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Gastro Obscura

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The Poetry-Loving Cook Who Fed Detroit's Soul

With a 35-cent-meal restaurant and other charities, Mother Waddles was "a one-woman war on poverty."

Omnia Saed, Atlas Obscura

The Chef Fighting Mass Incarceration With Food

Kurt Evans is reducing recidivism, one pizza at a time.

Sheryl Nance-Nash, Atlas Obscura

The Civil Rights Icon Who Saw Freedom in Farming

Fannie Lou Hamer viewed co-ops as the foundation of political power.

Mayukh Sen, Atlas Obscura

Introducing Gastro Obscura's Juneteenth Series

Celebrate Emancipation with stories of food and Black liberation.

Michael W. Twitty, Atlas Obscura

Inside England's Accidental Cat Pub

Feline fans flock to the Bag of Nails, to the surprise of the owner.

Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey, Atlas Obscura

The Deep Roots of the Vegetable That ‘Took Over the World’

A study digs up the origin of the single species that gives us turnips, bok choy, broccoli rabe, and more.

Gemma Tarlach, Atlas Obscura

Tulip Bulb Soup: the Dutch Dish Born From Tough Times

Once used as a survival food during World War II, these flower bulbs are making their way onto restaurant menus.

Diana Hubbell, Atlas Obscura

Meet the Indispensable Bagel Rollers of NYC

A machine still can't provide a schmear experience up to New York standards.

Emily Wilson, Atlas Obscura

The Rush for Ramps Is Threatening Millennia-Old Foodways

Native harvesters' access to the wild plant is jeopardized by its trendiness.

Amanda Gokee, Atlas Obscura

How to Make Taiwan's Iconic Train Bento

These convenient, compact meals have a devoted fanbase.

Anne Ewbank, Atlas Obscura

Every Landmark in China Now Makes Gorgeous Themed Ice Cream

Temples, towers, and famous figures, all as frozen treats.

Anne Ewbank, Atlas Obscura

The Chef Cooking a Cicada Recipe for Every Palate

From ceviche to caramel popcorn, Joseph Yoon is showing how Brood X can be a delicious part of your diet.

Sam O'Brien, Atlas Obscura

At Pizza Pacaya, the Oven Is an Active Volcano

Chef David García’s secret ingredient is lava.

María Paula Rubiano A., Atlas Obscura

Meet the Appalachian Apple Hunter Who Rescued 1,000 'Lost' Varieties

Tom Brown's retirement hobby is a godsend for chefs, conservationists, and cider.

Eric J. Wallace, Atlas Obscura

The Return of Karachi's Legendary 'Caked Alaska'

An entire generation associated the beloved riff on Baked Alaska with teen romance and rebellion.

Sanam Maher, Atlas Obscura

The Historic Russian Recipe That Turns Apples Into Marshmallows

Disarmingly simple, pastila is lighter than air.

Anne Ewbank, Atlas Obscura

Tons of Delicious Fruit in Los Angeles Is Going Uneaten

A story of immigrant populations, gentrification, and the free loquat bonanza.

Dan Nosowitz, Atlas Obscura

How to Have a Very German Tea Ceremony

In East Frisia, a different brew reigns supreme.

Olga Mecking, Atlas Obscura