The hottest Food culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Food & Drink Topics

no. 73: one of everything

let them eat cake • 299 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. The post discusses idiosyncratically appealing hawker food experiences from a trip.
  2. Some hawker stalls stand out for not just serving food but for their neatness, care, and unique atmosphere.
  3. Unique menu presentations and authentic homestyle cooking can make certain hawker stalls memorable.

Enter the Chicken Burger

The Melt by Jason Diamond • 294 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. The Stork Club was a famous nightclub in Manhattan where the elite socialized from 1929 to 1965.
  2. The Stork Club's menu was known for its continental cuisine created by French chef Gustave Reynaud.
  3. The recipe for a chicken burger served at the Stork Club included chicken meat, butter, and cream, and was broiled with fresh bread crumbs.

The Musical Fruit

A Small and Simple Thing • 294 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Anchovies are a flavorful umami powerhouse in cooking.
  2. Beans, often undervalued, are a healthy staple that deserve more attention in our diets.
  3. Exploring different varieties of beans and cooking them from dried can enhance your meals and bring new flavors.

no. 65: amusement parks

let them eat cake • 439 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Urban Hawker in New York tries to replicate the essence of Singaporean hawker culture, but falls short in capturing the full experience.
  2. Hawker food is more than just dishes; it's a system of practices, relationships, and locations that define its authenticity.
  3. The affordability and accessibility of hawker culture in Singapore is crucial for its value and quality of life, and replicating it in a different economic context raises ethical concerns.
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Once Yellow Bittern, Twice Shy

Vittles • 459 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. The Yellow Bittern is a unique restaurant in London that doesn't use social media or an online booking system. It's co-owned by chef Hugh Corcoran, known for a simple, hearty menu.
  2. The restaurant has sparked a lot of discussion because some people think it's too expensive and exclusive. Meanwhile, others see it as a refreshing change in the restaurant scene.
  3. Corcoran's approach includes only accepting cash and having a short lunch service, which challenges modern dining trends. Many people are drawn to its old-fashioned style, but it also makes some customers uncomfortable.

A Food Crawl in London's Most Overlooked Restaurant Destination

Vittles • 123 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Kingsbury is changing and becoming a great food destination. It has restaurants that reflect the diverse communities living there.
  2. The area has a rich history with different cultures impacting its food scene, from the Irish to the Gujarati, Iraqi, Polish, and Romanian communities.
  3. There are now fantastic new restaurants serving unique dishes, like grilled meats and special desserts, making Kingsbury more exciting than ever.

Paid content: Cake season

Wood From Eden • 336 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Cake season is a time for celebration and enjoyment. It brings joy to people as they gather for sweet treats.
  2. Having a variety of cakes can make any occasion special. Different flavors and styles can cater to everyone's taste.
  3. This content is available to paid subscribers, highlighting the value of exclusive information or access. It encourages readers to support the work they enjoy.

the ultimate guide to holding world class dinner parties

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 389 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Choose the right place for your dinner party, preferably at home where everyone can hear and engage in conversation. If not at home, consider a quiet restaurant room or an Airbnb.
  2. Keep your dinner small for one meaningful conversation. Limit guests to 12 and have a moderator to facilitate discussion. Make sure everyone is excited to meet each other.
  3. The food and drink are not the main focus. What matters is the fun and laughter shared during the dinner, so focus on guest interactions instead.

Who Makes the Rules?

Vittles • 164 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Sushi has become popular in Pakistan, and restaurants have adapted it to local tastes. You can find sushi rolls like spicy prawn tempura and chicken rolls in many places.
  2. The introduction of Japanese cuisine, especially sushi, was risky but aimed at wealthy customers seeking new dining experiences. Restaurants like Fujiyama created a status symbol around trying such exotic food.
  3. There is a growing interest in using local seafood for sushi in Karachi, but many people still prefer imported ingredients. This shows a disconnect between local culture and the coastal resources available.

Six Underrated Dishes at Well-Known London Restaurants

Vittles • 146 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Mulligatawny soup is a unique Anglo-Indian dish that's not seen much, but it's really tasty. At Veeraswamy, it’s served with a fun presentation and a mix of great flavors.
  2. Veeraswamy is the oldest Indian restaurant in the UK, starting in 1926, and the soup is one of the few items left from its original menu. It's a big part of London's Indian food history.
  3. In addition to Veeraswamy, there are other hidden gems on menus across London worth trying. The recommendations cover a range of delicious dishes that shouldn't be missed.

How Pie and Mash Killed Itself

Vittles • 361 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Pie and mash shops in London are losing customers because their old traditions don't appeal to many people anymore. This dish has remained mostly unchanged, making it feel outdated to newer generations.
  2. There's a common belief that outside factors like gentrification are causing the decline of pie and mash, but the real issue is that the food hasn't adapted or modernized to attract a wider audience.
  3. Instead of trying to preserve pie and mash as it was, shops should evolve to include new flavors and ideas. This could help keep the tradition alive while appealing to a changing population.

