The hottest Food & Drink Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Food & Drink Topics
The Analog Family 279 implied HN points 01 Jun 24
  1. Rhubarb can be used to make delicious oatmeal streusel bars that many people enjoy. It’s a fun and satisfying way to try out new recipes in the kitchen.
  2. Getting kids involved in cooking is a great way to bond and teach them about food. Kids often find the cooking process exciting, just like discovering the magic of how ingredients change.
  3. Having fresh rhubarb available means you can enjoy tasty desserts throughout the year. Save and freeze the rhubarb to use in recipes later!
Snaxshot 399 implied HN points 24 May 24
  1. Embracing the sensuality of food can lead to a deeper connection with what nourishes us, shifting away from mindless consumption to a more mindful indulgence.
  2. The rise of food porn and product porn reflects a generation seeking instant gratification and using visual cues to signal interests, while also exploring a deeper connection with global cuisines and flavors.
  3. Curation, akin to edging, allows for delayed gratification and enhances the experience by immersing oneself fully through all senses, ultimately extending and heightening the pleasure of consumption.
The Department of Salad: Official Bulletin 1729 implied HN points 10 Oct 23
  1. Nik Sharma's cookbook combines stories of challenges and triumphs with delicious recipes influenced by his Indian upbringing.
  2. Sharma's recipes in 'Season' and 'The Flavor Equation' feature a blend of scientific curiosity and bold flavors.
  3. Sharma's latest book 'Veg-Table' offers beautiful photography, interesting vegetable facts, and mouth-watering recipes for big-flavored, veggie-focused meals.
The Counterfactual 119 implied HN points 19 Jul 24
  1. Cuisines can be recognized by their unique ingredients, which usually make up their core flavors. For example, Southern Italian cuisine often has tomatoes and olive oil, while Chinese dishes might use soy sauce and ginger.
  2. Research shows that some ingredients are more common in certain cuisines than others. This means some ingredients are 'distinctive' and can help identify the style of a dish or cuisine.
  3. Different cuisines have varying trends when it comes to combining flavors. Some might use ingredients with similar tastes together, while others may avoid them, highlighting unique culinary preferences.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
The Rotten Apple 52 implied HN points 02 Feb 26
  1. Listeria can hide deep inside equipment parts like conveyor belt fibres and hollow rollers where surface swabs and routine cleaning miss them.
  2. Eradicating persistent Listeria often requires a multifaceted 'seek and destroy' approach — thorough disassembly, chemical and heat treatments, intensive sampling — and sometimes replacing the contaminated equipment to stop product contamination.
  3. Reports that food fraud is “surging” may overstate the trend because higher counts can reflect increased awareness and enforcement; nonetheless food fraud remains widespread with many ongoing incidents, so vigilance and tools like webinars and resources are still needed.
Vittles 207 implied HN points 24 Nov 25
  1. Vittles is pitching gift subscriptions plus a new printed magazine and art prints as holiday presents, with discounts for pre-orders and subscribers.
  2. Contributors compiled over fifty playful, food-themed gift ideas that lean into novelty and ’bad food’ humour, including items like a fried-egg beret, a squeaky tea pet, egg-mayo apparel, banana-shaped hand cream, and lavender syrup.
  3. The guide includes direct shopping links to buy items and prints, and parts of the guide are available only to paid subscribers.
Wordloaf 884 implied HN points 24 Jan 24
  1. Debra Wink, a sourdough expert, recommends using pineapple juice in the initial starter mixture to create favorable conditions for lactic acid bacteria and yeast growth.
  2. Monitoring and adjusting the pH of sourdough starters can play a key role in activating yeast and preventing undesirable bacteria, leading to successful starter maintenance.
  3. Leaving starters at room temperature instead of refrigerating them for short periods can help retain their robustness and enhance their performance.
Vittles 133 implied HN points 17 Dec 25
  1. Fegato alla veneziana is thin strips of calf’s liver quickly sautéed with sweet Chioggia onions and finished with a splash of white wine or vinegar, giving a tender liver balanced by caramelised sweetness and a bright sweet‑sour hit.
  2. It’s traditionally served with polenta, but coarse buttery mashed potatoes are a lovely alternative, and the dish pairs well with small tumblers of light red wine.
  3. With good ingredients, quick cooking and a short rest, the dish is simple, comforting and transportive, evoking the mood of Venice even at home.
OK Doomer 99 implied HN points 05 Jan 26
  1. You can grow useful food in an apartment — microgreens, herbs, and small containers add real nutrition and flavor without much space.
  2. Small-scale systems like grow closets and flexible solar panels make urban growing more reliable and let you expand even in tight spaces.
  3. Practical care matters: watch container weight on railings, use drip pans and spill mats, and avoid standing water to prevent mold and damage.
