Long before drive-thrus and golden arches, the people of Pompeii were grabbing quick bites from “thermopolia” — ancient fast food joints. These counters had built-in pots filled with hot stews, bread, and wine, serving busy Romans who didn’t have kitchens at home.
Walking through the ruins today, you can still spot these colorful counters, decorated with frescoes of food and drink. It’s wild to imagine travelers and locals 2,000 years ago eating on the go — proof that street food culture has very deep roots.