Watch what you order

Rocky Mountain oysters aren’t what you think: Strange food names

Image: Umesh Soni

If "puppy chows" are not dog snacks, "duck sauce" contains no duck whatsoever, and "German Chocolate Cake" is reportedly Texan… who is handing out these misleading dish names? Decidedly, some of the terms on this list might make you check with the waiter before you place your order. Let’s explore the stories behind unexpected food labels!

Image: Van Thanh

This might be good news: No ducks are harmed in the making of this popular takeout condiment! Duck sauce is a sweet-and-sour orange jelly often served with Chinese-American dishes.

It’s made from apricots, plums, or peaches, combined with sugar and vinegar. The name likely came about because it was invented as a match for crispy duck dishes in Chinese restaurants.

Image: Taria Camerino

English muffins look nothing like American muffins, do they? And, technically, they do not come from England either.

These breads were popularized in the US by Samuel Bath Thomas, a British immigrant who began selling his "toaster crumpets" in New York in the late 1800s. It was the American consumers who branded them as "English muffins."

Image: Logan Clark

Did you know that German Chocolate Cake was actually popularized in… Texas? It did not come from Germany. The name refers to Samuel German, an American baker who created the delicious dark baking chocolate for Baker’s Chocolate Company.

In the 50s, a Texas homemaker later used his chocolate in a layered coconut-pecan cake recipe, and newspapers spread it with that name.

Image: Jay Gajjar

There’s no duck in duck sauce, and there’s no rabbit in Welsh rabbits, or Welsh rarebit! It’s actually melted cheese sauce served on toasted bread. Sometimes it comes flavored with ale, mustard, or spices.

The term "Welsh rabbit" was a tongue-in-cheek jab, likely implying that cheese was the "poor man’s meat" in Wales.

Image: Alex Gorey

Definitely not oysters! There’s nothing oceanic about this dish. Rocky Mountain oysters are actually bull or sheep testicles, usually battered, deep-fried, and served as bar fare or at ranch festivals in the American West.

Image: Piotr Musioł

Don’t expect poultry when you order this South Asian specialty! Bombay duck is actually a type of dried fish, locally known as "bombil," long eaten along India’s western coast.

Why the name, then? Some theorize that it derived from the mail system that transported this food, the ‘Bombay Dak’ (which translates to Bombay Mail).

Image: Charles Chen

You may or may not know this, but some Midwestern states enjoy a homemade candy called "puppy chow." Contrary to what the name might imply, it is not meant for dogs!

They are usually made of cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. The same snack goes by other cute names, like "monkey munch" or "muddy buddies."

Image: Jolien Coryn

No bread and not "sweet." This dish has a grossly misleading name. Sweetbreads are the thymus or pancreas glands of young animals, prized in French cuisine for their delicate, tender texture.

The "sweet" refers to their mild flavor compared to other organ meats, while "bread" may stem from an old English word for "flesh."

Image: Sebastian Coman Photography

It turns out, "Scotch egg" is not Scottish at all. Some place the origins in London, while others point to Indian dishes like kofta as possible inspirations.

The dish is a hard or soft-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, breaded, and fried.

Image: Alexandra Tran

We all know what French toast means, but, just like French fries, the origins are disputed! This classic breakfast recipe is far more ancient and pan-European than the name implies.

Versions of egg-soaked bread fried in fat go back to ancient Rome, and have popped up across Europe for centuries under names like pain perdu in France or arme ritter in Germany.

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

Hearing "mincemeat," most people imagine ground beef. But this pie filling doesn’t always involve minced beef, as it once did.

Traditional mincemeat once did contain actual minced beef or mutton mixed with dried fruits, spices, and suet. Over time, many chose to drop the meat content, but the name stayed.

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The 10 Most Charming Town Squares in Europe to Visit

Image: Jacek Kadaj

No matter where you travel, town squares are the first places you should visit. Often considered the beating heart of a city, these piazzas are responsible for bringing together social life. Festivals, markets, political rallies, and other important events take place in town squares. Since the history of Europe is particularly rich, it’s fascinating to learn about its public spaces, which are sources of knowledge, culture, and entertainment even today. If you are interested in the hidden gems of the most significant cities of the Old Continent, join us to discover 10 dreamy European town squares worth visiting.

Image: Ljubomir Žarković

Piazza San Marco, located in the center of Venice, is the most important public square in the city. It is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world—so much so that it’s said Napoleon Bonaparte once described it as "the drawing room of Europe."

Its construction began in the ninth century, and it is trapezoid-shaped. Situated in the lowest area of Venice, it is easily flooded during acqua alta ("high water"). The square is dedicated to the evangelist Mark, the patron saint of Venice—hence the name—and houses some of the most impressive buildings in the city, such as the Doge's Palace, the Basilica, and the Bell Tower of St. Mark.

Image: charlemagne

Hősök tere, which translates into English as "Heroes' Square," is one of the most important historical and cultural sites in Budapest. Its construction began in 1896 to celebrate the millennium of the foundation of the Hungarian state. This landmark features 7 equestrian statues of Magyar chieftains who played a decisive role in the country's history.

