Did Oliver Cromwell really ban one of our favourite Christmas treats? Are pasties really Cornish? And is toast the best thing since sliced bread?
History's Greatest Dishes, from HistoryExtra, serves up a feast of facts about some of the past's most remarkable delicacies. Expect culinary legends, half-baked myths and deliciously odd tales – all in the company of Emily Briffett and food historian Annie Gray. It's sure to leave you with food for thought.
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History’s Greatest Dishes is back – and in this first episode, Emily Briffett and food historian Annie Gray tell the story of a humble British favourite. From its curious role as sickroom ‘toast water’ to the delights of Victorian toasting forks, they consider an all-important question: is toast the best thing since sliced bread? Plus, they tuck into a quick-fire tour of toppings, taking stock of marmalade, honey and baked beans along the way – as well as, of course, the fiercely debated Marmite.
GO BEYOND THE PODCAST
From sardine-laced popcorn to a startling yeast and ketchup concoction, this article by Jonny Wilkes explores some of the weirdest fillings that our ancestors enjoyed (or endured) in their sandwiches: https://bit.ly/4A5bXJm
GET MORE WITH MEMBERSHIP
Become a HistoryExtra podcast member and unlock access to The Full Story podcast, plus enjoy ad-free listening, early access to other podcast episodes, and a member-exclusive newsletter.
Sign up here
EXPLORE MORE
For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at historyextra.com/podcast
GET IN TOUCH
We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch.
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26 Oct 2026
We're back for series two!
Did Oliver Cromwell really ban one of our favourite Christmas treats? Are pasties really Cornish? And is toast the best thing since sliced bread? History’s Greatest Dishes is back with its second series, serving up a fresh helping of food history.
Join HistoryExtra’s Emily Briffett and food historian Annie Gray as they tuck into a menu that includes dumplings and jerk chicken, custard, tea, mince pies and more. Expect culinary legends, half-baked myths and deliciously odd tales. Come hungry for history – there’s plenty to enjoy.
Episode 1 releases on Monday 2 November. Subscribers to HistoryExtra Plus can listen early and ad-free.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
10 May 2026
Gooseberry Fool
Host Emily Briffett and food historian Annie Gray explore the surprising history and enduring appeal of the simple yet beloved gooseberry fool dessert.
3 May 2026
Balti
Food historian Annie Gray and host Emily Briffett explore the vibrant origins and cultural fusion of Britain's beloved Balti curry.
26 Apr 2026
Victoria Sponge
Host Emily Briffett and food historian Annie Gray explore the rich history and complex evolution of the Victoria Sponge cake, revealing its journey to national icon status.
19 Apr 2026
Pizza
Host Emily Briffett and food historian Annie Gray uncover pizza's complex journey from humble Neapolitan street food to global icon, revealing its surprising origins and reinventions.
12 Apr 2026
Blancmange
Food historian Annie Gray and Emily Briffett explore the surprising medieval origins and transformation of blancmange into a modern dessert.
23 Feb 2026
Introducing History’s Greatest Dishes!
Food historian Annie Gray and host Emily Briffett explore culinary legends and odd tales behind history's most remarkable dishes in this interview.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.2 / 5
13 ratings
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