Can You Name the Food Country of Origin?
Written by LJ
Last updated · 15 min play time
Are you a food trivia whiz? A food country of origin is not always as easy to identify as you may think. Where did some of our favorite foods originate? Can you figure out the right answers to these fun food questions? Take this eye-opening food and drink trivia quiz and see for yourself!
It can sometimes be harder to guess a food country of origin than you may think. Many times the correct food trivia answers are not the ones that sound the most logical in your mind. For instance, did you know that French fries do not come from France? It’s true - they are actually quite American. The same goes for German chocolate cake. It’s another American recipe with German influence, but it’s not a traditional dish from Germany like you may have thought. Yet another example of a challenging piece of food and drink trivia is the food country of origin of the egg roll. Most Americans think of egg rolls as staples of Chinese cuisine, but once again, they are actually United States inventions.
Doesn’t all of this information make you curious as to learn about more foods and drinks that come from countries other than the ones you thought they did? You might want to take our food quiz to see for yourself how fascinating the world of food and culture is.
How good are you at guessing the right answers to food trivia questions? If the two food trivia questions and answers above did not surprise you, and you are usually pretty good at food quizzes, you may be feeling confident about our food and drink trivia game. If you were astounded by the answers, you may be in for an interesting ride.
Are you up to the challenge? Does it excite you to think about learning new things about your favorite foods and testing your knowledge of foods from around the world? Do you want to learn about other cultures and their foods? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, it is time to get busy working on our fun food questions!
Quiz written by
LJFood Country of Origin Quiz Questions
50 Questions · 2.5K Plays · 3 Comments
Question 1
What country does this flavorful meal come from?
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AUnited States
-
BMexico
-
CSpain
-
DItaly
Mexico
The exact origins of the taco are unknown. What is known is that it is a traditional Mexican dish that can be made with numerous fillings, from fish to vegetables to cheese.
Question 2
What country invented the buffalo version of these tasty meat items?
-
ACanada
-
BIreland
-
CUnited States
-
DUnited Kingdom
United States
A bar owner in Buffalo, New York created the first buffalo wing in 1964 when she decided to put some leftover chicken wings in buffalo sauce to create a one-of-a-kind treat for her son and his friends. They were such a hit that they were quickly added to the bar's menu.
Question 3
It seems like everyone loves this cheesy, saucy staple. What country did it originate in?
-
ACanada
-
BUnited States
-
CGermany
-
DItaly
Italy
While many people think of pizza as an American staple with Italian flair, the type that we eat today - which consists of crust, tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese - actually did come from Italy. Raffaele Esposito, a baker from the city of Naples, is credited with making the first pizza pie.
Question 4
This dip is great on your favorite chips. What country first mixed some up?
-
APortugal
-
BMexico
-
CAfghanistan
-
DSpain
Mexico
The salsa that we know today was discovered by Spaniards after conquering Mexico. Aztec, Mayan, and Incan people were the first to use the spices in salsa for food purposes.
Question 5
This is a type of beef that many meat lovers enjoy. Where is it from?
-
AUnited States
-
BIreland
-
CGreece
-
DTurkey
United States
Irish people first learned of corned beef at Jewish lunch carts and delis in New York after immigrating to the United States. Irish people often spent time among Italian and Jewish immigrants who faced similar discrimination.
Question 6
What country can we thank for this Thanksgiving dessert?
-
AAustralia
-
BFrance
-
CUnited States
-
DUnited Kingdom
United States
The first pumpkin pie was very different from the ones that we know and enjoy today, as there were no ovens to bake pies in during the 1600s when early American settlers made pies. The first pumpkin pies would have been made with stewed pumpkins, a variety of seasonings and a shell cooked over ashes. Today, the pie is also popular in Canada.
Question 7
Look at all that crunchy, bite-sized goodness! What country does this food call home?
-
AUnited Kingdom
-
BTaiwan
-
CNew Zealand
-
DUnited States
United States
Professor of poultry science Robert C. Baker created a number of edible chicken items in various shapes with his graduate students at Cornell University in New York. He invented chicken nuggets in particular in 1963, but McDonald's has often be credited with their creation since selling the first McNugget in 1980.
Question 8
This juice is a regular at many American breakfast tables, but what country first squeezed it?
-
ASweden
-
BRussia
-
CSerbia
-
DUnited States
United States
In 1910, a new solution was needed to deal with the overproduction of oranges in the state of California. Around the same time, pasteurization was becoming mainstream, which lead the mass production of orange juice, as it no longer spoiled within a day.
Question 9
What country created this first pasteurized grape juice?
-
AAustria
-
BAustralia
-
CBangladesh
-
DUnited States
United States
The pasteurized grape juice that we know today was created by Thomas Bramwell Welch of New Jersey. He wanted to create a non-alcoholic wine for church services during the temperance movement. All of his work eventually led to the creation of Welch's, the juice company that we all know today.
