Chapter 1
Ancient fast food and dynasty dining
Chapter 2
The French revolution and fine dining
Chapter 3
Speed, steel, and the modern diner
Chapter 4
Global dining cultures and innovations
YOUR GOAL
Master of How restaurants conquered the world
Ch 1 · Ancient fast food and dynasty dining
muffin Ancient Global Dining
Hear this tale, ancient and grand, / Of dining out across the land! / In Song Dynasty China, a culinary spree, / Menus flourished, for all to see!
muffin Southern Song Dynasty Hangzhou took dining to luxurious heights with themed tea gardens and live music.
muffin Ancient Romans grabbed hot, ready-to-eat meals from street-side counters called thermopolia.
BETA
muffin Play this educational game to explore ancient fast food history and discover how the concept of restauranteering spread across dynasties and the globe.
Fun Fact
Ancient menus: The oldest known restaurant menus were printed on silk scrolls during China's Song Dynasty around 1100 AD.
Glossary
thermopolium (noun)
An ancient Roman commercial establishment that prepared and sold hot food and drinks. Excavations in Pompeii revealed dozens of these establishments preserved by the 79 CE eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
An ancient Roman commercial establishment that prepared and sold hot food and drinks. Excavations in Pompeii revealed dozens of these establishments preserved by the 79 CE eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Quiz
What unique service did waiters in Song Dynasty Hangzhou restaurants perform to keep diners happy?
Quiz
What did ancient Roman thermopolia use to keep food warm inside their stone counters?
Quiz
Why did most ordinary citizens in ancient Rome eat at street-side counters instead of cooking at home?
Quiz
Which city served as the Northern Song Dynasty capital where early restaurant culture flourished around 1100 AD?
Quiz
In which ancient Roman city did archeologists excavate a perfectly preserved, colorful thermopolium in 2020?