Iconic Stories Behind Famous Dishes and Their Cultural Origins

Features a legendary origin story involving a spirit-walking nun, Sister Mary of Agreda.

A Greek dish with Middle Eastern roots, featuring layers of eggplant and béchamel sauce.

Originated in ancient China around 1500 BC, with the curing process later adopted by the Romans and Greeks.

A Russian dish with French influences, named after the Stroganov family.

Believed to have originated in Belgium, with the name possibly coming from American soldiers.

Originated in Austria, not France, as a crescent-shaped pastry.

Originated in Naples, Italy, with the Margherita pizza symbolizing the Italian flag.

Believed to have originated from Portuguese immigrants in the UK.

Originated in Peru, featuring raw fish marinated in citrus juices.

Evolved from Italian pasta dishes, popularized in the U.S. with Thomas Jefferson's influence.