A History of Börek
From Turkish börek to Balkan burek, the celebrated dish of the Ottoman Empire spread far and wide.
Alexander Lee
The History of the Barbecue
A Native American method of tenderising meat goes global.
The History of the Picnic
The first picnics were a favourite pastime of the aristocracy, and purely indoor affairs. In the 19th century, the emergent middle classes moved lunch outdoors.
Enchiladas: A Culinary Monument to Colonialism
While finding its origins in royal Aztec feasts, the history of the enchilada is more a product of colonialism and prejudice than authentic heritage.
Jerk, an Authentic Taste of Jamaican Liberty
Travelling the world with the diaspora, jerk is an artefact of Jamaica’s troubled colonial history and a powerful testament to the island’s centuries-long quest for freedom.
Have Your Simnel Cake and Eat It
The evolution of simnel cake, an English Easter delicacy associated with mothers and Tudor pretenders.
A Short History of Sushi
The ancient origin of sushi, the Japanese dish of humble beginnings that conquered the world.
Goulash
Though long established as the national dish of Hungary, its origins lie with the rootless, itinerant stockmen who roamed the plains of medieval Mitteleuropa.
The Origin of Falafel
The staple dish of the Middle East is as contested as the region, with different peoples claiming falafel’s origins as their own.
Panettone, Italy’s Favourite Christmas Cake
Rich enough to appeal to lords and dukes, the success of panettone through history is down to its festive, egalitarian simplicity.