A delicatessen or deli is a retail establishment that sells a selection of fine, unusual or foreign prepared foods ("delicacies"). Delicatessen originated in Germany (original: Delikatessen) during the 18th century and spread to the United States in the mid-19th century. European immigrants to the United States, especially Ashkenazi Jews, popularized the delicatessen in American culture beginning in the late 19th century.