11. Hot Dogs
Brought to America by German immigrants in the 1860s, hot dogs—originally known as “dachshund sausages” due to their shape—became popular street food in New York City. Vendors like Charles Feltman at Coney Island began serving them in buns, making them easy to eat on the go. By the late 1800s, hot dogs had become a staple at ballparks and city streets, symbolizing urban street food culture and mass entertainment. Their popularity spread nationwide, solidifying their status as a quintessential American snack. (britannica.com)
