From the author of the beloved New York Times bestseller Born to Kvetch comes an entertaining and informative look at the social history of Jewish food. Bagels, kosher hot dogs, pickles, deli sandwiches, and rye bread are just a few of the Jewish dishes that have become staples in American homes. Born to Nosh examines where these foods came from, how they have changed over time, the role certain dishes played in Jewish culture in Europe, and the role they play in Jewish and American food culture today.

Novelist, professor, and comedy performer Michael Wex has an intimate knowledge of the Yiddish language and Jewish culture. Raised in a strictly kosher household, he spent many subsequent years eating everything but kosher food, and then started to crave the dishes he remembered from childhood. In Born to Nosh, he takes us on a fascinating and humorous journey across oceans and time, and examines how many of todays popular foods made their way from Europe to America. From chicken soup to cheesecake, Wex explores how and why Jewish food is sold, packaged, and perceived today. Born to Nosh is a delicious blend of sociology, history, religion, folklore, and humor that will satisfy food lovers everywhere.