There's no doubt about it - food makes the world go 'round! We are always obsessing over the latest culinary trends and remain in hot pursuit of the perfect #Instaworthy dish to spruce up our feed. As novel combinations and dishes continue to revolutionize the food industry, we have started to take many of our current food favorites for granted. It's high time for a throwback to the past to see how our favorite treats came about in the first place! Here are eight culinary innovations that have changed our lives - and their unique histories and origin stories.

1. Eggs Benedict

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Source: Hilton

Despite its reputation as a brunch-time favorite for millennials, the origins of the eggs Benedict can be traced as far back as 1894! Lemuel Benedict, a Wall Street broker, had woken up in Waldorf Astoria New York with a hangover and desperately craved a hearty breakfast. He requested buttered toast, poached eggs, crisp bacon and spoon of Hollandaise - hatching the first ever order of eggs Benedict. Inspired by his request, the chefs at the hotel named the dish after him, and this iconic combination has remained the same ever since.

2. Milkshakes

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Source: Hilton

Everyone loves a good milkshake, but not many people know its origins as an alcoholic beverage. First concocted in 1885, a milkshake contained eggs and whiskey and was considered a health tonic. Alongside the invention of the electronic blender and introduction of ingredients such as ice cream and flavored milk, the milkshake evolved to cater to a broader audience and has become the sweet treat we know and love today.

3. Red Velvet Cake

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Source: Hilton

Iconic for its deep red hues and unique flavor profile, red velvet cake is certainly one of the biggest culinary phenomena to have influenced the culinary world. Even with many other red velvet treats available, the red velvet cake still reigns as one of the most timeless desserts. The modern version of the cake was made popular after it emerged from the kitchen of Waldorf Astoria New York in 1930 and was otherwise known by the names Waldorf red cake and red carpet cake, among others. The rest, as they say, is history.

4. Nachos

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Source: Hilton

Nachos are so well-loved that they even have a dedicated day of celebration (National Nachos Day falls on November 6). Commonly regarded as a traditional Mexican dish, nachos were in fact, created for an American palate. The birth of nachos can be traced back to the 1940s, when Mexican chef Ignacio Anaya took pity on a group of U.S. military wives who could not find a restaurant open for dinner. Using leftover ingredients in his kitchen, Anaya spontaneously whipped up a plate and called it "nachos" after his own nickname. Who would have thought that with such humble origins, this dish would one day be served at football stadiums, movie theatres and restaurants all over the world!

5. Brownies

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Source: Hilton

Today, a decadent brownie can be found at just about any bakery, but this was not always the case. Before 1893, this treat didn't even exist! The brownie started with Bertha Palmer, the wife of the owner of Palmer House Hilton, who challenged pastry chefs at the hotel to invent a fuss-free, delicious dessert that could be transported easily. With that, the bite-sized, chocolatey treat was born. The original recipe continues to be used at the Palmer House Hilton and has inspired the birth of many other spin-offs.

6. French Fries

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Source: Hilton

Did you know that French fries do not actually originate from France? In the late 1600s, villagers from Belgium used to snack on small, fried fish. When it would get too cold to fish in winter, they looked to find an alternative - and turned to the potato instead. With that, the iconic "fry" was born! Because the Belgians speak French, this tasty snack later came to be referred to as French fries.

7. Waldorf Salad

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Source: Hilton

The unassuming Waldorf salad pays homage to its place of origin, Waldorf Astoria New York. As part of the Waldorf Astoria's debut, the hotel manager had put together a dish of apples, celery, grapes and mayonnaise. Well-loved for its fresh and light flavors, the salad has remained a party staple to this day, sometimes with new additions like raisins, walnuts and lettuce.

8. Piña Colada

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Source: Hilton

A go-to drink for the summer, the piña colada is a sweet cocktail that blends together rum, coconut cream and pineapples. Ramón Marrero, a bartender at Caribe Hilton San Juan, wanted to create a tropical blend that encapsulated the flavors of the island - after three months of experimenting, he finally perfected the recipe and the piña colada was born in 1954. Over the next 35 years until his retirement, Ramón personally mixed the drink for guests at the hotel and the drink was declared the national drink of Puerto Rico in 1978. Now, it's hard to imagine a beach getaway without it!

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Source: Hilton

Without the resourcefulness of the Belgian villagers or the innovative culinary skills from the chefs at the Waldorf Astoria New York, we might never have had the opportunity to savor some of the world's most well-loved treats. We rarely give a second thought to consider the origin of our favorite foods and take so many of them for granted!

With Conrad Centennial Singapore's 100th Anniversary Afternoon Tea, you have the perfect opportunity to take a walk down memory lane and savor these age-old favorites. In line with Hilton's 100th year anniversary, the chefs at Conrad Centennial Singapore have created a special afternoon tea to showcase some of Hilton's signature creations from the last century. Over the weekend, guests can expect four courses of delectable treats which include the original Palmer House Hilton recipe walnut brownie, silky cream cheese red velvet cake, as well as a spin on classics such as eggs Benedict with Asian crab salad and the hotel's signature gin and tonic packed into a panna cotta. Don't miss out!

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,800 properties and more than 1 million rooms, in 122 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on the 2021 World's Best Workplaces list and been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for five consecutive years. In 2021, in addition to opening more than one hotel a day, Hilton introduced several industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 128 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Sarah Kingsley
Hilton