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!
What the Food?
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 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 landed in America, sparking a multitude of regional variations from the classic PB&J to the mighty Reuben. We’ll also explore some of history’s oddest sandwiches—popcorn and sardines, anyone?
Join us as we celebrate this humble yet ingenious invention that continues to delight and surprise. Ready to take a bite out of history? Tune in and savor the journey!
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Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you on the next one!
Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)