"In Scotland, we don't go in for that lazy criticism, not even in an ironic way"

Vittles • 238 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Scottish cuisine has changed a lot in recent years and is no longer mocked for its food. Instead, people see Scotland as having amazing ingredients and chefs.
  2. There is a focus on using local Scottish produce and cooking techniques like preservation that are gaining popularity. This keeps the food scene exciting and innovative.
  3. Chitra Ramaswamy, a restaurant critic, brings a unique perspective as the only critic dedicated to Scotland's food culture. Her reviews reflect a deep appreciation for the country and its evolving culinary identity.

A correction and an update

Close-reading the reruns with Phoebe Maltz Bovy • 117 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. The author corrected their claim about inventing intuitive shopping, crediting Isabel Slone for introducing the concept.
  2. The author shared an update on their quest to find anchovies in olive oil in Canada, discussing the disappointing taste of a purchase from a nearby store.
  3. Despite challenges, the author remains determined in their pursuit of the desired anchovies, navigating through various stores and asking for assistance.

Summer is the explosion of fruit while caterpillars are the explosion of juice

Soaring Twenties • 92 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Summer is a time for fresh fruits, like tomatoes, which require a lot of attention to grow well. It’s a rewarding experience to grow your own food.
  2. Hunting for caterpillars on plants can be a fun and engaging task, helping to protect the crops. Keeping an eye on pests is important for a successful garden.
  3. Making salsa is not just about following a strict recipe; it’s about enjoying the process and the flavors that come together from fresh ingredients. Cooking can be a joyful and creative activity.

no. 76: insufficiently disposable

let them eat cake • 159 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. The importance of valuing traditional food culture and the impact of commercialization on it.
  2. The shift in focus from the quality of food to branding and packaging in the modern food industry.
  3. Reflecting on the notion of authenticity and craftsmanship in the context of manufacturing and food production.

Greek Taverna Classics: Keftedes and Tyrokafteri

Vittles • 100 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Keftedes are tasty meatballs made with herbs and a mix of pork and beef to keep them juicy. They can be fried or cooked in tomato sauce for extra flavor.
  2. Tyrokafteri is a creamy and spicy dip made from chili peppers and feta cheese. It's a great match for keftedes and adds a unique kick to meals.
  3. Tavernas in Athens are special places that feel like home, where you can find good food and warm hospitality. They remind us that perfection is not necessary for a good meal.

Honey Marmite Fried Chicken

Vittles • 125 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Honey Marmite Fried Chicken is a delicious dish that mixes sweet and savory flavors, and it's based on a popular Malaysian Chinese recipe.
  2. Marmite is a common pantry item in Malaysia, used in many local dishes for its rich umami taste, making it different from its reputation in the UK.
  3. The dish can be easily adapted for vegans by pairing the honey Marmite sauce with vegetables like tempeh or tofu.

Nick Bramham’s Steak au Poivre

Vittles • 110 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Nick Bramham shares an affordable and delicious recipe for Steak au Poivre, perfect for special occasions. You can enjoy this dish without the expense of traveling to Paris.
  2. Cooking the steak properly is key, so letting it come to room temperature and seasoning it well helps achieve a better and more even cook. Techniques like searing and basting with butter enhance the flavor.
  3. This recipe is an easy way to recreate a restaurant favorite at home, making it accessible for anyone who loves good food without breaking the bank.

Six of Nunn

Vittles • 200 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. There are differences between reviewing and recommending restaurants. A review often tells a story, while a recommendation is simply an endorsement of a place worth visiting.
  2. The author shares six restaurant recommendations in London that are worth trying. These are places that have unique qualities and offer great food.
  3. There is also one restaurant that the author suggests avoiding because it gets too much praise already, indicating it may not be as special as others.

New Year New Name: Introducing Vittles Cooking

Vittles • 213 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Vittles Cooking is changing its name from Vittles Recipes to reflect a broader focus on home cooking. It aims to embrace creativity and fun in cooking, rather than just sticking to traditional recipes.
  2. The platform is inviting new pitches related to home cooking. They're looking for unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and experiences that challenge the usual cooking norms.
  3. Vittles Cooking wants to highlight how cooking intersects with daily life and current issues like the climate crisis. They're interested in stories about cooking in tough times or finding joy in everyday meals.

Natto: King of Fermented Foods

Eat Shit and Prosper • 419 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Natto is a unique fermented soybean food packed with health benefits. It's made using a special bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, which isn't found in many other fermented foods.
  2. It contains important nutrients like vitamin K and PQQ, which can help with energy, stress protection, and overall heart health. Eating natto can enhance the nutrition of other foods you eat it with.
  3. Though its slimy texture might be off-putting, natto has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries and can be delicious when prepared well. Finding it at an Asian grocery store is a good start for trying it out.

Chugging Away

Vittles • 197 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Beverages can evoke strong memories and feelings, connecting us to different places and times in our lives. For example, a familiar drink can remind us of our childhood or special moments.
  2. Certain drinks have unique historical stories tied to their origins, making them more than just something to sip on. They often reflect cultural traditions and personal experiences.
  3. Exploring different beverages can be an adventure in taste and discovery. Trying new drinks allows us to learn about different cultures and enjoy various flavors that resonate with our experiences.

