Shows
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesCeviche – Where the Ocean Meets Fire and LimeThis episode explores ceviche as one of the world’s purest expressions of freshness, balance, and restraint. Originating along the Pacific coast of Peru thousands of years ago, ceviche was first created by ancient coastal communities who learned to transform raw fish using native fruits, salt, and chili. With the arrival of Spanish colonizers, new citrus fruits—especially lime—and onions refined the dish into the form known today.Ceviche is presented not just as food, but as a philosophy of cooking without fire. Lime juice “cooks” the fish through acidity, while chili, salt, and onion bring heat, stru...
2025-12-3004 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesRamen – Japan’s Bowl of ReinventionThis episode explores ramen as one of Japan’s most beloved and meaningful dishes, tracing its journey from foreign beginnings to national icon. Originally introduced from China in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ramen began as a simple, affordable noodle soup for laborers. After World War II, it became essential sustenance during a time of hardship, spreading through small street stalls that offered warmth and survival in devastated cities.Over time, Japanese cooks transformed ramen into an art form through intense dedication and refinement. Every element — the broth, noodles, and toppings — became a subject of precis...
2025-12-2205 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesBiryani – The Fragrant Empire in a PotThis episode explores the rich, layered history of biryani, a dish born from centuries of movement, cultural fusion, and patience. Its origins trace back to ancient Persia, where rice and meat dishes known as birinj were first prepared. As Persian traders and Mughal conquerors traveled to the Indian subcontinent, these traditions merged with local spices and techniques, transforming biryani into a culinary masterpiece.Under the Mughal Empire, biryani became a dish of ceremony and refinement, layered with basmati rice, marinated meat, saffron, and whole spices, then slow-cooked using the dum method. Over time, biryani left royal kitchens...
2025-12-1305 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesChocolate – The Bittersweet Journey of the World’s Favorite TreatThis episode traces the remarkable journey of chocolate, from its sacred origins in ancient Mesoamerica to its place today as one of the world’s most beloved treats. Listeners discover how the Maya and Aztecs revered cacao as a divine gift, consuming it as a bitter, frothy ceremonial drink and even using cacao beans as currency.
When chocolate reached Europe in the 16th century, it transformed from a spiritual beverage into a luxury reserved for aristocrats, sweetened with sugar and spices. This new craving fueled global trade — and with it, a long and painful legacy of colonial expl...
2025-12-0604 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesPoutine – Canada’s Comfort in a BowlThis episode explores poutine, the beloved Canadian dish that blends warmth, nostalgia, and cultural identity into one irresistible bowl. Born in rural Québec in the 1950s, poutine began as an unplanned combination of fries and cheese curds — a “mess” that quickly became a sensation. The addition of hot gravy transformed it into the iconic trio known today.
As poutine spread across Québec and the rest of Canada, it grew into a symbol of pride for French-speaking communities, representing resilience, humor, and the desire to preserve cultural heritage. Over time, poutine evolved through regional and international variatio...
2025-11-3004 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesJollof Rice – West Africa’s Fiery Bowl of PrideThis episode explores jollof rice, the beloved West African dish that represents history, culture, and identity in a single vibrant bowl. Originating from the 14th-century Wolof Empire in present-day Senegal and The Gambia, the dish began as thiéboudienne — a tomato-based rice and fish creation that spread across the region through trade and cultural exchange.
As jollof spread, each country shaped its own version: Nigeria’s bold and spicy style, Ghana’s deeper, tomato-rich version, and Senegal’s more traditional, vegetable-based approach. These variations sparked the playful yet passionate “Jollof Wars”, a cultural rivalry that highlights national pride more th...
2025-11-2305 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesPad Thai – Thailand’s National Noodle RevolutionThis episode explores the rich story behind Pad Thai, Thailand’s most famous noodle dish — a culinary creation that emerged not only from kitchens, but from the country’s own history of reinvention. Though now beloved worldwide, Pad Thai’s origins trace back to the 1930s and 40s, when the Thai government sought to forge a sense of national identity during modernization. To conserve rice and promote unity, leaders encouraged citizens to embrace a new noodle-based dish that combined Thai ingredients and flavors — sweet, sour, salty, and spicy — in perfect balance.
