Time to crack open the mystery of the Scotch Egg! This iconic British snack has seen it all—from posh London department stores to wartime rations, and even a gourmet revival in the trendiest gastropubs. But where did it really come from, and how did it go from being a travel snack for the upper crust to a staple of the British picnic?

In this episode, we dig into the murky origins of the Scotch Egg, exploring claims of invention from Fortnum & Mason and others who’ve tried to stake their claim. We’ll walk you through its journey through history, from its humble beginnings to its modern-day renaissance. We’ll also spill the beans on the wild creations born out of the annual Scotch Egg Challenge, where chefs from across the UK compete to take this classic to new heights.

So whether you’re a fan of the traditional pork sausage variety or prefer something a bit more adventurous, this episode is for you. Get ready for a delicious dive into the curious history of the Scotch Egg!

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Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

It’s time to stir things up with the saucy saga of Chop Suey! In this episode, we’re diving into the deliciously complicated history of the iconic dish that’s as much a part of American takeaways as it is Chinese cuisine.

We kick things off by exploring the legendary origins of Chop Suey, from the streets of San Francisco’s Chinatown to the imperial kitchens of Qing Dynasty China. Was it the result of late-night improvisation for drunken miners, or does it have roots deep in Chinese culinary tradition? Spoiler: it’s a bit of both, and the truth is as tangled as the noodles on your plate.

But it’s not just about the legends – we also dig into historical records that show how a dish of leftovers and offal transformed into a Western favourite. We’ll take you through the cultural mash-up that made Chop Suey a staple across the globe, from the bustling kitchens of Guangdong to the American diners that gave it new life.

So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to learn how this humble stir-fry became a symbol of cultural fusion and culinary creativity.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share it with your mates.

Want to show us some love? Support us at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you on the next one!

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

It's time to unwrap the foiled sugary saga of Pop-Tarts! The iconic breakfast pastries that have toasted their way into the hearts of millions. From their crispy, frosted beginnings in the 1960s to their status as a pop culture phenomenon, we're exploring how Pop-Tarts became a toasted favourite.

We head back in time to the post-war drive for convenience that led to their invention, touching on the fierce rivalry between Kellogg’s and Post that sparked the Pop-Tart revolution. We also talk about the ridiculous amount of ridiculous sounding ridiculous flavours.

But it’s not all sprinkles and frosting—this episode also covers the dark side of Pop-Tarts, from their questionable nutritional value to lawsuits involving flaming toasters and misleading labels. It's a treat you won’t want to miss!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share it with your mates.

Want to show us some love? Support us at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you on the next one!

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)