The omelet is a breakfast staple that can be tailored to many different tastes. For example, vegetarians might enjoy a simple spinach and egg concoction, while those who want a heartier dish can add ham and cheese. Given its versatility, it’s no wonder that this dish has withstood the test of time. Omelets date back hundreds of years, as the following brief guide explains.

How Did Omelets Come to Be?

Early records of the omelet point back to mid-16th century France. Napoleon Bonaparte, the famous French military leader, is thought to have been one of the first to taste the dish.

Napoleon and his army were reportedly stopped in Bessieres, where an innkeeper served him the egg-based meal. Napoleon loved it so much that he ordered an egg feast to be prepared for all the men present.

Another origin story claims that the Romans were the first to prepare an omelet. The dish was referred to as “ovemele”—meaning “egg and honey”—thanks to its sweet taste.

Still, other stories trace the origins of the dish to Asia, where beaten eggs were fried with chopped herbs and spices. Historians have suggested that Spanish explorers learned of the dish and brought it back to Europe.

Modern Development of the Omelet

There is also lore surrounding the omelet in more modern times. The Denver omelet was made famous in the United States after being adapted from the Denver sandwich around 1900.

The dish consists of eggs with cheese, ham, mushrooms, onions, and green pepper. The hearty meal was supposedly concocted to cover the taste of stale eggs that had been brought out West with wagons.

Today, many variations of the omelet are available. In Japan, eggs are whisked together with sugar, rice vinegar, and water. In Spain, omelets are prepared with thin slices of potato and bell pepper. Meanwhile, in France, the dish is usually served with cheese, tomato, and onion.

The Diner at Sugar Hill offers delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. They pride themselves on their home-style cooking, and every item on the menu is made from scratch. This diner has been in business since 2009 and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and fantastic food. Take a peek at their omelet selection online. To book a table, call (770) 831-0180.