The Comedic Inspiration Behind Philly's Famed Chocolate-Covered Onion

Many cities around the world have specific things that they are known for. New York City, New York is one of the biggest cities in the United States, with a population of around 8,467,513 people (via United States Census Bureau). New York City is known for the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, New York-style pizza, Broadway shows, and much more, per NomadsUnveiled. The second most populous city in the United States is Los Angeles, California, with a population of 9,829,544, according to the United States Census Bureau. Los Angeles is famous for the Hollywood sign, its beaches, being home to countless celebrities, and more, per Urban Abroad.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is another big city in the United States that's known for Philly cheesesteaks, many historical locations including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and more (via Visit Phiadelphia). One thing you may not necessarily associate with Philadelphia at first is chocolate-covered onions. Yes, honestly! Onions covered in chocolate are a Philadelphia staple and have been made by the Mueller Chocolate Company since 1983. The inspiration behind Philly's famous chocolate-covered onions actually has a comedic background.

Founded in 1980, the Mueller Chocolate Company has been owned by the Mueller family ever since it opened, and the company sells a lot more than just chocolate-covered onions. Philadelphians and tourists alike can enjoy chocolate lungs, hearts, ears, and other body parts from Mueller, and they're all anatomically correct! Of course, the company has classic chocolate offerings, such as cookies, marshmallows, pretzels, fruit, and more — all covered in chocolate. So, how does a confectionery end up selling chocolate-covered onions?

It started in 1983 when comedian Bob Nelson was in Philadelphia for his comedy show "Double Muppets Hold the Onions" (via Mueller Chocolate Company). As it turns out, Mueller Chocolate was located adjacent to the studio where Nelson was filming, so he headed over to the chocolate shop and asked if they could make him chocolate-covered onions for a skit. The rest is history. Mueller has been selling the treat ever since and it has garnered the attention of Good Morning America, Ripley's Believe It or Not, Andrew Zimmern, and more. Mueller Chocolate Company says that its chocolate-covered onions are "for the person who is sweet on the outside but nasty on the inside."