logo
'Food is a language everyone understands': Yotam Ottolenghi on how cuisine connects people

'Food is a language everyone understands': Yotam Ottolenghi on how cuisine connects people

BBC News28-03-2025
The famed chef and author tells the BBC's Katty Kay that it was finding academia too 'esoteric' that led him to seek out a simpler path: to help the world simplify its food.
Yotam Ottolenghi's singular style of cooking has been embraced across the globe. Focusing on simple ingredients and treating food as a way to bring friends and family together, he's become a renowned chef, a best-selling author and a touchstone for home cooks looking to incorporate global flavours into their everyday rotations.
The chef, father and former philosophy student explains to BBC special correspondent Katty Kay, in her interview series Influential, that having parents who cooked helped shape his path. However, he says that it was the sense of belonging that came with cooking – not family expectations – that truly drew him in.
"There was a quiet expectation that I would probably become an academic," he says. "I don't remember having a conversation, which must have happened. 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' I don't remember that."
His parents were both in education – his father, Michael, was a chemistry professor at Jerusalem's Hebrew University – but Ottolenghi notes that his folks both had experience in the kitchen.
"Food was very important. We had good ingredients, good cooking. Both my parents were good cooks," he says. "My father used to cook a lot because he worked more flexible hours. My mother was a head teacher at school [...] She also cooked but he cooked even more."
The 56-year-old chef – who has authored 11 cookbooks – tells Kay that rather than having an epiphany about his future path, he saw the kitchen as a space for curiosity and play, something that he's now passed onto his own children.
"My kids – I've got a 9 year old [and an] 11 year old – they play, you know?" he says. "They go in the kitchen and they make an omelette and this and that. I call it cooking as play. So, I used to do a bit of that but I wasn't obsessive about cooking."
Before making his name in the culinary world, Ottolenghi dabbled in philosophy but found the subject matter too isolating and "esoteric".
"The conversation was being held amongst a group of, like, four people, you know like groundbreaking stuff but actually nobody was participating," he said of his time in university, where he tackled topics like the meaning of photography and what images mean to their viewers. Instead of that very specialised field, he turned his focus to something simpler, literally.
In 2018, following the success of his eponymous Notting Hill café and shop, Ottolenghi published his fifth cookbook, Simple, distilling all the techniques and preparations that he'd become known for into something accessible and approachable.
"Food is a language that everybody understands," he says. What surprised him about that, however, was that the books started to eclipse the food. "Rather than just being a book to sell and share, the publishing arm of Ottolenghi became the dog wagging the tail in this respect. The books became the main thing, almost."
The books were a way for fans of the restaurant and of Ottolenghi's pared-down, flavour-forward recipes to access that world at home. He tells Kay that he hopes to be part of a movement to take cooking from being a chore into something healing and restorative.
"Home-style cooking and family-style serving are way more popular now than they used to be. I really put that down to, first of all, cost of living, but also Covid. In that moment, we understood that actually food should be healing rather than just one of all other activities that we do all day long that push us."
More like this:• Misty Copeland is 'not scared' to face a career beyond dance• Ina Garten on her internet appeal: 'Young people don't have mom in the kitchen'• Entrepreneur Jane Wurwand on why 'high-touch will overshadow high-tech' in business
Fans soon saw the changes in his books, shifting from the exact recipes served at his restaurants to something less haute cuisine and more streamlined, boasting titles like Simple, Plenty and his latest, Comfort.
"I think since Simple, I have been spending more of my time thinking, 'What does it actually mean to cook this recipe?' You know, 'When do I cook – when does one cook it? How much effort goes into it?'" he says. "Funnily, from a grand old age talking to younger chefs, I say to them, 'Is someone actually going to cook this?' I want people to cook my food."
That pared-down approach has even turned "Ottolenghi" into an adjective – used to describe food that offers high impact with few ingredients and straightforward techniques. He remains humble, brushing off the distinction and putting the focus back on his desire to make cooking comforting.
"Food really is one of those activities that shouldn't induce anxiety. It's as simple as that," he says.
--
For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

EastEnders fans ‘work out' top secret Christmas plots with tragic death, second shock exit and surprise romance
EastEnders fans ‘work out' top secret Christmas plots with tragic death, second shock exit and surprise romance

Scottish Sun

time17 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

EastEnders fans ‘work out' top secret Christmas plots with tragic death, second shock exit and surprise romance