Listeners journey through the sizzling streets of Bangkok...
2025-11-1604 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesCroissant – France’s Flaky Icon of Morning EleganceThis episode unwraps the buttery layers of the croissant, tracing its journey from humble beginnings to its status as a symbol of French sophistication. Though now synonymous with France, the croissant’s story begins in Vienna, where the kipferl—a crescent-shaped pastry—was created to celebrate victory over the Ottoman siege in the 17th century. When the pastry reached Paris two centuries later, French bakers refined it into something airy, delicate, and divine: the laminated dough masterpiece we know today.
Listeners are guided through the meticulous art of croissant-making—folding butter into dough, layering it with patience and prec...
2025-11-0904 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesPasta – Italy’s Endless Threads of TraditionThis episode traces the long, winding story of pasta — Italy’s most universal and beloved culinary symbol. While legend claims Marco Polo brought noodles from China, history shows pasta was already part of Italian life long before his travels, with roots stretching back to the Etruscans and Romans. What began as a simple mixture of flour and water evolved into an art form defined by regional diversity and centuries of tradition.
Listeners are guided through Italy’s landscapes of flavor — from the rich egg-based pastas of Emilia-Romagna to the dried semolina varieties of the south. Each region has its...
2025-11-0304 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesTacos – Mexico’s Handheld HeritageThis episode celebrates the taco as the edible heartbeat of Mexico—an ancient food reborn through centuries of adaptation and creativity. Its story begins with the Aztecs and Mayans, who transformed sacred corn into tortillas, symbols of nourishment and life. When Spanish colonists arrived, they brought new meats and seasonings, merging Old World and New to create what would become the modern taco.
Listeners journey through Mexico’s diverse landscapes: the smoky tacos al pastor of Mexico City, inspired by Lebanese immigrants; the seaside freshness of Baja’s fish tacos; and the slow-cooked barbacoa of the central highla...
2025-10-2705 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesPho – Vietnam’s Soul in a BowlThis episode explores phở, the beloved Vietnamese noodle soup that has become a symbol of the nation’s history, resilience, and culinary grace. Originating in northern Vietnam in the early 20th century, phở emerged as a fusion of local traditions and French colonial influence, combining rice noodles, beef broth, and aromatic spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. What began as humble street food soon became the soul of Vietnamese cuisine.
The episode traces how phở evolved as it traveled south, becoming richer and sweeter in Ho Chi Minh City, often garnished with basil, lime, and chili. Each bow...
2025-10-2105 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesEspresso – Italy’s Shot of Culture and CaffeineThis episode explores espresso not just as a beverage, but as a cultural ritual deeply embedded in Italian life. Born in the early 20th century from innovations in steam-powered brewing, espresso quickly became more than a fast way to make coffee—it became a daily rhythm.
Unlike leisurely coffee traditions elsewhere, espresso in Italy is consumed standing at the bar, served quickly, enjoyed briefly, and remembered fondly. It is a moment of presence—a pause in the day marked by the hiss of steam and the aroma of freshly ground beans. Unspoken rules guide the ritual: cappuccino only...
2025-10-1404 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesMango Sticky Rice – Thailand’s Sweet HarmonyThis episode explores the cultural soul of mango sticky rice, or khao niew mamuang, one of Thailand’s most beloved desserts. Though made from only three simple ingredients—glutinous rice, ripe mango, and coconut milk—it represents centuries of tradition, agriculture, and seasonal celebration.
Listeners learn how sticky rice, cultivated in Southeast Asia for thousands of years, forms the comforting base of the dish, while coconut milk—brought through ancient trade routes—adds richness. Ripe Thai mangoes, especially the nam dok mai variety, complete the harmony with their fragrant sweetness. Prepared through gentle steaming, soaking, and drizzling, the desser...
