Have you ever wondered, while enjoying your meal, “How did this dish come to be?”
In this blog, we’ll explore the historical stories behind some of the world’s most beloved foods.
🥐 Croissant
What would you say if we told you that the croissant — a pastry now sold in nearly every supermarket and enjoyed worldwide — has a connection to the Ottoman Empire?
According to legend, during the Ottoman siege of Vienna, soldiers attempted to dig tunnels beneath the city walls. However, night-working bakers heard the sounds and alerted the local forces. After the siege was successfully repelled, Viennese bakers created a crescent-shaped pastry inspired by the crescent on the Ottoman flag to celebrate the victory. That’s how the croissant — loved around the world today — was born.
🍕 Pizza Margherita
Pizza Margherita is named after Queen Margherita, the wife of King Umberto I of Italy.
While vacationing at her palace in Naples, the queen requested her chefs to prepare a local dish that was both affordable and beloved by the public — pizza. Since the palace chefs were unfamiliar with the recipe, they ordered pizza from a nearby local restaurant. Out of several pizzas delivered, the queen most enjoyed the one topped with tomato and mozzarella. That simple, flavorful pizza went on to become one of the most famous in the world — now known as Pizza Margherita.
🧆 Falafel
Falafel, which has become increasingly popular in our country as well, has fascinating Middle Eastern origins.
Legend has it that during a time when animal-based foods were forbidden (a period locals referred to as the “Great Fast”), people sought meat alternatives and began using falafel. Although it was originally made from fava beans, chickpeas eventually became the primary ingredient.
What about you — do you like falafel?
