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TueMay 28

International Burger Day – May 28, 2024

International Burger Day is celebrated on May 28 annually. Burgers are one of the most popular foods in the world and for good reason. They are fast, inexpensive, and tasty. Formerly considered inferior to prime slices, ground beef was considered a cheap byproduct but is now popularly used for hamburgers. Burgers have grown to international fame with different toppings, condiments, and variations. Whether pan-fried, flame-broiled or barbecued, one thing is certain, burgers are going to be served in a bun and International Hamburger Day is a celebration of that.

History of International Burger Day

It may surprise you to learn that the hamburger is an emblem of American fast food, yet its roots are obscure. Throughout history, from the military barracks of Genghis Khan to German steamships docking in New York Harbor, the humble hamburger has had a rather interesting existence.

Aside from the fact that it is called after the German city of Hamburg, no one knows where the hamburger came from or how it got its name. The link with Hamburg appears to have stemmed from a recipe for a meal known as the “Hamburg Sausage” that was published in 1758. The Hamburg America Line, according to some historians, was a cruise line that provided identical sandwiches to its passengers in the mid-1800s and gave the sandwich its name. According to some, the hamburger was created in New Haven in 1900 by Danish immigrant Louis Lassen, who used European principles.

Another version is that it was created at the World Fair. In 1904 at the St. Louis Food Festival,
Louis Lassen’s story was popular in 1900 in the U.S., referring to the hamburger as “the innovation of a food vendor on the pike,” as reported by the “New York Tribune.” It is said a businessman was hungry and needed meals fast. Louis is rumored to have created the burger by sandwiching grilled beef between two pieces of bread. Another person credited with making the hamburger is largely ignored is Otto Krause since his name has three distinct spellings, which is typical with German names. Today, there is still debate regarding who was the original creator of the popular dish. One thing is sure however that the day is worth celebrating despite its conflicting origins. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

International Burger Day timeline

1758
The Hamburger Sausage

The Hamburger sausage recipe appears in a cookbook for the first time.

1904
Burgers Boom

Burgers become a more popular and cheap fast-food staple after the World Fair.

1921
The First Sliders

White Castle starts making square hamburgers they call sliders.

1940
McDonald’s First Location

An iconic fast-food restaurant, McDonald’s, which sells one of the earliest burgers, opens in San Bernardino, California.

International Burger Day FAQs

Why was the name for burgers changed in WWI?

The Liberty Sandwich is a term used to refer to hamburgers. Because they did not want to be associated with any German names during World War I, American soldiers came up with this moniker.

Which burger joint has been around the longest?

The oldest burger chain in the world is White Castle, which was founded by Billy Ingram and Walter Anderson in 1921.

Who broke the world record for the most burgers eaten in a minute?

The world record for the most burgers eaten in a minute is five by Rix Terabite, aka Ricardo Francisco (Philippines), at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila, the Philippines in 2016.

International Burger Day Activities

  1. Eat A Burger(s)

    To celebrate, you can eat a burger or two — or as many as you like. On this day, you can eat out or try recipes to create your home-cooked burger, or you can have a burger party with friends if you prefer. If you are vegan, there are meatless options available for you to try and if you are a vegetarian, there are veggie options for you.

  2. Visit popular hamburger spots

    Take a road trip to other states and eat a variety of different burgers by visiting their most popular burger locations. You can also find or create a list of the best burgers in your city or another state and tick them off. Gourmet burgers, chicken burgers, veggie burgers— if you crave it, eat it

  3. Come up with new recipes

    Feeling adventurous? Rather than try recipes of chefs, restaurants, or celebrities, you can come up with your recipes from your favorite toppings or ingredients. This is a fun activity you can try with friends or neighbors.

5 Interesting Facts About Burgers

  1. The largest burger

    The world's largest hamburger was created in 1982, measuring 3,591 pounds and providing enough food to feed over 10,000 people.

  2. Record holder

    McDonald’s holds the record for the most burgers ever sold and sells about 75 burgers per second.

  3. Glamburger

    Created in 2014, this burger has gold leaf, lobster, and caviar and features black truffle, Kobe beef, venison, and a duck egg, making it one of the priciest burgers ever made, and sold at The Honky Tonk restaurant in London for $1,768!

  4. America’s most expensive burger

    The Fleur de Lys in Las Vegas serves one of the most costly burgers in the U.S., created with Kobe beef and foie gras, with a price tag of $5,000.

  5. Favorite toppings

    Burgers are commonly topped with bacon, jalapeños, cheese, lettuce, and onions.

Why We Love International Burger Day

  1. Bonding time

    One of the best ways to bond is by cooking and burgers are no exception. Call your partner or friends and have a fun time making burgers and eating them too.

  2. Creative cooking

    Whether you are cooking alone or making it a fun day with friends or your partner, you can always have fun coming up with creative and interesting burgers. Remember to experiment as much as you can.

  3. Delicious, fast and convenient

    As one of the most beloved foods worldwide, burgers reign supreme in taste, convenience, and ease. Grabbing a burger from a fast-food restaurant can take only minutes and with an array of toppings and options, it is no wonder it is a smashing hit.

International Burger Day dates

YearDateDay
2024May 28Tuesday
2025May 28Wednesday
2026May 28Thursday
2027May 28Friday
2028May 28Sunday

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