2025-10-0904 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesButter Chicken – India’s Creamy, Spice-Laden ClassicThis episode tells the story of butter chicken, or murgh makhani, one of India’s most famous dishes. Created in the 1950s at Delhi’s Moti Mahal restaurant as a way to repurpose leftover tandoori chicken, it became a culinary icon. By simmering smoky chicken in a creamy tomato, butter, and spice-based sauce, chefs transformed leftovers into luxury.
Listeners learn about the dish’s anatomy—marinated chicken cooked in a tandoor, paired with a velvety sauce rich in butter, cream, ginger, garlic, and garam masala. Butter chicken quickly spread beyond India, inspiring global adaptations, including the UK’s chicken...
2025-10-0304 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesFalafel – Crispy, Golden, and Full of HistoryThis episode explores falafel’s origins, anatomy, cultural symbolism, and global journey. Believed to have originated in Egypt as ta’amiya made from fava beans, falafel spread throughout the Middle East, where chickpeas became a staple ingredient. Today, debates over its true birthplace highlight the dish’s deep cultural roots across Egypt, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, and beyond.
Listeners discover the art of crafting falafel—ground legumes mixed with herbs, garlic, onions, cumin, and coriander, fried to golden perfection, and often served in pita with tahini, hummus, and salad. More than a recipe, falafel is a dish of identity...
2025-09-2604 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesKorean Kimchi – Preservation, Flavor, and Resilience has been written.This episode explores the deep cultural, historical, and symbolic importance of kimchi, Korea’s national dish. Tracing its roots back over 2,000 years, we see how early versions of kimchi were mild and salt-based before the introduction of chili peppers in the 16th century transformed it into the spicy, vibrant dish known today.
Listeners learn about kimjang, the communal practice of preparing kimchi for winter, recognized by UNESCO as a cultural treasure. The episode also showcases the diversity of kimchi, from classic napa cabbage to radish (kkakdugi), white kimchi (baek kimchi), and cucumber varieties (oi sobagi).
Be...
2025-09-1903 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesAmerican Barbecue – Fire, Smoke, and CommunityThis episode explores the deep roots and cultural significance of American barbecue. Originating from Indigenous Caribbean barbacoa and shaped by European and African influences, barbecue became a defining tradition in the American South, where enslaved Africans played a crucial role in developing its flavors and techniques.
Listeners are taken on a tour of the U.S.’s regional barbecue styles: Carolina’s vinegar and mustard pork, Memphis’s dry-rubbed ribs, Texas’s legendary beef brisket, and Kansas City’s sweet, tomato-based sauces. Beyond flavor, the episode emphasizes barbecue’s role as a social ritual, central to political rallies, chu...
2025-09-1105 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesSushi Rolls – Tradition Meets CreativityThis episode explores the journey of sushi rolls from their traditional Japanese roots to their global reinvention. Originally developed during Japan’s Edo period, rolled sushi (makizushi) emphasized simplicity, balance, and seasonal ingredients. The California Roll, created in Los Angeles in the 1960s, marked sushi’s transformation abroad, adapting flavors for Western palates and sparking a wave of creative variations.
We contrast Japan’s traditional rolls—hosomaki, futomaki, and temaki—with modern fusion versions that incorporate ingredients like cream cheese, mango, or spicy sauces. The art of rolling, slicing, and presenting sushi highlights the craftsmanship and aesthetic values at...
2025-09-0303 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesArgentine Empanadas – The Heart of South American Street FoodThis episode highlights the story of Argentine empanadas, tracing their roots from Spanish and Moorish influences to their transformation into one of Argentina’s most beloved national foods. Originally introduced by colonizers, empanadas evolved with local ingredients, creating a dish that reflects Argentina’s diverse history and cultural identity.
We explore their anatomy—flaky dough folded around fillings like beef, onions, hard-boiled eggs, and olives—and the signature crimp known as repulgue. Regional varieties showcase the country’s culinary diversity: spicy beef empanadas from Salta, sweeter versions from Córdoba, and festival favorites from Tucumán.
Beyond fla...
2025-08-2603 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesPain au Chocolat – France’s Sweet Morning IndulgenceThis episode unwraps the buttery, chocolate-filled French pastry known as pain au chocolat, exploring its origins, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. A cousin to the croissant, it shares the same laminated dough but distinguishes itself with bars of dark chocolate baked inside. The episode also highlights France’s spirited naming debate—pain au chocolat in most regions versus chocolatine in the southwest.
