Food & Drink
The Japanese dish of humble origins that conquered the world.
Though long established as the national dish of Hungary, its origins lie with the rootless, itinerant stockmen who roamed the plains of medieval Mitteleuropa.
Restaurants went mainstream in the 19th century, but the boom in places to dine out brought unexpected perils – menu anxiety, excessive table talk and ‘strange ladies’ among them.
The staple dish of the Middle East is as contested as the region, with different peoples claiming it as their own.
Rich enough to appeal to lords and dukes, the success of panettone is down to its festive, egalitarian simplicity.
The long, often troubled relationship between Britain and India has led to some extraordinary cross-cultural innovations in cuisine.
The story of the ‘mythical centre’ of French cuisine reflects the triumphs and tribulations of its people.
Sweets made of ice or snow have been with us for millennia, evolving slowly into the modern chilly treat.
A staple of Russia and the Slavic world, borscht has inspired films and novels – and has even reached outer space.
The world’s most popular fast food has ancient roots, but it was a royal seal of approval that set it on the path to global domination.