Explain It to Me

Why (some) food tastes better abroad

9 snips
Oct 19, 2025
Eric Pallant, a bread historian and author of Sourdough Culture, dives into the secrets of why food tastes better abroad. He contrasts the artisanal craftsmanship of French boulangeries with the blandness of industrial bread in the U.S., pointing out that slow fermentation creates rich flavors often missing in commercial loaves. Pallant also discusses how American flour standards prioritize speed over taste. Discover why tomatoes and Wagyu beef also shine better on foreign soil, thanks to cultural practices and local farming.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Why Wagyu Feels So Different

  • Wagyu beef's extreme marbling creates a buttery, tender, and intensely rich eating experience.
  • Breed genetics and small-scale Japanese rearing practices, not just feed, drive that high marbling.
ANECDOTE

Butcher's Take On Eating Wagyu

  • Kyoto butcher Kinkato described thin slicing and dry aging as essential to enjoying Wagyu without being overwhelmed by fat.
  • He said you must actually taste Wagyu paired with rice to understand its unique aroma and umami.
INSIGHT

French Bread Quality Is Protected By Law

  • French boulangeries prioritize fresh, simple ingredients and time-tested techniques that produce flavor.
  • A 1993 French decree enforces ingredient and production rules to protect baguette quality.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app