The History of Street Food

In the cities and towns of ancient civilizations, food was hawked in public places. The majority of urban dwellings during that time did not have a kitchen, and most food was purchased already prepared. Trajan’s Market, inaugurated in Rome in 113 c.e., consisted of administrational offices and shops selling cheeses, fresh meats, wine, or prepared dishes. To ensure food safety and wholesomeness, the food distribution to and from this market was overseen by a sophisticated system of government-appointed health inspectors. Today, the ruins of this market are a major tourist attraction, often referred to as Rome’s oldest shopping mall.