The History of Fast Food

From children to adults, fast food remains a favorite — even though we try to avoid it, its taste is irresistible and difficult to give up. Today, it is one of the most in-demand products of our era.

What is “fast food”?

“Fast food” refers to meals prepared and served quickly. Usually made in bulk with preheated or easy-to-cook ingredients, fast food is packaged to be taken away or consumed easily on the go. The term first appeared in 1951 in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, though its origins are much older.

Ancient beginnings

The concept of ready-to-eat meals goes back to Ancient Rome. In “insula” — multi-story residential buildings without kitchens — residents relied on food vendors. They often ate bread soaked in wine or simple meals in taverns called “popinae.”
 A second-century manuscript describes small markets that sold noodles all night long. In the Middle Ages, vendors sold pies, cakes, waffles, and roasted meat — primarily to the poor and travelers who couldn’t cook for themselves. Coastal villagers sold cooked seafood wrapped in paper. These practices gradually shaped the foundation of fast food, even if the term did not exist.

The rise of the hamburger

The dish most associated with fast food — the hamburger — first appeared in medieval Europe, not the United States. Records mention “fast food” as early as 1598 in London and again in 1840s–1850s English history.
 So why do we associate it with America? Because in the 1950s, U.S. fast food chains expanded massively, becoming billion-dollar businesses with thousands of outlets. With its large territory and population, the U.S. became the hub of fast food, and the world perceived it as the birthplace of the industry.

Iconic developments

• Fish & Chips (UK): Emerged in the 19th century as fishing expanded. The first shop opened in 1860 at Tommyfield Market in Oldham.
• Food Automat (Germany/USA): In 1896, Berlin’s Max Sielaff invented vending machines for hot meals. In 1902, Joseph Horn and James Hardart introduced them in New York — a milestone in fast food history.
• White Castle (USA): The first hamburger chain, opened in 1921 by Billy Ingram and Walter Anderson in Wichita. Cheap burgers and a simple menu brought huge sales.
• Drive-in restaurants: With the rise of cars in the U.S., “drive-in” restaurants appeared, serving customers directly in their cars — especially popular in the 1940s among the wealthy.
• McDonald’s (USA): Founded in 1948 by the McDonald brothers. Today, McDonald’s has over 35,000 restaurants in 119 countries, serving 69+ million customers daily.

Other giants soon followed:

• Burger King (1950s): Now with 13,000+ restaurants in 79 countries. Its signature item is the Whopper.
• Taco Bell (1950s): Introduced Mexican-style fast food to the U.S. market.
• Wendy’s (1969): Known for square-shaped burgers.
• KFC: Rivals McDonald’s globally, especially in shopping malls and urban centers.
• Domino’s Pizza (1960): Now with over 10,000 restaurants in 70 countries.
• Pizza Hut (1958): Today operates in 95 countries with 11,000+ outlets.

Criticism and health concerns

Despite its global popularity, fast food faces strong criticism:

• Negative health effects from fried and high-calorie ingredients;
• Animal welfare concerns;
• Exploitation of workers;
• Damage to local culinary traditions;
• Contribution to obesity and chronic diseases.

Documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock highlighted these risks in Super Size Me (2004), eating McDonald’s three times a day for a month. He recorded severe health impacts, showing the dangers of excessive fast food consumption.

So, is fast food harmful?
Unfortunately, yes. Its ingredients and cooking methods make it extremely energy-dense, leading to obesity and health issues. Yet, its convenience and flavor have cemented its place in modern culture.