Food Heaven & Food Hell

We asked some of the UK’s finest foodies what pleases and what repulses their taste buds

YOTAM OTTOLENGHI

LOVE
Rosé
I’ve crossed the floor from red to orange and now to pink. My wine buyer and friend Heidi has been working on my prejudice against rosé for a food few months. I’m an evangelical convert to the cause.

HATE
Chocolate Cheesecake
Hate is too strong a word but chocolate cheesecake will just never fully rock my world. It’s somehow a bit too on-the-nose: the opposite of subtle.

SIMON ROGAN

LOVE
Kohlrabi
I love the flavour and the versatility of this vegetable. It’s part of the cabbage family and tastes mild and sweet, a bit like a turnip. There are so many interesting things you can do with it!

HATE
Fish Pie
It’s the smell and texture that I can’t stand. It reminds me of hospital food, where I spent plenty of time getting my knees sewn up after playing football.

ATUL KOCHHAR

LOVE
Tea
Tea played a large part during my childhood. Indian tea is sweet and laced with spices, but that was only the start of my journey. As time went by, I explored the world of tea a bit more. I love the smoky flavours found in certain varieties, and just combining simple ingredients like garden mint and pomegranate juice makes a fabulous drink.

HATE
Pickled Eggs
Along with jellied ells, I find these the most boring things I have ever eaten. I’d rather starve than eat these two things for the rest of my life!

MARK HIX

LOVE
Cornish Sea Salt
This salt has a unique mineral profile, intense flavour and delivers a delicate crunch. The fresh, clean intensity means you need to use less than other brands, which makes it more econometric and better for you.

HATE
Foam
A foam can be an empty mouthful of air – pointless. I think it’s only acceptable on cappuccino and beer!

JASON ATHERTON

LOVE
Beans on Toast
Beans on toast was one of my favourite meals growing up – my dad used to cook it for me as a young lad in Lincolnshire (it was that or tinned sardines on toast, which I hated). It’s a great quick comfort dish to rustle up now and again.

HATE
Okra
There aren’t many ingredients that I dislike – I’m a chef after all .However, okra is a vegetable I’ve never understood. A bit too slimy.