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Mastication Nation - a food podcast without the fuss.

Mastication Nation - a food podcast without the fuss.

By Mastication Nation - Food without the fuss.

A podcast covering everything that's great about food without all the fuss. Each episode we pick a food or country, in alphabetical order, and give it the love it deserves.
Brought to you by the team behind the award-winning online travel show Attaché, Mastication Nation is the food podcast for those of you who don't mind getting a little messy when you eat.
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Indonesia!

Mastication Nation - a food podcast without the fuss.Jul 05, 2021

00:00
01:09:59
Indonesia!

Indonesia!

We're *really* pushing it by trying to cram all of Indonesia's deliciousness into an hour long episode. But we tried. With staples like satay and nasi goreng to the definition of Fresh, Gado Gado, Indonesia is bursting with flavours that are familiar and exciting at the same time. Dig in!

Jul 05, 202101:09:59
Hong Kong!

Hong Kong!

How could H be anything but our beloved and precious Hong Kong. It doesn't hurt that Hong Kong is one of the richest food cities in the world. So much to talk about. Dim sum, roast goose, milk tea, and much more. A delicious episode all round. 

Jun 07, 202101:07:49
Guatemala!

Guatemala!

We open with a bang on this one, you don't want to miss it. A reasonably mysterious and uncharted country for most of us, Guatemala is complex but hugely important in food history. Home to one of the most enduring foods ever created by human hands, Guatemala is a truly fascinating country. 

May 24, 202101:05:42
Finland!

Finland!

"Finland, Finland, Finland. The country where I like to be. Pony trekking or camping...or just watching TV." What more needs to be said about Finland that hasn't already been said by Monty Python? Lots, actually. Like drinking hallucinogenic reindeer piss. Intrigued? Have a listen...

May 10, 202101:00:04
Ethiopia!

Ethiopia!

Our first African episode of the new season, and what a great introduction to the continent. Ethiopia is fascinating on just about every level, especially its food. A lot of misconceptions to clear up to start with but then we dive into the deliciousness of Ethiopian cuisine, some etiquette, and we spend time on the delights of Ethiopian homebrew. 

Apr 14, 202101:09:28
Dubai!

Dubai!

Ok yes we're cheating a little bit with this one but Dubai's larger-than-life persona can reasonably warrant its own episode, especially when you hear what deliciousness can be found there. A complex and layered place, Dubai is a magnet for local, regional, and international foods of every shape and size. Also you get to hear Will try to say "cheers" in Arabic. That alone is worth a listen. 

Mar 22, 202101:03:11
Croatia!

Croatia!

Have you ever met anyone who's been to Croatia and didn't like it? No of course you haven't because they don't exist. Blessed with hundreds of miles of coastline, productive arable land, and generations of food production prowess, Croatia is home to some of the best food in the world. AND WE'RE GOING TO EAT ALL OF IT!

Mar 10, 202158:49
Belgium!

Belgium!

For a country that hasn't existed (at least officially) for very long, Belgium has made a massive contribution to our global kitchen. Beer, fries, chocolate, waffles and more...pound for pound, Belgium is bringing a lot to the table. (Get it? Table? Food? Brilliant.)

Feb 22, 202101:00:04
Australia!

Australia!

A pint of Fosters and a Bloomin' Onion, right? WRONG. So many stereotypes, so many hidden gems. Australia is packed with great food inspired by its incredibly diverse population. Dive in and bust some food myths about the Land Down Under. 

Feb 08, 202101:00:07
We're Back!

We're Back!

We're going to pretend like 2020 didn't happen. So it's only been 3 months since our last episode, not 15 (!). But a lot has changed in those intervening months and we're excited to be back in the saddle. A new season brings a new format. Check out the episode to learn more about this all-new trip through the culinary alphabet. 

Jan 26, 202101:00:04
EP028 - Z is for "We Made it!"

EP028 - Z is for "We Made it!"

We finally got there, once round the horn! It only took us a few years but we got there in the end. In this episode we look back on what we enjoyed over the summer, our favourite cookbooks, the "fake" food revolution, and more.
Oct 18, 201901:05:36
EP027 - Y is for YYZ! (Or...Surrender pronto or we'll level Toronto!)

