Why Is It Called ‘French Toast’ if It’s Not French?

It sounds like it belongs in a Parisian café… but is French toast actually French? In today’s episode, we trace the surprising history of this breakfast classic — from ancient Roman kitchens to medieval Europe, all the way to early American cookbooks. The dish may be simple, but its story stretches across centuries of cultural exchange, language shifts, and culinary evolution. Timestamps: 0:03 – Intro 1:04 – A Recipe from Ancient Rome 2:05 – Medieval Europe and “Poor Knights” 3:05 – When “French Toast” Appeared in English 4:03 – The Albany Naming Myth 4:58 – What France Actually Calls It 5:50 – Why the Name Stayed 6:50 – Conclusion #historyofsimplethings #frenchtoast #foodhistory #painperdu #ancientrome #medievalhistory #foodorigins #everydayhistory