You’ve heard the phrases before. Your grandma probably referred to something as being “as American as apple pie,” or you’ve heard references to how a baseball game isn’t complete without a good hot dog. The thing is, we eat apple pies, pizzas, hot dogs and several other favorite dishes daily but give little thought to where they came from.

Truth be told, there’s nothing like eating a favorite dish in its place of origin. So here are 11 favorites and the places you should head if you want to taste an “original.”

11. Deep Dish Pizza

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The original deep dish pizza came from The Original Pizzeria Uno in Chicago. Several pizza chains around the country serve their own versions, but nothing will taste quite the same as the one you’ll get in Chicago. Fortunately, Pizzeria Uno chains are springing up in cities around the country, so if you can’t make it out to Chicago you can still get a taste of what you’re missing out on in the windy city.

10. The Philadelphia Cheese steak

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There’s a bit of controversy over who serves the best cheese steak, but there’s no doubt about the fact that Pat’s King of Steaks served the first. Pat’s originally served the steak sandwich sans cheese, an ingredient that was later added by rival Geno. Philadelphia natives can enjoy Pat’s steaks 24 hours a day.

9. California Rolls

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Isn’t it nice to know that the California roll originated in California? This sushi favorite specifically originated at the Kitayama restaurant in Newport Beach, California. The restaurant has been around for 20 years and while California rolls aren’t the menu headliner, they’re still incredibly popular.

8. Bananas Foster

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Bananas foster, that delicious dessert consisting of flamed bananas in a sweet cinnamon and brown sugar sauce (with just a smidge of rum and liqueur), originated at Brennan’s in New Orleans. Different restaurants have their own variations, of course, but the main staple remains the same. Serve it over ice cream and you have a hot/cold treat that’s simply sinful.

7. Pasta Primavera

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What pasta lover hasn’t had pasta primavera at least once? The specialty dish consists of a creamy vegetable sauce completely unlike any other. This dish became popular when it was first served at Le Cirque in New York back in the 1970’s. They don’t list it on the menu any longer, but it can still be ordered.

6. The French Dip

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Yum! One of my absolute favorites is the French Dip, originating at Philippe The Original in Los Angeles. Most American diners serve the French Dip as a roast beef sandwich, but originally you had a choice of pork, ham, turkey, beef, and even lamb! The “jus” that makes the French Dip special is the side of dipping sauce – juices from the meat that was just roasted.

5. Oysters Rockefeller

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Oysters Rockefeller were first created at Antoine’s in New Orleans, one of the oldest surviving restaurants in the area. The recipe is a secret, but you’re basically eating a blend of oysters, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and a butter sauce. The recipe varies depending on where you find them, but Antoine’s was the first.

4. The Hamburger

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Believe it or not, the quaint Louis’ Lunch in New Haven Connecticut is the home of the first hamburger. Of course, if you order one here you won’t get what you’ve come to expect. The meat is grilled the way you’d expect, but it’s served over white toast. Onions, tomato, and cheese spread (not a melted slice) are optional. It’s certainly worth a trip to understand what the original “vision” of the hamburger really was.

3. Caesar Salad

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The Caesar Salad seems like a simple dish now, but the original was created back in 1924 by Chef Caesar Cardini. He invented the salad while stading in the dining room at the Hotel Caesar in Tijuana, Mexico. The signature dressing is a blend of eggs, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies (optional, for many), and seasonings. Variations on the salad and its dressing are served all over the country.

2. Mission-Style Burritos

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The mission-style burrito, aka the Americanized overstuffed burrito, originated at El Faro in San Francisco. This delectable creation was invented back in 1961 by a grocery store owner named Jose Ontiveros. He merely wanted to ad a new dish to his taco menu. The grocery store eventually expanded into a restaurant and later opened two more locations in California.

1. Muffuletta

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If you have never had muffuletta, you need to run out – right now – and try it. The gigantic sandwich originated at Central Grocery in New Orleans and features Sicilian bread stuffed with fine Italian meats and cheese. The signature topping is a garlicy olive salad which simply makes the sandwich what it is today. The traditional sandwich is huge – be prepared to share!

Are you hungry now? Head towards any of these incredible destinations for a culinary treat that is guaranteed to tickle your taste buds. Never fear if you’re not near any of these original locations. These treats are so popular you’re guaranteed to find a restaurant near you listing them on the menu!