EP027 - Y is for YYZ! (Or...Surrender pronto or we'll level Toronto!)

The "lost episode" episode. We re-recorded our Toronto episode because the city needs an episode to itself. One of the most diverse cities on earth, Toronto's food scene is unbelievable.
Jul 12, 201955:05
Episode X - The Lost Episode

Episode X - The Lost Episode

Alex and GREG...yes, Greg, graciously filling in for Will, talk about the best and worst foods they've discovered during their filming of 40 episodes of Attaché.
Jul 01, 201959:55
EP026 - W is for WHISK(E)Y! (Or...Does whiskey count as beer?)

EP026 - W is for WHISK(E)Y! (Or...Does whiskey count as beer?)

We barely scratch the surface of this complex and fascinating subject but thanks to special guest Chris Ratcliffe (and Will's educated enthusiasm)we unlock a few of its secrets. Like why *is* it spelled differently in different regions? How do you pick a whiskey you'll enjoy? Why is Japanese whisky running out?
May 08, 201901:04:20
EP025 - V is for VINEGAR! (Or...remind me to get my my brain flushed out with vinegar.)

EP025 - V is for VINEGAR! (Or...remind me to get my my brain flushed out with vinegar.)

Vinegar. On the face of it, not the most appetising of subjects but there's a lot to love about this ancient potion. So many uses, so many varietals...but is Will wrong to not like malt vinegar? Alex thinks so but do you? Listen in for that and much more.
Apr 17, 201901:00:59
EP024 - U is for UMAMI! (Or...Don't scoop me gelato unless it's got umami.)

EP024 - U is for UMAMI! (Or...Don't scoop me gelato unless it's got umami.)

Umami. The "latest" taste to be discovered and codified but one that we just couldn't live without. Weaponised as a way to beat poor nutrition, instead it was vilified in the West. A lively and sometimes controversial debate in this episode - join in!
Mar 21, 201901:01:18
EP023 - T is for TACOS! (Or...adequate sustenance for the Doctor Who marathon.)

EP023 - T is for TACOS! (Or...adequate sustenance for the Doctor Who marathon.)

*sigh* Could there be a more wonderful food on this, our glorious earth? No. No is the answer. Tacos have a long and storied (and delicious) history which we explore in this episode. Plus we settle the age-old question of whether a crispy taco is actually a taco.
Feb 21, 201901:11:08
Ep022 - S is for Supplies (or...There, there. I think your grilled crayon sandwich was delicious.)

Ep022 - S is for Supplies (or...There, there. I think your grilled crayon sandwich was delicious.)

What do you need in a kitchen vs what's a total waste of time and money? What's the most effective way to dismember oneself in a common household kitchen? What's the best gadget money can buy? We explore the absolute must-have kitchen supplies in this episode of Mastication Nation.
Jan 10, 201901:09:11
Ep021 - R is for Ramen (or...shut up, man! I'm making me ramen noodles!)

Ep021 - R is for Ramen (or...shut up, man! I'm making me ramen noodles!)

Described by ramen expert Brian MacDuckston as an "everyman's food" Ramen is one of the most universally adored dishes on earth. It's a big, complicated, nuanced topic but we dive in with both feet as this is a food that is worth celebrating.
Dec 20, 201801:11:27
Ep020 - Q is for QUICHE! (or...is that a pie or a quiche?)

Ep020 - Q is for QUICHE! (or...is that a pie or a quiche?)

Quiche. Is it the champion of all brunch foods or baked rubbery egg in damp pastry? The factions are clear in the episode but what do YOU think. We also discover the world's best pizza, taste some great beer from Glen Affric Brewery, and get some real talk from an 8 year old quiche aficionado.
Nov 29, 201858:16
EP019 - P is for Deja Vu (or...Hot pizza, the food of Kings.)

EP019 - P is for Deja Vu (or...Hot pizza, the food of Kings.)

