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Gastro Obscura

Read 2154 Gastro Stories

home-cooked holidays

Detangling the Devilish Origins of Scandinavia's St. Lucia Buns

The story of this saffron-hued swirl has become as twisted as its dough.

Sam O'Brien, Atlas Obscura

December 11, 2020

home-cooked holidays

This 19th-Century Cocktail Still Fights Cold Nights in the Midwest

The Tom and Jerry is a Christmas staple.

Rohini Chaki, Atlas Obscura

December 10, 2020

How Did Madagascar Become the World's Biggest Producer of Vanilla?

A tale of a botanical mystery, colonialism, and savvy marketing.

Dan Nosowitz, Atlas Obscura

December 10, 2020

home-cooked holidays

This Pennsylvanian Winter Punch Is Sweet, Spicy, and Possibly Explosive

Boilo is a favorite across coal country.

Anne Ewbank, Atlas Obscura

December 9, 2020

home-cooked holidays

The Danish Christmas Porridge That Appeased a Vengeful 'House Elf'

Once a magical, murderous farmhand, the nisse has transformed into a beloved holiday figure.

Sam O'Brien, Atlas Obscura

December 9, 2020

The Only Ainu Restaurant in Tokyo

Harukor serves foods from Japan's northernmost island that colonialism nearly eradicated.

Mara Budgen, Atlas Obscura

December 9, 2020

new year nibbles

Meet 'Moose Milk,' the Wintry Cocktail of the Canadian Military

Knock out the year with an elixir that can pacify an army.

Rachel Rummel, Atlas Obscura

December 15, 2021

Tracking Down the Long-Lost Orchards of the California Gold Rush

Amigo Bob Cantisano and his team are on the hunt for "green gold."

Marina Wang, Atlas Obscura

December 4, 2020

The Man Who Walked Across Japan for Pizza Toast

A new book chronicles the country's disappearing kissaten.

Lauren Moya Ford, Atlas Obscura

December 3, 2020

The Rare Seeds That Escaped Syria for an Arctic Vault

Formerly stashed at Svalbard, they've since sprouted in Morocco and beyond.

Matt Simon, Atlas Obscura

December 2, 2020

Why Archaeologists Are Brewing Ancient Beers

Scientists are partnering with brewers to taste test ancient recipes and sip a long-lost past.

Sara Toth Stub, Atlas Obscura

December 1, 2020

Around the World in 130 Chicken-Soup Recipes

A new cookbook is devoted entirely to the soothing, healing meal.

Kayla Stewart, Atlas Obscura

November 30, 2020

Celebrate the Farm Workers Behind Your Favorite Thanksgiving Sides

Organizers are using mesmerizing video clips of harvests to advocate for better protections and pay.

Reina Gattuso, Atlas Obscura

November 25, 2020

The Small Goat Breed That’s a Star of Urban Farms

“If you’re thinking about getting a dog, maybe get a goat instead.”

Chris Malloy, Atlas Obscura

November 24, 2020

My Hunt for the Original McDonald's French-Fry Recipe

Veteran line-cooks, experts, and die-hard fans tell the story of the fries that birthed an empire, then disappeared—until now.

Luke Fater, Atlas Obscura

November 23, 2020

What I Learned About a Pioneering Black Cookbook Author by Cooking Her Recipes

Little is known about the first African-American woman to publish a cookbook.

Cherene Sherrard, Atlas Obscura

November 20, 2020

In Sydney, a Cafe Serving Aboriginal Food Brings Comfort and Challenges

Nyoka Hrabinsky, an Aboriginal ethnobotanist, is turning “bush tucker” into brunch.

Reina Gattuso, Atlas Obscura

November 19, 2020

home-cooked history

Bake Luxurious 19th-Century Marlborough Pie

This apple custard pie is a forgotten New England classic.

Rohini Chaki, Atlas Obscura

November 18, 2020