Question 10
This rich, dark cake was brought to us by which country?
-
AAustralia
-
BUnited States
-
CNorth Korea
-
DNew Zealand
United States
Devil's food cake mixes was created by The Duff Company of Pittsburgh in the 1930s. Chocolatey mixes did not gain popularity until after World War II due to rationing.
Question 11
This dish can be as tasty as it is healthy. What countries first dreamed these up?
-
AIreland and Austria
-
BGreece and Italy
-
CFrance and Germany
-
DUnited States and England
Greece and Italy
Ancient Romans and Greeks made the first salad with some simple greens and dressings. Today, salads have expanded into dozens of varieties with an almost unending choice of toppings.
Question 12
This yummy summer staple makes us think of ball games and Independence Day - but what country does this meaty concoction actually come from?
-
ASouth Korea
-
BDenmark
-
CUnited States
-
DGermany
Germany
The frankfurter sausage originated in Germany, and was brought to the United States by German immigrants in New York who sold hot dogs from pushcarts in the 1860s. However, hot dogs did not gain real popularity until Jewish immigrant Nathan Handwerker from Poland sold them at his successful Coney Island stand in 1915. This is when Nathan's Famous was born.
Question 13
These breakfast favorites are popular in several countries - but which one do they call home?
-
AFrance
-
BGreece
-
CItaly
-
DEngland
France
The sweet pancakes that we know and love today originated in Europe, specifically northern France. The word "pancake" appears for the first time in 15th century documentation from England.
Question 14
Many people enjoy this on bagels. Where does it come from originally?
-
AEngland
-
BUnited States
-
CCanada
-
DMexico
United States
William Lawrence of Chester, New York invented cream cheese by accident in 1872 while trying to recreate French Neufchatel cheese.
Question 15
Where did these crispy, salty favorites originate from?
-
ASwitzerland
-
BSpain
-
CFrance
-
DUnited States
United States
Fried potatoes of all kinds gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century. Moon's Lake Diner in New York created potato chips in 1853, when its chef became angry at a diner's request for crispier fried potatoes and over-cooked some thinly sliced potatoes. The customer loved this concoction so much that potato chips soon became a hit across the country.
Question 16
Bread in its crispiest form comes from where?
-
AMexico
-
BEngland
-
CChile
-
DHolland
England
Toast first appears in a recipe for a strange meal known as Oyle Soppys in a British publication from 1430. Toast was probably originally made from meat scraps rather than bread, and was used to flavor drinks.
Question 17
This crunchy side dish is great when paired with your favorite sandwich. What country can claim this food?
-
AUnited Kingdom
-
BAustralia
-
CRussia
-
DUnited States
United States
The exact location where the onion ring was invented is not known, but this battered dish was definitely created in the United States. Kirby's Pig Stand claimed to have invented onion rings in the 1920s, but recipes for fried onion dipped in batter appeared as early as 1802.
Question 18
Where do these treats on a stick hail from?
-
APoland
-
BAustria
-
CUnited States
-
DGermany
United States
German immigrants to Texas created the corn dog after finding resistance to more traditional German frankfurters in the 1920s. Corn dogs are now considered staples of American cuisine.
Question 19
Where does the sweet version of this refreshing beverage come from?
-
AEngland
-
BHungary
-
CUnited States
-
DFrance
United States
The first sweet tea recipe was found in a Virginia cookbook in 1879. This original recipe called for green tea, but the type that is popular in the American South and across the United States today usually uses black tea and sugar.
Question 20
This fishy salad is a favorite for many sandwich lovers. Where did it come from?
-
AEngland
-
BSpain
-
CUnited States
-
DCuba
United States
Fish and meat salads arose in 19th Century America when the middle class began looking for ways to conserve scraps of food. Housewives used a variety of leftover fish and meats for salad makings around this time. When they began frequenting lunch restaurants, the chefs there served them fresh versions of the salads they ate at home. Canned tuna became a popular ingredient when it was first canned in the early 20th Century.
Question 21
These chewy treats hail from what country?
-
AFrance
-
BChina
-
CUnited States
-
DDenmark
United States
Joseph Shalhoub & Son, Inc., a company founded by Lebanese immigrants in the United States, produced the first fruit snacks, Joray Fruit Rolls, in the 1970s. General Mills coined the term "fruit snacks" in 1983.
Question 22
These are often served with ham to make a delicious meal. What country first sold the canned version?
-
ASwitzerland
-
BUnited Kingdom
-
CJapan
-
DGermany
United Kingdom
In 1901, the United Kingdom's Fortnum and Mason sold the first line of canned baked beans, which were considered a luxury item. Since then, they have become a staple in UK households and in other countries around the world.