Snaxshot 679 implied HN points 18 Mar 24
  1. Simu Liu was seen slinging dumplings at an event, showcasing a celebrity involvement in food production.
  2. SXSW and EXPO events featured interesting trends like the rise of natural sour products and the consumer dictating new products.
  3. Observations included the amount of VC funding at EXPO, celebrity sightings endorsing products, and collaborations between restaurants and emerging brands.
Culture Study 2808 implied HN points 04 Nov 24
  1. November is the perfect time for making soups, and the author has already tried at least eight different ones this season. It's great to enjoy winter with warm and comforting meals.
  2. The focus is on exploring new recipes, particularly with Rancho Gordo beans, which have been tasty additions to the soup lineup. Trying new ingredients can lead to enjoyable cooking experiences.
  3. The post encourages readers to share their favorite soup recipes or ask for recommendations, fostering a community around cooking and good food. It's all about exchanging ideas and making cooking fun!
Snaxshot 419 implied HN points 10 May 24
  1. Foxtrot Market faced a questionable auction process with potential bidders feeling left in the dark, leading to speculations of a rigged setup.
  2. Brands like Blueprint by Bryan Johnson are stepping into the market with products like supplements and olive oils, potentially shaking up established brands like Athletic Greens.
  3. Various CPG brands are undergoing rebranding and major changes to stay relevant and attract customers, reflecting a rebranding trend in the industry.
Kitchen Projects 746 implied HN points 11 Feb 24
  1. Food can be a love language, evoking memories and emotions through the ingredients we use and dishes we create.
  2. Ingredients like black sesame, eggs, muscat Beaumes de Venise wine, vinegar, and pomegranates can bring unique flavors, textures, and balance to culinary creations.
  3. Exploring the stories and flavors of ingredients like vinegar in desserts can add new dimensions to baking, offering a fresh twist on traditional sweets.
bad cattitude 176 implied HN points 27 Nov 25
  1. It's important to be prepared and organized for Thanksgiving. Having everything ready, from food to table settings, makes the day more enjoyable.
  2. Thanksgiving is a time for friends and family to come together and celebrate. Sharing meals and good company brings happiness.
  3. The holiday spirit can be uplifting. Enjoying the little things, like good food and a clean kitchen, helps create a calm and joyful atmosphere.
Culture Study 2449 implied HN points 08 Dec 24
  1. The Rancho Gordo Bean Club sends members surprise shipments of unique legumes along with recipes, creating excitement and community around cooking beans.
  2. Freshness is key for Rancho Gordo beans, as they only sell beans that are two years old or less, which makes them easier and quicker to cook.
  3. The Bean Club has grown massively, but the founder prioritizes quality and community, with a focus on maintaining a special experience for members.
The Department of Salad: Official Bulletin 1513 implied HN points 17 Oct 23
  1. The post shares a recipe for a seriously delicious roasted squash salad with beautiful pears.
  2. Autumn can bring a sense of regret and reflection on past failures and missed opportunities.
  3. Moving to a new place can lead to intense self-reflection and the desire to address regrets, even in small ways like cooking unused squash.
Not Drinking Poison 766 implied HN points 04 Feb 24
  1. There is a divide in the natural wine community over the use of additives like sulfites.
  2. The recent controversy at La Dive Bouteille reflects the increasing diversification of ideologies in the natural wine world.
  3. Natural wine producers at La Dive Bouteille are debating between zero sulfitage and minimal sulfitage approaches.
Vittles 17 implied HN points 17 Feb 26
  1. Manchester's Chinatown is small but deeply rooted, anchored by its grand arch and a food scene that mixes established Cantonese traditions with spicy Sichuan, northern noodles, hot pot and newer Gansu specialities.
  2. The Chinese community has stayed resilient despite rising rents and economic pressure. The area focuses on feeding locals with authentic, everyday cooking rather than performing for tourists.
  3. Individual restaurants show both craft and creativity. Places like Only Yu serve inventive Cantonese dishes, Chef Diao delivers masterful dim sum, and new Gansu and hot‑pot spots broaden the choices.
Longer Tables with José Andrés 825 implied HN points 22 Jan 24
  1. The Global Food Institute aims to inspire a new generation to solve big food problems through policy, innovation, and humanities.
  2. The Institute has made progress, including participation in events like the World Food Forum and the launch of the Alliance for a Sustainable Future.
  3. Key leaders like Bill Dietz and Tara Scully are driving research, policy work, and curriculum development at the Institute.
Food is Stupid 884 implied HN points 10 Jan 24
  1. The author explores the concept of gender reveal parties using food as a vehicle for information sharing.
  2. The process of making a gender reveal chicken cordon bleu is detailed, including the challenges and rewards.
  3. The author humorously describes the outcomes of creating a pink and a blue version of the dish.