Avocado toast—it’s more than a mere food trend. It’s an Instagram sensation, a cultural statement, and the subject of an international debate. It’s a food that has been elevated to meme status.
But who, exactly, invented this oh-so-simple and irresistible creation? Where does avocado toast come from, and who can lay claim to the genius that came up with the idea to pair this buttery fruit with crunchy toast, olive oil, seasonings, and—in today’s many varied incarnations—all kinds of other toppings.
Before we explore the culinary ancestry of avocado toast, you should know that, technically, the avocado is a berry. According to science it is a single-seed berry that is a member of the Lauraceae plant family. However, because its nutritional makeup is more like that of a vegetable, that’s how the USDA classifies it. So, right off the bat, the avocado is already proving its immense versatility.
The Avocado Toast Origin Story
Now, to the history that’s part mystery: who invented avocado toast? Bill Granger, an Australian restaurateur and owner of the aptly named Bill’s Restaurant, will tell you that his 1993 creation of avocado, lime, salt, and olive oil on toast is the O.G. avocado toast. And, if we’re talking about the oft-Instagrammed variety of this delish dish, he has a point.
However, the legacy of avocado toast goes back much further than the era of fanny packs, Beanie Babies, and dial-up internet.
The New Yorker and the LA Times both documented the appearance of avocado on toast way back in the 1930s. Chileans have been enjoying mashed avocado on marraqueta bread for breakfast or a snack since the 1800s. And it was the 1500s when Spanish colonizers brought bread to Mexico, a place where the avocado was already a dietary staple. It would be pretty surprising if they didn’t figure out the avocado + toast recipe back then.
Finally, according to Rico Torres, co-chef of Mixtli Progressive Mexican Culinaria in San Antonio, Texas, there are records dating back some 10,000 years of people in Puebla, Mexico eating avocados. They may not have had toast, but they did have tortillas, which can definitely be toasted.
Three Reasons to Love Avocado Toast
So, why has this simple dish remained so popular for all this time, and—indeed—taken on a life of its own in the 21st century? Let us count the ways avocado toast won our hearts:
- First, it’s delicious.
- Second, it’s incredibly versatile. Though the basic recipe for avocado toast is barely a recipe at all (toast bread, apply avocado), there are countless variations and, pardon the pun, mash-ups that allow for endless options to reinvent the avocado toast experience.
- Finally, avocados deliver a lot of health benefits. They are an excellent source of many important nutrients, healthy fats, and fiber. They may help reduce risk factors that contribute to heart disease. And they are a rich source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Avocado Toast at the Office
Avocado toast is also an excellent way to bring a little extra zest and creativity to your office meeting. It’s an especially great choice for breakfast meetings. There are so many ezCater restaurants that offer avocado toast, each with a unique twist.
Amandine Patisserie Cafe
With four locations in the Los Angeles area (what some might call avocado toast central) Amandine Patisserie Cafe offers the classic—avocado, lemon juice, pico de gallo, chili pepper flakes, and olive oil on fresh-baked bread—as either an individual or package option. They also have a gluten-free version.
Inner Circle Cafe
Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Inner Circle Cafe is all about healthy delicious food and wow-factor presentation. Try their Avocado Toast Bar, which includes mashed avocados and your choice of three toppings, such as tomatoes, feta cheese, prosciutto, and more.
Avocado Cafe
Making their home in Irvine, California, the Avocado Cafe serves up a version of avocado toast with a little more heft. It includes packed eggs, sprouts, and tomatoes on wheat toast. Great way to start the day!
Left Coast Food + Juice
This Chicago-based restaurant has three locations, each serving up delicious and healthy food options that use locally-sourced ingredients. Their unique options include the Hermosa Avocado Toast Platter, which includes mojo rojo (red salsa), red onions, and basil on toasted semolina bread; as well as their Laguna Avocado Toast Platter, which includes orange slices, sunflower seeds, ricotta salad, sunflower sprouts, orange vinaigrette, and za’atar spices on toasted whole grain bread.
Kale Me Crazy
Kale Me Crazy is spreading the love for superfood juices, smoothies, salads, and—of course—avocado toast from Florida to Texas to Colorado and beyond. Their take on the Avocado Toast Platter comes with hard-boiled egg, avocado, scallion mix, and Dijon mustard on Ezekiel bread.
Ted’s Bulletin
With seven locations across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virgina, Ted’s Bulletin is keeping the region happy and healthy with their Avocado Toast Platter, including smashed avocado-lime relish, cherry tomatoes, pickled chilis, radish, fried garlic, and micro cilantro on 7-grain bread. (Also available as a gluten-free option.)
The Original Pancake House
The Original Pancake House uses premium ingredients like 93 score butter, pure 36% whipping cream, and their own recipe sourdough starter to craft flavorful dishes that never disappoint. Their thirteen locations across Illinois, Maryland, Texas, and Virginia serve up a classic Avocado Toast Tray with seasonings, diced onions, and tomatoes on a hearty multigrain bread.
Parakeet Cafe
Dedicated to exploring the life-altering powers of organic, Whole Foods, Parakeet Cafe—with four locations in the San Diego area—brings a unique twist, serving their Avocado Toast with pickled mustard, serrano peppers, crunchy mung beans, cilantro pumpkin seeds, and beet spirals. What a way to wake up!
Delectica
Located in New York City, Delectica prides itself on delivering healthy, fulfilling meals that won’t break the bank. With a menu that combines New American and Mediterranean cuisine, it’s no surprise that Avocado Toast is one of their staples. Their recipe is served on 7-grain bread with sliced tomatoes, olive oil, and za’atar seasoning.
NYC Catering Cafe Inc.
This NYC-based cafe offers so many great breakfast meeting options, from Egg Wraps to the Vermont Breakfast Package and the Nova Scotia Smoked Salmon Platter. Their Avocado Toast is classic—just fresh avocado on fresh bread. So simple. So perfect.
Just Salad
With twenty-one locations up and down much of the east coast, Just Salad is on a mission to cultivate healthier lifestyles by serving real food at a really affordable price. Their Avocado Blast Toast is made with spicy avocado mash, corn, pickled red onions, cilantro, and smoky poblano ranch. Or try their Eggs & Avo Toast, which comes with arugula, cage-free jammy egg, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil drizzle.
No matter where you are, there’s an ezCater restaurant nearby that will deliver you the avocado toast of your dreams. Let us help feed your team for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anything in between. We’ve got plenty of breakfast catering options for offices nationwide!