Question 23
What kid doesn't love one of these grilled sandwiches? Can you guess what country they come from?
-
ACanada
-
BJapan
-
CUnited States
-
DSwitzerland
United States
Grilled cheese sandwiches were first invented around 1965 after Kraft Foods introduced Kraft Singles cheese. Supermarkets originally paired them with one piece of bread, but after adding the second, the modern grilled cheese was born!
Question 24
This dish may not come from the country you think it does. Where is its home?
-
AUnited States
-
BHungary
-
CMexico
-
DCroatia
United States
Spaghetti and meatballs is a completely American dish. While spaghetti itself comes straight from Italy, it was Italian-American immigrants who added the meatballs.
Question 25
This pie is full of banana goodness that was dreamed up by what country?
-
AGermany
-
BUnited States
-
CJamaica
-
DMacedonia
United States
The first recipe for a banana cream pie appears in a 19th Century American cookbook. It called for sliced bananas rather than a creamy custard filling.
Question 26
We think of this desert as an American tradition. What country first made it?
-
AUnited States
-
BSweden
-
CMexico
-
DEngland
England
We may think that apple pie is as American as ball games and the Fourth of July, but the first recipe dates back to England in 1381. It was recorded by Geoffrey Chaucer and included apples, a variety of other fruits and an outer pastry. However, no sugar was included in this concoction.
Question 27
Potatoes never taste better than when they're mashed. What country first thought of this recipe?
-
AZimbabwe
-
BHungary
-
CUnited Kingdom
-
DUnited States
United Kingdom
A British cookbook by Hannah Glasse printed the first recipe for mashed potatoes. It was published in 1747.
Question 28
These tasty noodles are considered one of the most affordable meals. What country did they come from?
-
AJapan
-
BBrazil
-
CUnited States
-
DChina
Japan
Ramen noodles are based off of a type of Chinese noodle, but are actually a Japanese food. Every region in Japan has its own variation of this dish.
Question 29
These are a breakfast and snack favorite for many. Where did these rolls come from originally?
-
ASweden
-
BUnited Kingdom
-
CMexico
-
DGermany
Sweden
The cinnamon roll is believed to have come from Sweden, where Cinnamon Roll Day has been celebrated since 1999. Traditional Swedish rolls usually contain cardamom, giving them a different flavor than that found in the United States.
Question 30
A bowl of cheesy wonder like this is sure to put a smile on your face. What country does this dish come from?
-
AAustria
-
BUnited States
-
CItaly
-
DGermany
Italy
Macaroni and cheese dates all the way back to the late thirteenth century, where it can be found in the "Liber de coquina" from southern Italy. This particular recipe says to use two-inch sheets of lasagna and grated cheese, such as Parmesan.
Question 31
This meaty, noodle-filled soup is a favorite comfort meal when a cold strikes. Where does it originate from?
-
AUnited States
-
BEgypt
-
CGreece
-
DCanada
United States
A chef at Campbell's in New Jersey created Noodle With Chicken Soup in 1934. It got the name "Chicken Noodle Soup" when a radio host mispronounced its name on the air.
Question 32
This food is loaded with beneficial probiotics. What country first realized its potential?
-
AEngland
-
BNigeria
-
CBrazil
-
DTurkey
Turkey
Yogurt is thought to have existed in Turkey dating back to the 6th Century BCE. In fact, the term "yogurt" comes from the Turkish word "yogurmak", which means "to thicken".
Question 33
No matter what you put on it, this mix of bread and toppings is going to come out a winner. Where did the first sandwich in recorded history come from?
-
AIsrael
-
BSweden
-
CJapan
-
DHonduras
Israel
Hillel the Elder, a Jewish sage of ancient times and very crucial religious figure for those who practice Judaism, was said to have wrapped herbs and meat from the Paschal lamb in what is known as matzah, a soft, flat bread, during Passover.
Question 34
These holey, circular treats bring delights to many a food fanatic. What country do we owe thanks to for their existence?
-
AIndia
-
BThe Netherlands
-
CUnited States
-
DJapan
The Netherlands
Early Dutch settlers brought doughnuts to New York around 1809. The earliest mention of them can be found in a book from that year.
Question 35
You've probably enjoyed more than one or two of these long sandwiches. Where do they hail from?
-
AAustralia
-
BItaly
-
CFrance
-
DUnited States
United States
While submarine sandwiches have Italian roots, they are very much an American invention. They first appeared in various Italian-American communities in the late-19th to mid-20th centuries.
Question 36
This food makes for a simple and delicious sandwich. Where does it come from?
-
AUnited States
-
BJapan
-
CItaly
-
DIndia
Italy
While American bologna differs greatly from the kind from the city of Bologna, it does have the same origins. The main difference is that the Italian kind is spicy and higher-end.
