Wondrous food to explore and enjoy

Gastro Obscura

Read 1840 Gastro Stories

In Malta, ‘Dead Men’s Bones’ Are a Sweet, Spiritual Tradition

The cookies are just one way that the island nation remembers the dead.

October 11, 2022

In Jordan, an Ancient Bread Tradition Rises Again

Al Barakeh Wheat Project resurrects the nation's heritage grain and, with it, a bygone communal culture.

October 7, 2022

Meet the Duo Molding the Weird, Wondrous Future of Jelly

From disturbingly realistic gelatin portraits to a jiggling Buckingham Palace, Bompas & Parr are pushing the wobbly envelope.

October 7, 2022

In Scotland, Trick or Treaters Sing (And Tell Jokes) For Their Candy

This tradition dates back hundreds of years.

October 5, 2022

curious kitchenware

4 of History's Most Epic Punch Bowls

If your party doesn't feature enough alcohol to float a rowboat, you're doing it wrong.

October 3, 2022

This Man Wants You to Rethink Everything You Know About Cows

It's time to change our 10,000-year relationship with cattle.

September 30, 2022

How Ireland Embraced Seaweed Pudding

Irish moss has a long culinary history.

September 28, 2022

The Double Life of New York's Black Oyster King

Thomas Downing was a fine-dining pioneer with a secret.

September 28, 2022

One Man's Search for the First Hebrew-Lettered Cookbook

The text is a snapshot of Hungary's Jewish middle class in the mid-1800s.

September 26, 2022

San Francisco’s Famous Sourdough Was Once Really Gross

Gold miners made themselves sick on smelly, hard loaves.

September 21, 2022

Michigan’s Bloodsucking Parasite Is Britain’s Royal Delicacy

Lamprey pie is a coronation tradition.

September 20, 2022

4 Library Collections Filled With Culinary Treasures

They're saving food history for the future.

September 19, 2022

The Treasures Within the World's Greatest Wine Library

This California collection is a trove of wine books and rarities.

September 16, 2022

The Mountain Mixologist of the Slovenian Alps

Tanja Rebolj, or "the blonde witch," transforms foraged finds into healing botanical liquors.

September 16, 2022

The Photographer Capturing the South From Waffle House Booths

Micah Cash’s journey to 125 diners was fueled by burnt coffee, scrambled eggs, and Southern hospitality.

September 14, 2022

How a Big Block of Butter Becomes a Masterpiece

Inside the centuries-old art of transforming butter into dragons, cows, and princesses.

September 12, 2022

Remembering When America Banned Sliced Bread

During World War II, the U.S. government turned to drastic rationing measures.

September 7, 2022

What’s Inside the New Gastro Obscura Vending Machine?

The second iteration is filled with rare and unexpected treats from the American South.