12 Dishes We’ve Been Enjoying for Thousands of Years, from Ancient Times to Today

One of the things people love most is food. Although the dishes we enjoy today may be a bit different, our desire for pleasure remains the same. Across the world, there are many culturally significant and delicious recipes that have stood the test of time. Why not indulge in a meal that has been loved for thousands of years instead of opting for a modern dish? The best recipes you can try today were developed by your ancestors and are just as good now as they were back then. Let’s take a look at some dishes. 👇

Baklava:

Despite its uncertain origins, evidence suggests that this historic dessert was invented around 800 BC in the Assyrian Empire. Ancient Assyrians would stretch dough extremely thin and layer it with cinnamon, cardamom, honey, nuts, and other small flavors. The ancient Greeks, after tasting this delightful recipe, decided they could improve it. They invented phyllo dough, making the layers thinner and crispier, resembling the baklava we know today.

Hummus:

According to historians, the origins of the delicious chickpea dish, hummus, can be traced back to ancient Anatolia but is commonly attributed to ancient Egypt. The origins of chickpeas can be followed back to 10,000 years ago in present-day Turkey. Evidence suggests that hummus was consumed in Egypt during the 13th century BC, leading some historians to believe that ancient Egyptians traded for chickpeas and created hummus themselves. They later traded with the Greeks, who added their own spices. While hummus is consumed worldwide, its most popular place is the Middle East.

Hakarl:

Hakarl is a fermented shark dish from Iceland. Known for its potent ammonia and fish smell after being fermented on land and dried for several months, it is considered delicious by Icelanders and is recognized as one of the country’s national dishes. Believed to have originated during the Viking Age, Hakarl was used to utilize the oils of sleeper sharks. Due to the absence of kidneys in these sharks, their meat needs to be safely fermented, or else it can be poisonous. You must visit Iceland to try this unique dish.

Pancake:

Over the years, many different cultures have developed their versions of pancakes, but the first recorded instance comes from an unexpected source. Otzi the Iceman, the world’s oldest Copper Age mummy, was found frozen in the Alps over thirty years ago. Researchers discovered that Otzi’s last meal, still preserved in his stomach, included pancakes made from red deer meat and einkorn wheat.

Kishkiyya:

Kishkiyya, also known as the ‘hangover soup,’ is a delicious ancient Iraqi dish. Allegedly eaten after a fun night, the warmth, nutrients, and comfort provided by this soup are said to help ‘cure’ your headache. This soup originated during the Abbasid Caliphate period in Baghdad over a thousand years ago. The world’s oldest Arabic cookbook, ‘The History of the Caliphs’ Kitchens,’ includes the recipe for this dish.

Atole:

Some consider atole to be the best taste on a cold winter day. This ancient dish is a hot, thick beverage made with masa (ground corn) and water. Atole emerged in Central America thousands of years ago. Now, there are many different versions of atole to be enjoyed. Champurrado is the chocolate-flavored version, and you can also add honey, fruit, and even alcohol to it.

Greek Cheesecake:

The origins of cheesecake date back over 2,000 years to ancient Greece. While cheese existed long before this, the first recorded use of cheese to make a cake was in ancient Greece. The Greeks produced the earliest known cheesecakes by combining soft, light cheeses with flour and honey. Ancient Greeks who made and consumed cheesecake believed it to be a good source of energy, and historical records indicate that it was even served to athletes at the first Olympic Games in 776 BC.

Testaroli:

Testaroli is considered the oldest version of pasta in ancient Italy. Invented approximately 1,200 years ago by the Etruscan civilization in Italy, it is still widespread in the Lunigiana region of Italy. This ancient food is made by pouring a batter onto a hot surface like terracotta. After cooking, testaroli is usually mixed with pesto sauce, olive oil, garlic, and cheese. Due to its cooked shape, this pasta has also been referred to as a kind of pancake before being cut into bite-sized pasta pieces.

Nian Gao:

Nian Gao is a sweet, sticky rice cake cooked to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This delicious food originated around 480 BC during the Zhou Dynasty. The exact origin of Nian Gao is unclear, but it comes with an interesting story. According to the Kitchen God legend, families would leave Nian Gao for the Kitchen God at the end of the year. If the Kitchen God wanted to report the family badly to the Jade Emperor, he couldn’t because its mouth was too sticky.

Popcorn:

Yes, you read it right. Popcorn actually has a surprisingly long history. It is believed to be one of the earliest ways ancient people consumed corn. People began cultivating corn about 9,000 years ago in Central and South America. In 2012, archaeologists discovered ancient corn cobs with popped kernels, estimated to be around 6,700 years old.

Tamales:

Believe it or not, tamales, a local delicacy, have a history dating back 7,000 years. This traditional Mesoamerican dish consists of masa, a dough made from ground corn, filled with meat and vegetables. It was first made around 5000 BC and historically cooked and consumed by various groups, including the Aztecs and Maya.