Welcome to the Thermopolium of Vetutius Placidus in Pompeii … the ancient equivalent of today’s greasy fast food joints.

Think of it as the go-to spot for busy Romans looking to bypᴀss the tedious chore of making their own meals. Located in the bustling Regio I, Insula 8, this place is the crème de la crème of the 89 thermopolia scattered throughout the city.

Picture this: a counter adorned with extravagant decorations that’s home to six dolia—those charming spherical terracotta vessels that were about 1.5 to 1.6 centimeters high—packed to the brim with tempting delicacies like chickpeas, beans, and dried fruits. But wait, it gets juicier.

Archaeologists unearthed a treasure trove of 1,385 bronze coins stashed away in one of these vats, a windfall worth around 585 sesterces, now safely showcased at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. This was cash from many days of trade, cunningly hidden away by the savvy proprietors.

And let’s not ignore the grand aedicule gracing the back wall, serving as a lararium for the household gods—those Lares, alongside the protective spirit dubbed Genius, the shrewd Mercury, god of commerce, and Dionysus, the wine god who surely knew how to party. Just a stone’s throw from this bustling food stop was the owner’s private abode, complete with its own entrance and a lush garden. Here, aromatic herbs were grown, ensuring that every dish packed a flavorful punch. So, raise a glᴀss to the bold culinary spirit of ancient Rome.