The Invention of Fergus Henderson

Vittles • 233 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Fergus Henderson and his restaurant St. John helped revive traditional British dishes, especially using ingredients like bones and offal. This emphasis on simple, hearty food changed how people viewed English cuisine.
  2. St. John's design reflects a no-frills approach, with a focus on practical aesthetics rather than flashy decorations. This creates a casual, approachable atmosphere that many people appreciate.
  3. Despite initial mixed reviews, St. John became a beloved national institution, influencing restaurants and food culture in both the UK and beyond. Its popularity shows how deep cultural roots can lead to lasting success.

A cultural history of the polski sklep

Vittles • 202 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Food culture
  1. The polski sklep, or Polish shop, has significantly influenced British food culture since the EU expansion in 2004. It's become a popular spot for both Polish residents and locals seeking unique food items.
  2. These shops serve as cultural hubs, showcasing Polish foods like kabanosy and Tyskie beer, and connecting different generations of Poles as well as new customers from other countries.
  3. The polski sklep has evolved to include a wider array of European products, making it a blend of Polish and international flavors, and continues to adapt to the changing tastes of its diverse clientele.

Six of One: South South London Special

Vittles • 166 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Tooting is a great place for South Asian food; it's known for its delicious and comforting meals. The mini sadhya platter is a must-try, served on a banana leaf with various tasty ingredients.
  2. There are many exciting restaurant recommendations from South London, including a special Polish school canteen that impresses with its food. Bistro food and top-notch pastries are also highlighted in the area.
  3. Finding diverse and unique culinary spots, like a Caribbean restaurant and a place serving the best croissant, adds to the food experience in South London. These spots celebrate different cultures through their delicious dishes.

'If you don’t like it, you know what you can do'

Vittles • 205 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Cooking can be a way to show love, just like the author's mom did. Simple, nourishing meals can carry deeper meanings and memories.
  2. Life isn’t always fair, and cooking lessons can help us deal with challenges. It's important to enjoy food and savor moments with friends and family.
  3. As we grow, we might need to unlearn some of our childhood teachings. It's okay to take pleasure in cooking and sharing meals without guilt.

Vittles Reviews: A Love Story

Vittles • 133 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Modo's restaurant in London is recognized for its authentic Lebanese cuisine, thanks to the owners' strong culinary background.
  2. The restaurant started as a dark kitchen and grew in popularity by connecting with the local Arab community and understanding their tastes.
  3. Modo's creates a warm, home-like atmosphere, showing care for their customers, which helps them feel welcomed and appreciated.

I ate a burrito from the middle

Situation Normal • 161 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Eating a burrito from the middle is a different approach that challenges traditional methods. It can lead to messy situations, but some people are curious about trying it.
  2. Finding answers and funding for bizarre stories can be tough, but communities can come together to support interesting journalism projects.
  3. Not every new idea or method is better than the traditional way. Sometimes sticking to what's easier, like eating a burrito vertically, just makes more sense.

three things

let them eat cake • 179 implied HN points • 04 Jan 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. The author is working on a book about Singaporean food and food culture and is seeking ideas and input from readers.
  2. A shortage of semiconductors causing a slowdown in car manufacturing led to unexpected consequences like a shortage of Haribo gummi bears due to gelatin from leather manufacturing.
  3. The Superiority Burger cookbook offers high-spirited food recipes designed for manufacturability, regardless of one's stance on meat eating.

Does Tokyo Have the Best Food in the World?

The Intersection • 98 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Different cultures have strong hometown pride, which may influence their opinions on the best places in the world.
  2. When considering the city with the best food, it's important to take into account diverse cultures and cuisines, like those found in New York.
  3. Tokyo is considered by many, including experts like Anthony Bourdain, to have some of the best food in the world, offering a diverse array of culinary experiences.

Melek Erdal’s Baked Candied Pumpkin with Tahini and Walnuts

Vittles • 161 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Baked candied pumpkin is a comforting dessert that combines sweetness with tahini and walnuts. It reminds people of shared moments and helps heal emotional pain.
  2. Cutting up the pumpkin can be the hardest part of making this dish, but the process of preparing it is important and rewarding.
  3. Sharing food with loved ones can be a source of joy and connection, especially during tough times.

no. 54: thinner than porter

let them eat cake • 319 implied HN points • 22 May 22
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. Kway chap, a Singaporean dish, offers a unique dining experience with its long queues and variety of ingredients like pork innards and rice noodles.
  2. The process of waiting in line at a hawker stall for kway chap involves observing the bustling environment, from ordering to receiving the food.
  3. The complexity of flavors in kway chap, along with its textural variety and symbolic value, makes it a deeply satisfying dish worth the inconvenience.

Nick Bramham’s Perfect Tuna Melt

Vittles • 151 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture
  1. The tuna melt is a popular sandwich that combines tuna salad with grilled cheese. It became famous at Woolworth's lunch counter in the 1960s by accident.
  2. There are many types of sandwiches with unique origins in different cities, showcasing a rich food culture in America.
  3. Everyone has their own preferred way of making a tuna melt, and the perfect ratio of tuna to mayo can be a hot topic among sandwich lovers.