Scroll to see what sleuthing viewers think is coming up soap sleuths EastEnders fans 'work out' top secret Christmas plots with tragic death, second shock exit and surprise romance Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS fans have 'worked out' top secret Christmas plots with a tragic death, second shock exit and surprise romance. The long-running BBC soap keeps viewers on their toes with twists and turns. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Fans reckon the Slaters will play a central role at Christmas Credit: BBC 4 Nigel Bates returned to the show last year Credit: BBC 4 Viewers predict drama ahead for Linda Carter and daughter Annie Credit: BBC In particular, Christmas is a particularly dramatic time for Albert Square's residents. Writing on Reddit, fans reckon the Slater family will be a central focus. Namely, the fallout from Zoe's (Michelle Ryan) return after 20 years away. Alfie (Shane Richie) and Stacey (Lacey Slater) are currently aware of this - but Kat is in the dark. Viewers also predicted a heartbreaking death for soap legend Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley). The much-loved character returned last Christmas, after a 26-year absence. However, Nigel has been battling dementia with his condition deteriorating. A fan commented: "I'm imagining another Dot/Ethel scenario between him and Phil. "I really wish Nigel could stick around though. He's been great to have back." Another added: "I think Nigel will sadly pass away, why my heart will break for Phil." EastEnders legend makes a shock return just days after quitting Walford Some think there'll be a fierce custody battle between Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and her ex Max Branning (Jake Wood). Notorious womaniser Max is returning to Walford after a four-year absence. It follows son Oscar recently making his own comeback to the BBC soap. Max is currently unaware that his brief romance with Linda resulted in daughter Annie. One fan predicted: "Max will battle Linda for Annie." Kat Moon's EastEnders Timeline Kat Slater burst onto the Square in 2000 as feisty Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace. She is the eldest sister of the Slater family. She soon makes a big name for herself. She is a loud and brash character who is renowned for her leopard print skimpy outfits and loads of red lipstick. She has played the 'tart with a heart' character but has also had an epic love story with Alfie. Here is a rundown of her greatest soap storylines. Kat arrives in Walford as part of the Slater clan, She soon begins a fling with Steve Owen (Martin Kemp) behind the back of his girlfriend Mel Healey. Kat's sister Zoe (played by Michelle Ryan) was revealed to be her sister after shocked viewers learned she was raped by her uncle Harry Slater as a child and Kat being only 13, was known as her sister. Kat and Zoe's relationship was turbulent. They both vied for the attentions of Anthony Trueman. Kat and Anthony were together but broke up and Zoe then seduced him. Kat later learns she was pregnant but then has to have an abortion. She is comforted by her boss Alfie Moon but then he realises he is in love with her. Kat, becomes briefly engaged to Andy Hunter a local crime boss (Michael Briggs) but she jilts him on her wedding day for the true love her life Alfie. Kat sparks a romance with Alfie Moon and it is the love story of the square. She finally marries Alfie Moon on Christmas day in the Vic. Alfie takes a loan from Andy which he is unable to repay and then threatens to kill him unless Kat sleeps with him. Their relationship becomes cold and distant. One of Kat's biggest storylines was helping her daughter cover up the murder of Dirty Den Watts. She left the soap in 2005 sailing into the sunset with Alfie for a new life in America. Kat returned to the soap in 2010 on the run from a man who she and Alfie conned for money. While Alfie was serving time, she had an affair with Michael Moon who happened to be Alfies cousin and she is now pregnant with his child. Another Kat storyline focused on the breakdown of her and Alfie's marriage and her separation from Tommy and their twin sons Bert and Ernie. Kat's union with Phil Mitchell began after months of feuding. She then sleeps with him marries him beginning a war with his ex Sharon Mitchell over the Mitchell empire. The latest storyline has focused on her son Tommy who idolised Phil and is trying to get back at Kat for breaking up the marriage. Kat meanwhile is back with the love of her life Alfie who is suffering from cancer. While another argued: "I can't see any court giving Max custody over Linda, now that she's recovered. "He's had 4 kids and managed to mess it up every time, he's been with countless women so can't provide Annie with stability, family wise. "I can't see Jack supporting him in it, even if he did I'm pretty sure Denise would shut that down." Just how exactly Max's return will rock Albert Square remains to be seen.

Anna Friel pays tribute to 'amazing' Unforgivable co-star she's now 'a big fan' of
Anna Friel pays tribute to 'amazing' Unforgivable co-star she's now 'a big fan' of

Daily Mirror

time18 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

Anna Friel pays tribute to 'amazing' Unforgivable co-star she's now 'a big fan' of

