What the Food?
Miles, Andy and Dom
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!
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Top 10 What the Food? Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best What the Food? episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to What the Food? for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite What the Food? episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Side Dishes: No Drinks at the Table April
What the Food?
03/07/24 • 33 min
Welcome to the first episode of Side Dishes! This is our occasional and more-relaxed side show where we discuss current food and drink related news stories. We'll be sporadically releasing these amongst the main show to sprinkle and pepper a bit of extra flavour! In this episode Miles and Dom discuss food delivery via horseback, no-alcohol months, glacial ice cubes, and the unfathomable power of mobility scooters.
If you'd like to support the show, please consider subscribing, giving us a rating and sharing with a friend. Also, come and say hi! https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast
You're feeling extra spicy are you? Why not Buy Us a Coffee? www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood
Thanks for listening and see 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/)
Chop Suey and the Birth of American Chinese Cuisine
What the Food?
08/26/24 • 57 min
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 tradition? Spoiler: it’s a bit of both, and the truth is as tangled as the noodles on your plate.
But it’s not just about the legends – we also dig into historical records that show how a dish of leftovers and offal transformed into a Western favourite. We’ll take you through the cultural mash-up that made Chop Suey a staple across the globe, from the bustling kitchens of Guangdong to the American diners that gave it new life.
So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to learn how this humble stir-fry became a symbol of cultural fusion and culinary creativity.
If you enjoy 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 at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.
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/)
Nutella's Sweet and Gloopy Rise to Global Dominance
What the Food?
06/06/22 • 56 min
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 blockade by Napoleon Bonaparte himself, join us as we stick our fingers into the origins of Nutella.
If you enjoy 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 at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.
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/)
Caesar Salad's Journey from Tijuana to Global Fame
What the Food?
06/03/24 • 59 min
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 enjoy 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 at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.
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/)
Sweet Deception: The Scandal That Shook the Wine World
What the Food?
07/29/24 • 58 min
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 outrage and a massive recall. This wasn’t just a small spill; it was a flood that threatened to drown Austria’s wine reputation.
We'll delve into the aftermath, including how the scandal led to stricter regulations and ultimately a renaissance in Austrian winemaking. This episode is a blend of scandal and redemption, showing how an industry can rise from the dregs to produce some of the world’s finest wines.
Ready to raise a glass to one of the most shocking chapters in wine history? Tune in and sip on the juicy details!
If you enjoy 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 at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.
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/)
Luxury from the Deep: How Caviar Became a Status Symbol
What the Food?
09/23/24 • 79 min
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 transitioned from peasant fare to elite indulgence. Along the way, we’ll dip into the cultural significance of this tiny, briny bite and its surprising appearances in pop culture and history.
We’ll also highlight some modern twists, including the rise of sustainable farming and the chefs pushing the boundaries of what caviar can be in today’s culinary landscape. Whether you’re a connoisseur of beluga or just curious about this iconic luxury food, this episode will leave you craving more. Prepare to savor the rich and intriguing story of caviar!
If you enjoy 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 at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.
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/)
Bob Marley and the Ital Diet’s Cultural Journey
What the Food?
02/04/25 • 50 min
Step into the vibrant world of Ital living, where food isn’t just fuel, it’s a spiritual practice, a cultural statement, and an act of resistance! In this episode, we uncover the history of the Ital Diet, born from Rastafarian principles of purity, connection to nature, and rejection of Babylon’s industrial influence.
Discover how Bob Marley, the global icon of reggae and Rastafarian faith, embodied these values through his meals and music. From coconut-infused stews to herb-seasoned porridges, Ital cuisine reflects a deeper way of living that resonates today with sustainable and plant-based movements.
Will it stop Miles eating a processed bratwurst for his dinner? Maybe not. But, with a mix of cultural history, Marley-inspired anecdotes, and a taste of Ital recipes, this episode will nourish your mind, body, and soul.
If you enjoy 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 at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.
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/)
02/18/25 • 71 min
Step aboard the Hindenburg, where high-altitude dining was once an opulent affair with fine porcelain, crystal glasses, and multi-course feasts—even as disaster loomed... In this episode, we explore the luxurious, meticulously crafted meals served on the world's most famous airship, the challenges of cooking at 1,000 feet, and the dramatic, final moments that transformed the Hindenburg from a symbol of elegance to a tragic icon. Join us as we revisit a fleeting era of glamour, ingenuity, and peril in the skies. It's a creamy one.
If you enjoy 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 at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.
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/)
Baguettes and Bicycles: Vietnam's Bánh Mì
What the Food?
03/04/25 • 61 min
What’s more than bread, pickles, and pork? A story of resilience, rebellion, and reinvention. In this episode, we trace the journey of the Bánh Mì.
From its colonial roots in French-occupied Vietnam to its status as a global street food icon. We discover how Saigon’s street vendors transformed a foreign baguette into a distinctly Vietnamese masterpiece, and how refugees carried it across oceans, turning it into a worldwide sensation.
We uncover why every bite of Bánh Mì is a taste of history, identity, and unyielding creativity. This story is as delicious as it is inspiring.
If you enjoy 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 at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.
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/)
Side Dishes: Bombay Bad Club
What the Food?
04/04/24 • 27 min
Welcome to our second episode of Side Dishes - our more relaxed side show where we take a look at some current food and drink related news stories. In this episode, Miles and Andy discuss everything from frogs going extinct to arguments over who the inventor of butter chicken is. Pull up a chair and join us for a good old chat about scran!
If you'd like to support the show, please consider subscribing, giving us a rating and sharing with a friend. Also, come and say hi! https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast
You're feeling extra spicy are you? Why not Buy Us a Coffee? www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood
Thanks for listening and see 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/)
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FAQ
How many episodes does What the Food? have?
What the Food? currently has 51 episodes available.
What topics does What the Food? cover?
The podcast is about Culture, British, History, Comedy, Podcasts, Arts, Food History and Food.
What is the most popular episode on What the Food??
The episode title 'Side Dishes: No Drinks at the Table April' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on What the Food??
The average episode length on What the Food? is 59 minutes.
How often are episodes of What the Food? released?
Episodes of What the Food? are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of What the Food??
The first episode of What the Food? was released on Jun 28, 2021.
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