Cooking 1600 Years of Burger History

Burgers feel like a modern invention — but the idea of minced meat shaped into patties has existed for over 1,400 years. In this video, we set out to cook the entire history of the burger, from ancient Rome to the Big Mac and beyond. Along the way, we explore how different cultures shaped what we now call a hamburger, and ask the question: what actually makes a burger... a burger? We recreate nine key historical burgers across time and empires. From Roman pork patties flavoured with fermented fish sauce and grape syrup, to Mongol warriors tenderising raw meat under their saddles. From medieval English pork-and-liver fritters, to Germany’s Hamburg steak, and finally to American fast food icons like White Castle and McDonald's. We also dive into modern interpretations, including Heston Blumenthal’s scientifically engineered “perfect burger” and the rise of the smashburger. Whether you're a food lover, history nerd, or just obsessed with burgers, this video traces the evolution of one of the world's most iconic foods — and uncovers the strange, delicious journey it took to get here. VIDEO CHAPTERS 00:00 - What Even is a Burger!? 00:22 - 400 AD 04:12 - 1200s 06:18 - 1700s 09:46 - 1800s 12:48 - 1885 14:39 - 1921 18:11 - 1960s 19:54 - 2006 24:25 - 2020s