What the Food?
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!
Episodes
43 episodes
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 ind...
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1:19:51
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
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
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
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 wine...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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58:04
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 Pas...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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1:03:56
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, h...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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1:07:06
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 mak...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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1:08:52
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 an...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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59:28
Donut
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Haggis
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 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 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
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