Over 200 iconic foods captured in Signature Dishes

Imagine a food world without avocado toast, gelato, the cronut or popular classics like the Margherita pizza, the Cesar salad or nachos ...

Modern eating culture may be highly influenced by social media buzz, but in reality, a fascinating history of iconic dishes can be traced back over three centuries of dining out.

Most iconic dishes have a history and in Phaidon's fascinating new publication "Signature Dishes that Matter" over 200 of these groundbreaking or globally recognised dishes are given voice.

Part encyclopedic guide, part recipe book and part travel guide this coffee table essential lists defining moments in restaurant culture and gastronomy with  240 restaurant creations from more than 180 chefs across 30 countries.

From fine dining and popular classics to today's most innovative kitchens, this carefully curated snapshot of gastronomy is the labour of an international panel of award-winning journalists, editors, food critics and writers in chronological order, from the first gelato created in 1686 to the Whole Turbot served up by Brat in 2018.

Each iconic dish is illustrated in hand-painted watercolours by renowned artist and trained chef Adriano Rampazzo with text giving the historical context of each dish. Take a look at the gallery below:

With Christmas around the corner, this is an essential stocking filler for the food lover or professional in your life!