A Funnel Cake is a popular American snack that is eaten at carnivals and fairs. The name is so called because the cake batter is poured into hot oil through a funnel. The cake batter is deep fried and served with powdered sugar. It can also be served with other toppings like chocolate sauce, cinnamon powder, jams, jellies and fresh fruit.

The dish originated in the Pennsylvania Dutch region. But it dates back to Persian or Arabic cuisine, where yeast risen batter was deep fried. Hence the resemblance to Jalebi. The Germans brought the dish to North America where it came to be called Funnel Cake.