Wondrous food to explore and enjoy

Gastro Obscura

Read 2154 Gastro Stories

The Wondrous History of the Waffle

From food frolics to pandan pastries, a guide through centuries of waffle love.

Anne Ewbank, Atlas Obscura

November 28, 2022

a seat at the table

How Thailand's 'Happiness Farmer' Built an Oasis of Simple Living

A revolution in food-growing, home-building, and seed-saving is afoot outside Chiang Mai.

Sam Lin-Sommer, Atlas Obscura

November 23, 2022

Celebrating the United States of Stuffing

Eric Kim explores the past, present, and future of Thanksgiving’s mightiest side dish.

Diana Hubbell, Atlas Obscura

November 21, 2022

The Quest to Make Jellyfish Delicious

Italian chefs are teaming up with scientists to fry, sauté, and pickle the creatures into the food of the future.

Agostino Petroni, Atlas Obscura

November 15, 2022

Why Do We Roast Politicians With Food-Based Insults?

When you can't throw a vegetable at a rotten official, call them one.

Sam Lin-Sommer, Atlas Obscura

November 14, 2022

Puzzle Monday: Unofficial Japanese Food Holidays Crossword

AO Puzzles, Atlas Obscura

November 14, 2022

historical recipes

Who Decided to Put Sauerkraut in Chocolate Cake?

The infamous ‘Don’t Ask Cake’ is better than it sounds.

Diana Hubbell, Atlas Obscura

November 10, 2022

Shake Up Your Cocktails with Miso and MSG

There's a long history of savory, surprising mixed drinks.

Diana Hubbell, Atlas Obscura

November 7, 2022

a seat at the table

In This 'Black Power Kitchen,' Joy and Activism Collide

Ghetto Gastro honors the Bronx with sea moss, chopped "stease," and saltfish takoyaki.

Sam Lin-Sommer, Atlas Obscura

November 4, 2022

How 'Fist Rice' Became a Symbol of Korean Democracy

In the city of Gwangju, this food fueled a fight for freedom.

Jia Jung, Atlas Obscura

November 3, 2022

The Strange Endurance of Consuming Human Blood for Our Health

From draining slain gladiators to modern-day "sangs," people have long looked to blood as a panacea.

Mark Hay, Atlas Obscura

October 31, 2022

A Cookbook for Dining With the Dead

Learn to make amaranth skulls, “buried” tamales, and other regional Día de Muertos recipes.

Sam O'Brien, Atlas Obscura

October 28, 2022

A Cookbook for Surviving the End of the World

Fancy a spit-roasted roasted alien? Urine whiskey? A deep-fried Game Boy?

Sam Lin-Sommer, Atlas Obscura

October 26, 2022

The Curious Connection Between Food and Cults

From Fruitlands to NXIVM, food has served as the core of Utopia and a tool of control.

Sam O'Brien, Atlas Obscura

October 24, 2022

The Disappearing Philippine Tradition of 'Souling' for Rice Cakes

Pangangaluluwa means singing, costumes, and treats.

Barbara Woolsey, Atlas Obscura

October 24, 2022

The French Art of Cheese-Label Collecting

“It’s more than a hobby, it’s a passion.”

ANNA MINDESS, Atlas Obscura

October 18, 2022

The Ancient Art of Kitchen Divination

How to try tasseography, cromniomancy, and other mystical gastronomic arts.

Diana Hubbell, Atlas Obscura

October 17, 2022

This Nearly Lost Ancient Grain Tradition Could Be the Future of Farming

A past global staple you've never heard of, maslins are poised for a comeback.

Gemma Tarlach, Atlas Obscura

October 13, 2022