What the Food?
What the Food?
Miles, Andy and Dom
The podcast that uncovers the fascinating origin stories of dishes, food items and drinks from all around the world - old, new, popular and obscure. We're not professionals by any means, just three best friends who fancy discovering more about where the food we eat comes from. Join us on our next culinary adventure through time!
Caviar
Season 2 finale is here and it's time to pop the lid on the world of Caviar! This luxurious delicacy has graced the tables of tsars, aristocrats, and celebrity chefs alike—but how did it go from a humble fish roe to a symbol of opulence and indulgence?In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of caviar, from its ancient Persian roots to its place at the pinnacle of haute cuisine. We’ll unravel the mysteries of how it's harvested, the varieties that reign supreme, and how it once tra...
Sep 23, 2024
1 hr 19 min
Scotch Egg
Time to crack open the mystery of the Scotch Egg! This iconic British snack has seen it all—from posh London department stores to wartime rations, and even a gourmet revival in the trendiest gastropubs. But where did it really come from, and how did it go from being a travel snack for the upper crust to a staple of the British picnic?In this episode, we dig into the murky origins of the Scotch Egg, exploring claims of invention from Fortnum & Mason and others who’ve tried to stake their c...
Sep 9, 2024
1 hr 3 min
Chop Suey
It’s time to stir things up with the saucy saga of Chop Suey! In this episode, we’re diving into the deliciously complicated history of the iconic dish that’s as much a part of American takeaways as it is Chinese cuisine.We kick things off by exploring the legendary origins of Chop Suey, from the streets of San Francisco’s Chinatown to the imperial kitchens of Qing Dynasty China. Was it the result of late-night improvisation for drunken miners, or does it have roots deep in Chinese culinary t...
Aug 26, 2024
57 min
Pop-Tarts
It's time to unwrap the foiled sugary saga of Pop-Tarts! The iconic breakfast pastries that have toasted their way into the hearts of millions. From their crispy, frosted beginnings in the 1960s to their status as a pop culture phenomenon, we're exploring how Pop-Tarts became a toasted favourite. We head back in time to the post-war drive for convenience that led to their invention, touching on the fierce rivalry between Kellogg’s and Post that sparked the Pop-Tart revolution. We also ta...
Aug 12, 2024
55 min
The 1985 Austrian Wine Scandal
In this episode, we're uncorking the story of the Austrian Wine Scandal of 1985—a vintage tale of deceit, drama, and diethylene glycol. Imagine the picturesque vineyards of Austria, where a few unscrupulous winemakers decided to give their wines an illicit boost with a sweet but toxic twist.Join us as we swirl through the details of this scandal that rocked the wine world. We'll explore how a handful of producers tainted their wines with antifreeze to enhance sweetness, sparking international...
Jul 29, 2024
58 min
Sandwich
We’re unwrapping the story of a beloved culinary staple—the sandwich! This versatile delight has traveled through time, evolving from ancient creations to a global favorite. We’ll dive into its rich history, starting with Hillel the Elder’s Passover creation, then moving to medieval Europe’s trencher plates, and finally, the 18th-century gaming tables of the Earl of Sandwich. Discover how the Industrial Revolution cemented the sandwich as the ultimate convenience food for workers, and how it ...
Jul 15, 2024
1 hr 3 min
Plov
In this episode we’re stirring up the rich, aromatic history of Plov, Uzbekistan's national dish! Plov isn’t just food; it’s a celebration, a symbol of community and hospitality that has been feeding hearts and souls for centuries. For Miles, he thinks it's all fake and this is one big April fools joke...We travel back in time to uncover Plov’s Persian origins, explore its evolution along the Silk Road, and celebrate its role in the lavish feasts of Tamerlane’s empire. Join us, as we ladle ou...
Jul 1, 2024
1 hr 7 min
Marmite
In this episode, we're diving knife-first into the polarizing pot of Marmite, the yeasty spread that splits opinions as sharply as Brexit, blue steak or having a poo at work. Love it or hate it, Marmite’s rich history and distinctive flavor make it a British icon worth exploring.From its inception in the breweries of Burton-upon-Trent to becoming a staple in wartime rations, Marmite's journey is as sticky as its texture. We’ll try our best to uncover how a German scientist’s discovery led to ...
Jun 17, 2024
1 hr 8 min
Caesar Salad
Welcome back! In this episode we're diving into the deliciously intriguing salad bowl of history, and talking Caesar Salad. Was it really invented by a Roman emperor, or is there a more tangy and surprising story behind it? Join us as we try and piece it all together. Prepare for the usual concoction of fun facts, history and three idiots. Bon appétit!If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share it with your mates. Want to show us some love? Support us ...
Jun 3, 2024
59 min
Episode 34: Doughnut - Don't Get Your Fingers Wet!
Join us and sink your teeth into the sweet, pillowy goodness of doughnuts! From ancient fried doughballs to modern-day gourmet wonders, we look at how a wartime comfort has evolved into a symbol of culinary creativity worldwide. This episodes takes some strange turns as we discuss the trenches of the First World War, the inventive hands of Captain Hanson Gregory, and a secret doughnut society shrouded in mystery... Oh wait! That's not creepy fog, it's just powdered sugar! Grab a coffee and le...
May 20, 2024
1 hr 12 min
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