Listeners are guided through the art of crafting the perfect pastry, from folding butter into dough to achieving hundreds of flaky layers. Beyond technique, the pastry’s role in French life is emphasized, from schoolchildren enjoying it on...
2025-08-1803 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesThai Green Curry – A Symphony of Spice and HerbThis episode explores the history and artistry of Thai green curry (gaeng keow wan), a fragrant and vibrant dish that reflects Thailand’s culinary balance of sweet, salty, sour, spicy, and bitter. Originating in central Thailand in the early 20th century, green curry stands apart from Indian-style curries through its use of fresh herbs and aromatics. The heart of the dish is its hand-pounded curry paste, made with green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime peel, coriander roots, and shrimp paste.
The episode walks through the cooking process—frying the paste in coconut cream, adding coconut milk for rich...
2025-08-0903 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesShawarma – Layers of Spice and StoryThis episode explores the rich, spiced legacy of shawarma, a dish born from the Ottoman Empire’s vertical spit-roasting innovation. From its 19th-century Turkish roots as doner kebab, shawarma traveled across the Middle East, evolving into a flavorful, portable meal layered with marinated meat, tahini, garlic sauce, pickles, and pita.
We examine how shawarma became a global staple through waves of migration—adapting into Berlin’s famous doner sandwiches and North America’s food truck favorite. The episode also highlights shawarma’s pop culture rise, especially after its cameo in the 2012 Avengers film, and its continued innovation through ve...
2025-07-3003 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesShawarma – Layers of Spice and StoryThis episode explores the rich, spiced legacy of shawarma, a dish born from the Ottoman Empire’s vertical spit-roasting innovation. From its 19th-century Turkish roots as doner kebab, shawarma traveled across the Middle East, evolving into a flavorful, portable meal layered with marinated meat, tahini, garlic sauce, pickles, and pita.
We examine how shawarma became a global staple through waves of migration—adapting into Berlin’s famous doner sandwiches and North America’s food truck favorite. The episode also highlights shawarma’s pop culture rise, especially after its cameo in the 2012 Avengers film, and its continued innovation through ve...
2025-07-3003 minFlavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesGelato – Italy’s Frozen MasterpieceWe also delve into regional traditions, artisanal innovation, and gelato’s global spread, driven by Italian immigrants and modern culinary trends. Ultimately, gelato is more than dessert—it’s a celebration of craft, culture, and the simple joy of savoring life, one spoonful at a time.
2025-07-2404 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesRamen – Broth, Noodles, and SoulThis episode explores the evolution of ramen, a dish with roots in Chinese noodle soups that found a new identity in Japan. Originally a street food for the working class, ramen became a symbol of resilience in postwar Japan, nourishing millions during times of scarcity. We follow its transformation through the invention of instant ramen by Momofuku Ando—bringing affordable comfort to the world—and its rise to culinary art with regional Japanese varieties like miso ramen from Sapporo and tonkotsu from Hakata.
2025-07-1503 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesTacos – Ancient Roots, Modern LoveIn this episode, we explore the enduring legacy and global evolution of the taco. Beginning with its origins in ancient Mesoamerica, where indigenous peoples used maize tortillas as edible utensils, the taco has always been a practical and culturally rich food. We trace how the Spanish introduced new meats and seasonings that reshaped the taco, and how each region of Mexico developed its own unique style—from al pastor in Mexico City to fish tacos in Baja California.
2025-07-0405 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesBritish Meat Pie – Crust and CultureIn this episode of Flavors of Time, we explore the rich and savory legacy of the British meat pie. From its medieval origins as a practical method of preserving meat, the pie evolved into a symbol of both royal grandeur and working-class sustenance. We journey through history—from Tudor banquet tables to factory lunch breaks—uncovering how pies adapted across regions, from the Cornish pasty to the Scotch pie. As the British Empire spread, so did the meat pie, influencing culinary traditions in Australia, South Africa, and beyond. Today, gourmet chefs and home bakers alike continue to reinvent this belo...
