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What is the history behind some of the most popular International dishes and how did they gain popularity?

Flora Rexworthy

Food is one of the most important things in our lives. We all love eating, right? But have you ever wondered how some of the most popular international dishes came to be and how they gained their popularity? Well, let me take you on a culinary journey through time and space.

Let's start with pizza, shall we? Who doesn't love a good slice of pizza? But did you know that pizza actually originated in Naples, Italy? It was first made in the 18th century and was known as a Neapolitan flatbread. It was around this time that tomatoes were introduced to Italy, and people started to put them on top of the flatbread with some cheese and herbs. And voila, the pizza as we know it today was born! It gained popularity in the United States after soldiers returning from World War II fell in love with the dish while stationed in Italy.

Next up, let's talk about sushi. Sushi is a Japanese dish made of cooked vinegared rice that is typically topped with seafood. It was originally a way to preserve fish by fermenting it with rice. However, it wasn't until the early 19th century that sushi became a popular dish in Japan. The invention of refrigeration allowed for the storage of fresh fish, and sushi restaurants began to pop up all over Japan. Today, sushi is enjoyed all over the world and has even been adapted to include vegetarian and vegan options.

Moving on to another Asian dish, let's talk about curry. Curry is a spice blend that originated in India and is used in a variety of dishes. It's commonly associated with Indian cuisine, but it's also a popular dish in countries like Thailand and Japan. The popularity of curry can be traced back to the British Empire. During their colonization of India, the British soldiers fell in love with the complex flavors of Indian cuisine, including curry. They brought the spice blend back to Britain with them, where it became a popular dish.

Last but not least, let's talk about tacos. Tacos are a Mexican dish made of a tortilla filled with meat, beans, or veggies. They can be traced back to the 18th century, when Mexican silver miners would eat them for lunch. Tacos gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century, thanks in part to the rise of Mexican-American culture. Today, you can find tacos served in restaurants all over the world, with a variety of different fillings.

So there you have it, a brief history of some of the most popular international dishes. From Italy to Japan to Mexico, these dishes have come a long way to become the beloved meals that we know and love today. So grab a slice of pizza, a piece of sushi, a bowl of curry, or a taco and enjoy the delicious flavors that have been passed down through generations. Bon appétit!