15 Surprising Facts About Beloved Foods From Around The Globe

Food isn’t just sustenance; it’s a window into history, culture, and tradition. Each dish we savor today carries a story—some born from necessity, others from celebration, and many shaped by migration, trade, or even accidents. From street foods that traveled continents to delicacies reserved for royalty, these culinary marvels are as much about people as they are about flavor. Dive into the surprising, inspiring, and occasionally quirky origins of these 15 iconic foods, and discover how they’ve shaped and been shaped by the world around them.

Pizza Margherita, one of the world’s most beloved dishes, owes its name and iconic tricolor design to Queen Margherita of Savoy. In 1889, during her visit to Naples, the queen expressed her fondness for the humble pizza—a street food enjoyed by the common folk. To honor her, chef Raffaele Esposito crafted a pizza featuring red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil, representing the Italian flag. While pizza’s roots stretch back to ancient flatbreads topped with simple ingredients, this royal endorsement catapulted it into the culinary spotlight. Naples remains the heart of authentic pizza-making, and its traditional wood-fired pizzas have earned UNESCO recognition. Today, from gourmet restaurants to local pizzerias, Pizza Margherita stands as a symbol of Italy’s rich culinary heritage and its global influence.