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Gastro Obscura

Read 2154 Gastro Stories

7 Weird and Wonderful King Cakes From Around the World

From slips of Bulgarian fortunes to copulating French figurines, international king cakes hide many surprises.

Matt Haines, Atlas Obscura

February 20, 2023

Found: An 80-Year-Old Wedding Cake With a Tragic Past

Frances Nishimura preserved this sweet keepsake for generations.

Natasha Varner, Atlas Obscura

February 16, 2023

The Surprisingly Sacred Roots of Chocolate

Among the Maya, cacao has served as a powerful symbol from womb to tomb.

Sam O'Brien, Atlas Obscura

February 14, 2023

The Sweet and Sour Origins of Amish Soul Food

In Pennsylvania Dutch Country, African Americans have created a distinct and delicious cuisine.

Sam Lin-Sommer, Atlas Obscura

February 6, 2023

chinese new year

A Sweet Spin on Lunar New Year Treats

Asian-American chefs and pâtissiers are reimagining traditional confections and snacks.

Diana Hubbell, Atlas Obscura

January 31, 2023

The Sauce That Survived Italy's War on Pasta

The Futurists tried to abolish pasta and all they got was this delicious dish.

Sam Lin-Sommer, Atlas Obscura

January 27, 2023

The Last Mustard Maker in Dijon

Nicolas Charvy is bringing a culinary art back to its ancestral home.

Emily Monaco, Atlas Obscura

January 27, 2023

The Holiday That Welcomes Back the Sun With Pancakes and Coffee

Around January 25, winter-bound villages in Iceland celebrate the return of the sunlight.

Alexandra Yingst, Atlas Obscura

January 24, 2023

The Prohibition-Era Effort To Make Mocktails Fun

Socialites and social campaigners joined forces to create tempting temperance drinks.

Kirstin Fawcett, Atlas Obscura

January 24, 2023

playing with your food

Celebrating Scotland's Bard? Break Out the Haggis.

Every January 25, Scotland pays tribute to its most famous poet and an offal-y delicious dish.

Sam O'Brien, Atlas Obscura

January 23, 2023

Puzzle Monday: Historical Sammies Crossword

AO Puzzles, Atlas Obscura

January 23, 2023

The Duck Brigade Behind a Farmer's Plentiful Rice Harvest

Erik Andrus is bringing the Japanese art of aigamo to Vermont.

Jillian Dara, Atlas Obscura

January 19, 2023

Were These Giant Carved Stones Used to Make Ancient Italian Wine?

Rocky artifacts may offer insight into an Etruscan industry.

Vittoria Traverso, Atlas Obscura

January 18, 2023

How a Groundbreaking Pastry Chef Bakes Outside the Lines

A conversation with Natasha Pickowicz on cross-cultural inspiration and her upcoming cookbook.

Diana Hubbell, Atlas Obscura

January 17, 2023

The Scientist Bringing Fresh Fish Back to Philadelphia's Underserved Neighborhoods

Welcome to Fishadelphia.

Ann Finkbeiner, Atlas Obscura

January 16, 2023

The Secret Ingredient in a Slovenian Valley's Food and Wine Is Wind

The burja dries ham, keeps grapes free from mold, and—occasionally—knocks over a truck.

Camilla Bell-Davies, Atlas Obscura

January 15, 2023

The Underground Cooks of Singapore's Prisons

In the 1970s and 80s, when the guards stepped away, the pots and flames came out.

Sam Lin-Sommer, Atlas Obscura

January 12, 2023

Saving the Hogs of Ossabaw Island

An eccentric heiress, a daring mission, and the fight for North America’s most unusual pig.

Diana Hubbell, Atlas Obscura

January 10, 2023