Question 37
We all scream for this cold treat. What country started it all?
-
AUnited States
-
BChina
-
CEngland
-
DTaiwan
China
There are records indicating that a frozen milk and rice mixture was eaten in China as early as 200 BC. It was packed into snow to chill it.
Question 38
Doesn't that look refreshing? What country can claim this tasty beverage?
-
AEgypt
-
BUnited Kingdom
-
CNigeria
-
DUnited States
Egypt
The first evidence of lemonade is found in ancient Egypt, around the year 1000 AD. Early versions were made with dates and honey in addition to lemon juice. It was popular with peasants in Egypt and Asia in these ancient times.
Question 39
What country does this lunchtime favorite come to us from?
-
AUnited States
-
BGermany
-
CPortugal
-
DCanada
Germany
While breaded versions were created in America, the original Hamburg steak was invented in Germany, as its name would suggest. The original patties were made with high-quality meat and were quite a pricey dish.
Question 40
This snack is great in many flavors. What country thought it up?
-
ACuba
-
BAustria
-
CUnited States
-
DEngland
England
Recipes for pudding date back to 1596 England. All British puddings are not sweet desserts as they tend to be in America.
Question 41
This may not be your favorite way to prepare these. What country first realized how to cook these poultry products?
-
ASpain
-
BFrance
-
CEgypt
-
DIran
Egypt
The first fried egg seems to have been cooked in ancient Egypt. A fire was used to cook ostrich eggs rather than eggs from chickens.
Question 42
Who doesn't love this chocolaty treat? Where does it come from?
-
AChina
-
BUnited States
-
CSwitzerland
-
DRussia
United States
It is said that fudge was first made in America when a caramel recipe got fudged up at a factory. It was first sold at a Florida grocery store in 1886.
Question 43
This warm and spicy concoction is always welcomed on a cold winter day. What country does it hail from?
-
AChile
-
BUnited States
-
CMexico
-
DIreland
United States
Chili has roots in Texas, where early immigrants from the Canary Islands brought the dish to San Antonio. This is believed to have occurred in the early 1700s.
Question 44
This sweet milk variety was developed in what country?
-
AJamaica
-
BUnited States
-
CColombia
-
DFrance
Jamaica
A botanist named Sir Hans Sloane was visiting Jamaica in the 1700s when he was given a less-than-sweet cup of cocoa to drink. He set out to find a way to sweeten it, and chocolate milk was born.
Question 45
What country did the creator of this sandwich spread come from?
-
ASweden
-
BHolland
-
CCanada
-
DUnited States
Canada
Peanut paste was first patented in Canada by Marcellus Gilmore Edson in 1884. The product was created with roasted peanuts that were milled between two surfaces that were heated. Not long after, the creator of Kellogg's cereal patented a new process for creating peanut butter in the United States.
Question 46
Whether you like these sliced or whole, you probably know that these are a hamburger and sandwich staple. What country made them?
-
AChina
-
BGermany
-
CIndia
-
DCanada
India
Cucumbers were first pickled 2030 BC after being picked from their native location, the Tigris Valley in India. The word "pickle" was developed much later and has roots in both the Dutch and German languages.
Question 47
You might love these crispy, cheesy snacks, but do you know where they were invented?
-
AFrance
-
BItaly
-
CUnited States
-
DPeru
France
The modern mozzarella stick's origins are fuzzy, but the first mention of breading and frying cheese appears in a recipe from Medieval France. It could be found in a guidebook and called for muenster cheese rather than mozzarella.
Question 48
What country does this much-loved pork product call home?
-
AChina
-
BUnited States
-
CFrance
-
DPoland
China
It is believed that Bacon originated in the year 1500 B.C., when the people of China began curing pork bellies with salt. The Romans are credited with spreading bacon production practices when they learned cooking and curing techniques after conquering the Middle East.
Question 49
This fizzy water was created in a specific country. Which one is it?
-
AEngland
-
BItaly
-
CFrance
-
DUnited States
England
British doctor and scientist William Brownrigg is credited as being the first person to produce artificial carbonation in water during the 1740s. Carbon dioxide from mines was used to make the water sparkle.
Question 50
These come in many varieties and are popular in different countries. Which one is their birthplace?
-
ABelgium
-
BGreece
-
CGermany
-
DFrance
Greece
The first waffles date back to ancient Greece, where flat cakes were cooked between two hot plates made of metal. When they eventually made their way to Europe, these crispy, fluffy cakes became known as wafers and developed their waffled appearance.
Comments (3)
We want to hear your feedback! Share your scores and discuss the quiz, but keep it civil.
Fun and knowledgeable
Interesting, but way too USA centric!
Some hard choices here in regards to origin of certain foods. Thanks for making me hungry.