Do not adjust your set, this is SUPPOSED to happen. We've got a double dose of P for you with a great episode on glorious Pizza. Scott Weiner from Scott's Pizza Tours joins us to talk about all that is wonderful about this universally adored food.
Oct 27, 201801:27:31
EP019 - P is for PEANUT BUTTER! (or...Things that go bump in Will's House)
Oct 09, 201801:01:31
EP018 - SUMMER OF EATING (Or...You ate all the tarragon and you drank all the soy sauce.)

EP018 - SUMMER OF EATING (Or...You ate all the tarragon and you drank all the soy sauce.)

We take a break from our regularly scheduled alphabetic ramblings and talk about what was great and what was terrible about food this summer. Oysters, pork scratchings, beer. The essentials. (And a lot more.)
Sep 12, 201801:00:25
Ep017 - O is for OLIVE OIL! (or...We love our bread dippin'!)

Ep017 - O is for OLIVE OIL! (or...We love our bread dippin'!)

Ah Olive Oil, that universally delicious lubricant of the Gods. Legion in its application, cherished for millennia, and available at your local gas station. How is it made, which type should you buy, is it bad for you? All this in more in the "O" episode of Mastication Nation.
Jul 04, 201801:01:37
EP016 - B is, and will always be, for BOURDAIN.

EP016 - B is, and will always be, for BOURDAIN.

In this episode we take a break from our usual alphabetic ramblings to pay respects to a great man who is no longer with us. Anthony Bourdain influenced us in so many ways and his passing has left us heartbroken. So we wanted to take some time to share stories, quotes, and admiration as well as hear from others who Anthony influenced along the way. RIP Anthony.
Jun 20, 201845:25
Ep 015 - N is for NACHOS! (or...Nacho, Nacho Man...I want to be a Nacho Man!)

Ep 015 - N is for NACHOS! (or...Nacho, Nacho Man...I want to be a Nacho Man!)

Could there be a more universally wonderful food? I think not. As Saveur magazine said, even bad nachos are good. But what are they exactly and where did they come from? How DO they make that wonderful cheese? All this and more in Episode 15 of Mastication Nation.
May 17, 201801:00:38
EP014 - M is for MUSTARD! (or...The evening began at the gentlemen's club, discussing Wittgenstein)
Apr 23, 201801:02:41
EP013 - L is for Layovers (or...what's the deal with airplane food?!)

EP013 - L is for Layovers (or...what's the deal with airplane food?!)

THIS is the greatest crossover, all others be damned. We welcome Layovers co-host Paul Papadimitriou to the Mastication Nation saloon to discuss the ups and downs of airplane food in all its glory. The best, the worst, why it's bad, how you can make it better - we cover it all in this episode of Mastication Nation.
Mar 21, 201801:15:24
EP012 - K is for KALE! (Try Mr. Kale! The great taste of Kale...in a soft drink!)

EP012 - K is for KALE! (Try Mr. Kale! The great taste of Kale...in a soft drink!)

We're back! Sorry for the long break, all explained within. But we restart with a contentious subject - KALE! Love it or loathe it, Kale is crazy popular these days. So popular that we have a special guest to help us unlock its mysteries. Enjoy!
Feb 26, 201801:09:03
EP011 - J is for JAM! (or...my favourite is Swapper Jack's Boysenmelon Jelly)

EP011 - J is for JAM! (or...my favourite is Swapper Jack's Boysenmelon Jelly)

Ah jam, could there be anything sweeter? Well yes, depending on what country you live in there could be jam that's a lot sweeter. This weird nugget and lots more (including something of the worst puns you've ever heard) in this episode of Mastication Nation.
Jan 02, 201858:29
Ep010 - HOLIDAY FOOD SPECTACULARRRRRR!

Ep010 - HOLIDAY FOOD SPECTACULARRRRRR!

It's the most wonderful time of the year....FOR EATING! We dive headfirst into holiday feasts from around the world and throughout history. And along the way we settle some old scores like Turkey vs Beef and what absolutely does NOT belong on a Holiday table (hint: brandy butter.)
Dec 15, 201757:29
Ep009 - I is for Phineas Q. Butterfat (or...31 flavours of awesome.)

