6 Things You Never Knew About the Omelette

The Humble Omelette: A Breakfast Icon with a Global Story

Few breakfast dishes are as beloved—or as versatile—as the omelette. Whether you like yours fluffy and folded or thin and packed with fillings, this eggy creation has a history as rich as its flavor.

The word omelette comes from the French, but the dish predates its name. Almost every culture has a version of the omelette: in Spain it's the 'tortilla española' (potato omelette), in Japan it's called 'tamagoyaki' (rolled sweet omelette- and a sushi staple). In Iran, an omelette is called 'kuku' and in Italy it's, of course, a 'frittata'. And in America? The Denver omelette, with ham, peppers, and onions, is a diner classic.

What makes omelettes truly special is their adaptability. They are truly a blank canvas for your cravings—cheese, veggies, herbs, meats, even leftovers. They can be light and elegant or hearty and filling. Morning, noon, or night, an omelette always hits the spot.

At Wildflour, we celebrate the omelette's international charm while keeping it fresh and local. Our Market Omelette changes with the seasons—whatever’s fresh, flavorful, and ready to shine.

Wildflour Market Omelette

One pan. Endless possibilities. That’s the magic of the omelette.

6 Things You Never Knew About the Omelette

1.    Omelettes date back to ancient Persia! A dish called kookoo sabzi, made with eggs and herbs, is believed to be one of the earliest forms of the omelette

2.    The word “omelette” comes from the French word omelette, which first appeared in the 16th century, but earlier versions were called alemette, amelette, or homelaicte in Middle French.

3.    According to legend, Napoleon Bonaparte once stopped at an inn in southern France and loved the omelette so much, he ordered all the eggs in the village to be cooked into one giant omelette for his army. This inspired the Giant Easter Omelette Festival still held annually in Bessières, France.

4.    The largest omelette ever made weighed over 14,000 pounds and was cooked in Portugal in 2012. It took 55 people, 145,000 eggs, and a custom-built pan.

5.    The phrase "omelette du fromage" became iconic thanks to the cartoon Dexter's Laboratory, but it's actually grammatically incorrect in French. The proper phrase is omelette au fromage (cheese omelette).

6.    Luxury omelettes exist! The “Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata” served at Le Parker Meridien in New York costs $1,000 and includes lobster and 10 ounces of Sevruga caviar!