Writers

Gastro Obscura, is looking for pitches! When Gastro Obscura launched in 2017, we did not publish recipes. But we experimented with them when the pandemic began, and recipe stories are now a permanent part of what we publish. Our approach to recipes, though, differs from most food publications. Atlas Obscura’s food section, Gastro Obscura, is devoted to wonder and curiosity. It features wondrous foods to explore and enjoy and publishes stories about the most awe-inspiring parts of the food world. Recipe stories on Gastro Obscura must meet the same criteria as the rest of our articles: The recipe should come with a story that provides a window into hidden histories or lesser-known places, people, or communities. Each recipe story consists of both the recipe itself and the article that tells its story. You don’t need to be a professional chef or have an extensive culinary background to write a recipe story—we’re more interested in fascinating cooking projects and well-told stories than learning how to make the perfect pie.