Ep009 - I is for Phineas Q. Butterfat (or...31 flavours of awesome.)

Finally we talk about something sweet! Ice cream in all its beautiful glory. What makes it good, what makes it bad, the best, worst, and weirdest - it's all inside episode 009 of Mastication Nation.
Dec 01, 201701:00:43
Ep008 - H is for Sugar, Sugar, do, do do, do, do. (or...wait so is it bee sh*t?)

Ep008 - H is for Sugar, Sugar, do, do do, do, do. (or...wait so is it bee sh*t?)

Woo boy, was this one a doozy. A huge technical problem in the post production process meant that it's taken hours and hours to put the track together. So apologies for the delay but I hope you agree it's been worth the wait. A fun episode about a sticky, sweet substance that is far more interesting than it's simple appearance belies. LISTEN IN!
Nov 14, 201701:05:44
ep007 - G is for THE CAUSE OF & SOLUTION TO ALL LIFE'S PROBLEMS! (Or...is lime or lemon with a G&T?)

ep007 - G is for THE CAUSE OF & SOLUTION TO ALL LIFE'S PROBLEMS! (Or...is lime or lemon with a G&T?)

We break protocol here and talk about a DRINK! A great drink though, the wonderful Gin. Where does it come from? Did the British invent it? How do you use it? Featuring our very first guest who tells us how to make some classic gin cocktails.
Oct 04, 201754:43
Ep006 - F is CRUNCH PATTIES! (or...fava beans or chickpeas?)

Ep006 - F is CRUNCH PATTIES! (or...fava beans or chickpeas?)

Tiny little balls of deliciousness, these chickpea....or fava...or both (contentious)Middle Eastern staples are hearty, satisfying, delicious, AND interesting. Sounds like the perfect date!
Aug 26, 201757:51
Ep005 - E is for BABY DEER... LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA, LA, LA, LA-LA!(or...do you call it Aubergine?)

Ep005 - E is for BABY DEER... LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA, LA, LA, LA-LA!(or...do you call it Aubergine?)

Eggplant, aubergine, brinjal...it goes by many names but it always means delicious. Versatile, dependable, and SUPER interesting, eggplant is full of surprises in Episode 005 of Mastication Nation.
Jul 12, 201756:05
Ep004 - D is for GALAXY OF PRAWNS! (or...do you like your Char Siu Bao steamed or baked?)

Ep004 - D is for GALAXY OF PRAWNS! (or...do you like your Char Siu Bao steamed or baked?)

It may seem intimidating at first but Dim Sum is one of the most laid back, inclusive, downright FUN foods in all of Asia. There's something for everyone in these beautiful bite-sized treats...and we explore them all in Episode 4 of Mastication Nation.
Jun 26, 201759:21
Ep003 - C is for MERCILESS PEPPER OF QUETZALACATENANGO! (Or...do beans belong in chili?)

Ep003 - C is for MERCILESS PEPPER OF QUETZALACATENANGO! (Or...do beans belong in chili?)

What makes a great chili? IS it Mexican? Do beans belong anywhere near it? Is Alex's chili the best in the entire world? All this and more in Episode 003 of Mastication Nation.
Jun 04, 201748:06
Ep002 - B is for STEAMED HAMS! (Or...is a burger a sandwich?)

Ep002 - B is for STEAMED HAMS! (Or...is a burger a sandwich?)

What makes a burger? What makes a GREAT burger? Does lettuce have any place on a burger? What's the best burger in the world? All this in more in Episode 002 of Mastication Nation.
May 27, 201701:01:50
Ep001 - A is for...AVOCA*ANNOYED GRUNT*! (Or... is Avocado Toast the Devil's Breakfast?)

Ep001 - A is for...AVOCA*ANNOYED GRUNT*! (Or... is Avocado Toast the Devil's Breakfast?)

Do you like alligators? Do you like testicles? Then do we have a food for you...the avocado! Great for guac, of course, but the humble avocado is so much more than a taco topping. We also discuss whether avocado toast is a great way to start your day or more hipster nonsense.
May 07, 201732:56