a "cheeseburger" for 25 cents.

National Burger Day

In the United States, National Burger Day is celebrated on May 28th each year. It's a day when many people enjoy their favourite burgers and many restaurants honour the day with great specials, discounted burgers and lots of great publicity. 

Vegetarian Burgers

Veggie burgers, made from ingredients like black beans, mushrooms, and vegetables, have been popularised as a meatless alternative to traditional burgers. In recent years, vegan burgers have become even more popular, thanks in part to the rise of plant-based meats such as plant proteins, such as soy, pea, and lentil protein because of the similar texture and flavour to meat.

Hamburger Hall of Fame

Seymour, Wisconsin, is home to the Hamburger Hall of Fame, which honours individuals and restaurants that have made significant contributions to the burger industry. The hall of fame includes names such as Oscar Mayer, who popularised the use of hot dogs and hamburgers in American cookery. Carl Karcher, founder of Carl's Jr, and  Maurice and Richard McDonald, founders of McDonald's. 

The "Slider"

The term "slider" for a small, square hamburger is believed to have originated from the way the burgers slide easily down the griddle during cooking and has become a popular and affectionate colloquial term. 

World Record Eating

The record for the most hamburgers eaten in three minutes is 12, and it was achieved by Takeru Kobayashi of Japan in 2014.

Burger Variations

Burgers come in countless variations worldwide. Some unique examples include the ramen burger (with ramen noodle buns), the doughnut burger (with doughnuts as buns), veggie burgers, fish burgers, and the surf 'n' turf burger (combining seafood and beef), a popular menu item at Burger & Lobster restaurants. 

Burgers at Burger & Lobster

Another burger fact, the Burgers at Burger & Lobster are the best in London… 

The Burger & Lobster menu includes a great selection of burgers. From traditional beef to succulent, juicy chicken, the burger menu offers something mouthwatering for everyone. If you prefer to keep it classic, the Classic Burger is an 8oz burger made with 100% beef, lettuce, fresh tomato, pickles, onion, classic burger sauce and crisp fries. 

For something a little richer, the Lake District Burger is made with dry-aged Lake District beef, tomato relish, caramelised red onion, pickles, blue cheese or aged cheddar, and tasty, chunky fries. If you’d prefer some iconic surf and turf, the Beast Burger is a sight to behold. The Beast Burger holds 5oz or 8oz 100% beef, juicy lobster meat, brie, fennel slaw, truffle tarragon mayo and perfectly crunchy fries. 

Another interesting burger fact, chicken burgers were first introduced in the early 1940s. One of the earliest known examples of a chicken burger is the "Chicken Fillet Sandwich," which was introduced by Truett Cathy at his restaurant in Hapeville, Georgia, in 1946. The Burger & Lobster Chicken Burger is just as iconic, using juicy roast chicken, a pretzel bun, chicken mayo, crushed avocado, red onion and tasty fries.

For our veggie visitors, you don’t need to miss out on a delicious burger, the Burger & Lobster Plant Burger is juicy, meaty and plant-based. Made with a Panko Simplicity patty, cabbage slaw, relish, cajun mayo, tomato, onion, pickles, fries and ranch sauce, this veggie burger will change your perception of vegetarian dishes. 

Aside from fantastic burgers, the Burger & Lobster menu also includes some fantastic drinks to wash it all down with. Sip on a seasonal Cloud of Lychee or slightly spicier Southern Spice, or perhaps keep it alcohol-free with refreshing mocktails, such as the Watermelon Iced Tea or Tropic Thunder. Better yet, pair your burger with a classic pint of beer and enjoy another fact about burgers: they’re absolutely delicious any time of day and any day of the week at Burger & Lobster.