2025-06-2303 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesChocolate – From Sacred Ritual to Sweet ObsessionIn this episode of Flavors of Time, we trace the extraordinary journey of chocolate from its sacred beginnings in Mesoamerican civilizations to its global popularity today. Once a bitter ceremonial drink revered by the Maya and Aztecs, chocolate transformed into a luxurious treat in European courts and, eventually, a mass-produced delight for all. We explore the innovations that turned cacao into bars and bonbons, as well as the darker side of its history involving colonialism and labor exploitation. Today, chocolate is not only a beloved sweet but also a medium of artistic and emotional expression—one that connects cultures, me...
2025-06-0805 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesIndian Curry – A Symphony of Spices and StoriesThis episode traces the rich and flavorful history of Indian curry—from its ancient Ayurvedic roots in the Indus Valley Civilization to its global evolution. We explore how curry adapted through centuries of trade, colonialism, and regional diversity. Each Indian region has developed its own signature curries, using local spices and ingredients, creating a vast culinary mosaic. The British colonization of India led to curry’s international fame, with dishes like chicken tikka masala born out of fusion. Today, curry exists in many forms across cultures—proof of its universal appeal and powerful storytelling through flavor.
2025-05-2703 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesThe French Croissant – Layers of History and FlavorIn this episode, we explore the unexpected journey of the French croissant, a pastry with deep Austrian roots. Originally a humble kipferl from Vienna, the croissant transformed into a French icon through cultural exchange, royal influence, and the art of lamination. From its symbolic beginnings in the Siege of Vienna to its modern status as a symbol of French culinary mastery, the croissant’s story is one of innovation and tradition, where each flaky layer tells a tale of craftsmanship and history.
2025-05-1703 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesKorean BBQ – Smoke, Sizzle, and Social RitualThis episode explores the rich cultural heritage and global appeal of Korean BBQ. From its ancient origins with nomadic grilling to the beloved modern-day rituals of bulgogi, galbi, and samgyeopsal, Korean BBQ is more than a meal—it’s a communal experience. The episode highlights the artistry of marinades, the social etiquette of the grill, and how this smoky, flavorful tradition has become a symbol of Korean culture worldwide.
2025-05-0403 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesHummus – A Taste of the Middle EastIn this episode of Flavors of Time, we explore the ancient, flavorful journey of hummus—a creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic that has become a cultural icon across the Middle East and the globe. The episode traces hummus’s debated origins, from 13th-century Cairo recipes to modern-day kitchens, and examines its deeper role as a dish of hospitality, pride, and even political symbolism. We also uncover the “Hummus Wars” between countries vying for cultural ownership, and follow hummus’s transformation into a global favorite, now found in fusion cuisine and supermarkets worldwide. At its heart, hummus remains a...
2025-04-1703 min
2025-04-0803 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesSushi – The Art of SimplicityIn this episode of Flavors of Time, we explore the fascinating evolution of sushi—from its ancient origins as a method of preserving fish in Southeast Asia to its transformation into a globally celebrated dish. We delve into the birth of nigiri sushi in Edo-period Japan, where Hanaya Yohei revolutionized fast food with fresh fish and seasoned rice.The episode also examines sushi’s worldwide expansion, highlighting how chefs in Los Angeles introduced creative adaptations like the California Roll to cater to Western tastes. We uncover the meticulous craftsmanship behind sushi-making, where skilled itamae train for years to m...
2025-03-1804 min
Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic DishesPizza – From Naples to the WorldIn this episode of Flavors of Time: Stories Behind Iconic Dishes, we explore the incredible journey of pizza from its humble beginnings to becoming a global sensation.Origins in Naples: Pizza began as a simple street food for the working class in Naples, Italy. The Margherita pizza, created in honor of Queen Margherita in 1889, symbolized Italian pride with its red, white, and green toppings.Arrival in the U.S.: Italian immigrants brought pizza to America, where it gained popularity in cities like New York and Chicago. Iconic variations like the thin-crust New York slice and deep-dish Chicago pizza...
2025-03-0605 min