These sculptures, in turn, are crowned by an impressive Corinthian column 118 feet high, and topped by the Archangel Gabriel, who raises the Holy Crown and the double cross of Christianity. This sculptural composition, also known as the Millennium Monument, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.

Image: Juan Di Nella

One of the most beautiful and popular places in Bordeaux is the Place de la Bourse ("Stock Exchange Square"), both for its historical and architectural significance. Framed by majestic facades, the former royal square was built between 1730 and 1775, following the design of one of the most renowned architects of the time, Ange-Jacques Gabriel.

In addition to being surrounded by important buildings, such as the town hall, the Place de la Bourse features the Miroir d'eau ("mirror of water"), a favorite spot for both tourists and locals alike. Listed as a contemporary world heritage site, this spectacular piece alternates extraordinary mirror and fog effects, which no one can resist taking pictures of.

Image: Hanlin Sun

Many argue that Grote Markt ("Big Market" in English) is one of the most beautiful squares in the world. No wonder! The ornamental charm of the buildings, along with its paving covered by the typical Brussels cobblestones, makes it a unique place. Need more evidence? In 1998, UNESCO designated Grote Markt as a World Heritage Site.

With Gothic, Baroque, Neo-gothic, and Neoclassical designs, the walls of this square, located in the center of the Belgian capital, conceal a lot of history. Its construction began in the 11th century and its strategic location soon turned it into an important trading point. In the 17th century, during the Nine Years' War, the square was partially destroyed. In the following years, the facades were rebuilt, and since then it has been carefully protected due to its high heritage value.

Image: Joan Oger

"Gentlemen, I knew this was beautiful, but not this much." This is what King Alfonso XIII allegedly said when he visited the Plaza de España ("Spain Square," in English) during its construction. In 1929, the government commissioned a national pavilion as a symbol of the ties between Spain, its former colonies, and Portugal. That’s why the building represents, with its curved shape, the country's embrace of its former American territories.

Spanning more than 490,000 sq ft, this plaza in Seville is full of curiosities and symbolism, such as historical scenes, maps, and regional coats of arms. But probably the most intriguing fact about Plaza de España is that it was declared a Treasure of European Film Culture and has been a film set for mythical movies such as Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars.

Image: Daniel Seßler

Ever since Henry the Lion founded the city in 1158, Marienplatz has been the center and soul of Munich. It has been the site of important public events and festivities, from tournaments and markets to executions. Today, it is surrounded by important buildings such as the Old and New Town Halls.

Originally, the square was called Schrannenplatz ("Grain Market square") but was renamed Marienplatz ("St. Mary's square") after a monument dedicated to the Virgin Mary was erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation.

Image: Frank Nürnberger

Located in the historic and commercial center of Lisbon and open to the Tagus River, Praça do Comércio ("Commerce Square") is one of the most important symbols of the Portuguese capital. It was formerly called Terreiro do Paço ("Palace Yard"), since this is where the Royal Palace used to be.

After the terrible earthquake of 1755, the Marquis of Pombal decided to rebuild the square in the shape of a "U," with three large arcaded buildings that now house government agencies, the main tourist office, and some restaurants and cafes, including the Martinho da Arcada. This bar is the oldest in the city—founded in 1782—and was once frequented by prominent intellectuals, such as the famous Portuguese author Fernando Pessoa.

Image: Lucas Albuquerque

Rynek Główny ("Main Market" in English), built in 1257, is the heart of Cracovia and holds an important historical, cultural, and social significance. Surrounded by historic townhouses, churches, and palaces, it is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe and is the main meeting point for locals and tourists.

Perhaps its most outstanding attractions are its traditional carriages, flower stalls, and pigeons, which, according to the legend, are knights turned into birds. It is also delightful to visit this square before Christmas or Easter when traditional markets are held in celebration of Rynek Główny’s commercial past.

Image: Ilya Orehov

Raekoja Plats, or Town Hall Square in English, is the neuralgic center of Tallinn’s Old Town. As its name suggests, this square is dominated by the Town Hall building, the oldest of its kind in the Baltic countries and Scandinavia—and the only Gothic-style town hall still standing in all of northern Europe!

Another notable attraction in Raekoja Plats is Raeapteek, one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. Although no one knows exactly when it opened, there are records dating back to at least 1422.

Raekoja Plats changes a lot depending on the season. In summer, it hosts festivals like Tallinn Old Town Days, while in winter, you can visit the Christmas Market and enjoy a nice cup of glögg, a traditional Estonian mulled wine.

Image: Korng Sok

Although it’s not as old as other squares on this list, Trafalgar Square is one of the most relevant landmarks in London. It was inaugurated in 1844 to commemorate the victory of the British Navy in the Battle of Trafalgar and is now a must-see attraction for more than 30 million tourists each year. Owned by the Crown, this square is a patriotic symbol surrounded by bronze statues of several prominent figures, including George Washington.

Originally designed by the famous architect John Nash, Trafalgar Square has been a gathering place for celebrations and political rallies. If you visit it today, you’ll find hints of British culture and history, such as the majestic National Gallery and the Anglican church of St Martin-in-the-Fields.