Food isn’t just about flavor—it’s a story of history, culture, and geography all rolled into one. Many of the world’s most popular dishes are named after places, but their true origins might surprise you. Just because something’s called “Hawaiian” or “Sicilian” doesn’t mean it actually hails from there.
Welcome to the “Foods Named After Places” Trivia Quiz!
Get ready to test your knowledge of dishes that wear a location in their name. Some are easy (looking at you, New York-style pizza), while others will make you rethink everything you thought you knew (yes, we’re talking about French fries). By the end, you’ll have a plateful of fun facts to share at your next meal.
Why Are Foods Named After Places?
There are a few reasons why certain dishes carry geographic names:
- They really were created there.
Think Philly cheesesteak (born in Philadelphia) or Key lime pie (straight out of Florida’s Key West). - They honor a place—but aren’t from there.
Hawaiian pizza? Invented in Canada. French fries? Belgium claims the credit. - The name just stuck.
Bologna sausage may take inspiration from the Italian city, but the American version is its own creation.
5 Surprising Foods Named After Places
These dishes prove that names can be deceiving:
- Scotch eggs aren’t from Scotland—they originated in Yorkshire, England.
- Crab Rangoon sounds Southeast Asian, but it’s actually an American Chinese invention.
- Neapolitan ice cream wasn’t born in Naples—it was inspired by Italian tricolor desserts.
- Hawaiian pizza came from Canada, courtesy of a Greek immigrant.
- Mississippi mud pie might not be from Mississippi at all—it’s named for its rich, “mud-like” texture.
How to Play the Quiz
Here’s how it works:
- Each question features a photo of the dish to help you identify it.
- You’ll have four answer choices—only one is correct.
- After you choose, you’ll get a short, fun explanation about the dish’s origin.
Every correct answer earns you points, and top scorers claim a spot on our leaderboard.
Think you’re a true food geography expert? Let’s find out! 🍕🌎



