What the Food?
Welcome to What the Food?—the history and comedy podcast that dives into the weird, wild, and fascinating history of food, drinks, and dining cultures around the world. We’re Miles, Andy, and Dom—just three friends with a love for food and a knack for uncovering its untold stories. From surprising food origins to the moments that shaped how we eat, we uncover the strange, unexpected, and often hilarious history behind what ends up on our plates. Join us on our next culinary adventure through time!
Episodes
44 episodes
How French Cuisine Took Over the World
Season 3 is here, and we’re diving into how French cuisine became the gold standard of fine dining!In our new format, we uncover the rich and often outrageous history behind France’s culinary world dominance. From medieval feasts and roy...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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1:06:40
Luxury from the Deep: How Caviar Became a Status Symbol
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 ind...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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1:19:51
The Curious Legacy of the 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 ho...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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1:03:14
Chop Suey and the Birth of American Chinese Cuisine
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 o...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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57:30
Pop-Tarts and the Breakfast Revolution of Postwar America
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'r...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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55:48
Sweet Deception: The Scandal That Shook the Wine World
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 wine...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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58:04
The Earl's Invention That Changed Lunchtime Forever
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 Pas...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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1:03:56
Plov and the Feasts of the Silk Road
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, h...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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1:07:06
Marmite: A British Obsession Loved and Hated
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 mak...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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1:08:52
Caesar Salad's Journey from Tijuana to Global Fame
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 an...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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59:28
Donuts and the Sweet Story of America's Favourite Treat
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 t...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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1:12:55
Goulash: Hungary's National Dish with a Fiery Past
Join us this week at a bubbling smokey cauldron because we're stewing over the rich and hearty history of Goulash, Hungary's beloved dish that's more than just a stew—it's a story of resilience, culture, and culinary evolution. Originating from...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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1:00:28
Dim Sum: Unveiling the Rituals of an Ancient Cantonese Tradition
We're unwrapping the delightful world of Dim Sum, the heart-touching tradition that's as much about togetherness as it is about taste. Journey with us from its beginnings along the ancient Silk Road, all the way to the bustling teahouses of mod...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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59:07
SPAM: From Wartime Rations to Culinary Icon
In this episode, we're heading into the compressed, greasy world of SPAM - the iconic canned meat that's polarized dining tables since 1937. From its humble beginnings as a wartime staple to its status as a global culinary phenomenon, SPAM's jo...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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1:01:02
Turkish Delight: The Sweet Temptation That Led to Betrayal
In this episode we embark on a sweet journey to the heart of the Ottoman Empire to uncover the sticky secrets behind Turkish Delight! We delve into the sugary saga of this iconic confectionery, from its royal origins to its role in the famous C...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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1:01:33
Absinthe: The Green Fairy's Haunting Legacy
In this episode, we're venturing into the mystique-laden world of absinthe, the storied spirit known as the Green Fairy. Tracing its roots back to the 18th century, absinthe has bewitched artists and intellectuals with its complex character and...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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1:11:00
Ketchup's Journey from Ancient Fish Sauce to Modern Condiment
In this episode, we're squeezing out the thick and rich history of ketchup! From its unexpected beginnings as a fermented fish sauce in ancient China, to its transformation into the tomato-based staple on dinner tables around the world, ketchup...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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1:04:55
Pancakes: A Timeless Journey Through Sweet and Savoury Traditions
In this syrup-soaked episode we're diving into the fluffy world of pancakes. From their humble beginnings as a Stone Age staple to becoming a breakfast favourite across the globe, pancakes have a surprisingly rich history. Join us as we flip th...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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1:00:51
Cornish Pasty: A Miner's Comfort
And just like that, the What the Food? boys are back! To make this a momentous occasion, we're about to unravel the layers (pun absolutely intended) of a British staple. The Cornish Pasty. From its medieval origins to the latest pasty-related s...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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59:42
Falafel: A Tale of Heritage and Transformation
In episode 25 of What the Food?, Andy & Miles navigate the contentious but fascinating story of every vegans favourite wrap filling - Falafel. When taking upon ourselves the noble task of uncovering foods origins, we sometimes stumble on st...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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56:11
How Haggis Became Scotland's Most Famous and Misunderstood Dish
This week on What the Food? we head to the mythical Highlands of Scotland to find out why boiling loads of offal in a meat sack is considered a normal thing to do. Where did this seemingly barbaric dish come from? This episode has it all! Ancie...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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50:32
Barbecue: The Ancient Art of Cooking with Fire - Part II
Grab your AR15's and your burnt ends because part 2 is here! We return to the world of barbecue, this time heading to America to complete our barbecue story. Why is barbecue so popular in the US? Who pioneered this cooking method? And what diff...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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58:29
Barbecue: The Ancient Art of Cooking with Fire - Part I
Oh boy, this is a big one. In episode 22 of What The Food?, the boys explore the origins of the world's favourite way of cooking meat; Barbecue. Join us as we explore the humble beginnings of slowly cooking meat over hot coals and discover how ...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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58:38
Nutella's Sweet and Gloopy Rise to Global Dominance
We're back and we are back with a large tub of the good stuff! In the latest episode of What The Food?, the boys explore the origins of the world's favourite chocolate spread: Nutella. From prized hazelnuts in the north of Italy to a naval bloc...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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56:04
Tempura's Path from Portugal to Japanese Perfection
In the 20th episode of What The Food?, the boys take a trip to the land of the rising sun to explore the origins of Tempura. Tempura is a typical Japanese dish that you'll find in pretty much all Japanese restaurants you visit, and for good rea...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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1:04:05