Across cultures and centuries, many of the foods that are now associated with luxury were once eaten out of necessity. During times of poverty, migration, war, and scarcity, people learned to stretch ingredients, preserve food, and use every edible part of an animal or plant.
These survival strategies gave rise to dishes that were cheap and practical. However, over time, as tastes evolved and chefs began to celebrate tradition and technique, many of these once-overlooked foods were reimagined as gourmet delicacies.
So, from sushi and caviar to pizza and tacos, what food favorites began as poverty staples? Click on to find out.