Emmy Award winner Anna Friel is about to showcase her acting talents in BBC's newest drama Unforgivable, alongside a hugely stellar cast Anna Friel is once again returning to screens and Liverpool - a city that she has always held dear after her acting career took off massively following a stint on the hugely popular British soap opera Brookside, in 1993. ‌ She played the role of Beth Jordache, portraying the first openly lesbian character in a soap, including the famous kissing scene with Nicola Stephenson, who depicted Margaret Clemence. ‌ Since then, she has gone on to achieve huge fame in shows such as Deep Water, Pushing Daisies and also won an International Emmy Award for Best Actress for her part in ITV's Marcella. ‌ Now, the critically acclaimed actress, will form part of the incredible cast in BBC's powerful drama Unforgivable. The new 90-minute series penned by the brilliant Cracker screenwriter Jimmy McGovern, sees her take on the role of Anna Mitchell. The story is Liverpool-based and centres around the lives of the Mitchell family who have been dealing with the devastating consequences of grooming and sexual abuse. ‌ Anna's brother Joe, played by Bobby Schofield, is the person who has committed the awful crimes and has been released from prison after serving a two year jail term. Alongside Anna and Bobby, Line of Duty actress Anna Maxwell Martin, takes on the role of Katherine, a former nun, who is helping Joe to rehabilitate through therapy. ‌ Adolescence star Austin Hayes, stars as Anna's eldest son and David Threlfall, plays the role of Anna's father, who becomes angry after realising she'd reached out to her abuser brother Joe. Each character has a unique role to play with showcasing how sexual abuse can completely ripple through a family as they all attempt to regain a sense of normality after facing the aftermath of such a devastating crime. ‌ The drama has landed on BBC's streaming platform this morning at 6am and will air tonight, from 9pm on BBC2, with the compelling story already proving to be a drama not to be missed. Away from the launch of the much talked about feature, Anna Friel has paid tribute to her Unforgivable co-stars and explained what life was really like behind-the-scenes. Speaking about her relationship with the star-studded cast, she had nothing but praise to air for her on-screen peers. In a conversation with BBC, she said: "I loved my scenes with David Threlfall, he became a new friend in my life." The former soap star added: "I hadn't met Anna Maxwell Martin before, but I've always thought she's an amazing actress and it was wonderful to find she's an amazing person. "We didn't have any scenes together apart from in the courtroom, but I'm a big fan. Bobby provides such a complex performance." Unforgivable will air on BBC Two at 9pm this Thursday and will be available on BBC iPlayer from the same day.

EastEnders fans ‘work out' top secret Christmas plots with tragic death, second shock exit and surprise romance
EastEnders fans ‘work out' top secret Christmas plots with tragic death, second shock exit and surprise romance

The Sun

time18 minutes ago

  • The Sun

EastEnders fans ‘work out' top secret Christmas plots with tragic death, second shock exit and surprise romance

Scroll to see what sleuthing viewers think is coming up soap sleuths EastEnders fans 'work out' top secret Christmas plots with tragic death, second shock exit and surprise romance EASTENDERS fans have 'worked out' top secret Christmas plots with a tragic death, second shock exit and surprise romance. The long-running BBC soap keeps viewers on their toes with twists and turns. Advertisement 4 Fans reckon the Slaters will play a central role at Christmas Credit: BBC 4 Nigel Bates returned to the show last year Credit: BBC 4 Viewers predict drama ahead for Linda Carter and daughter Annie Credit: BBC In particular, Christmas is a particularly dramatic time for Albert Square's residents. Writing on Reddit, fans reckon the Slater family will be a central focus. Namely, the fallout from Zoe's (Michelle Ryan) return after 20 years away. Alfie (Shane Richie) and Stacey (Lacey Slater) are currently aware of this - but Kat is in the dark. Advertisement Viewers also predicted a heartbreaking death for soap legend Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley). The much-loved character returned last Christmas, after a 26-year absence. However, Nigel has been battling dementia with his condition deteriorating. A fan commented: "I'm imagining another Dot/Ethel scenario between him and Phil. Advertisement "I really wish Nigel could stick around though. He's been great to have back." Another added: "I think Nigel will sadly pass away, why my heart will break for Phil." EastEnders legend makes a shock return just days after quitting Walford Some think there'll be a fierce custody battle between Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and her ex Max Branning (Jake Wood). Notorious womaniser Max is returning to Walford after a four-year absence. Advertisement It follows son Oscar recently making his own comeback to the BBC soap. Max is currently unaware that his brief romance with Linda resulted in daughter Annie. One fan predicted: "Max will battle Linda for Annie." Kat Moon's EastEnders Timeline Kat Slater burst onto the Square in 2000 as feisty Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace. She is the eldest sister of the Slater family. She soon makes a big name for herself. She is a loud and brash character who is renowned for her leopard print skimpy outfits and loads of red lipstick. She has played the 'tart with a heart' character but has also had an epic love story with Alfie. Here is a rundown of her greatest soap storylines. Kat arrives in Walford as part of the Slater clan, She soon begins a fling with Steve Owen (Martin Kemp) behind the back of his girlfriend Mel Healey. Kat's sister Zoe (played by Michelle Ryan) was revealed to be her sister after shocked viewers learned she was raped by her uncle Harry Slater as a child and Kat being only 13, was known as her sister. Kat and Zoe's relationship was turbulent. They both vied for the attentions of Anthony Trueman. Kat and Anthony were together but broke up and Zoe then seduced him. Kat later learns she was pregnant but then has to have an abortion. She is comforted by her boss Alfie Moon but then he realises he is in love with her. Kat, becomes briefly engaged to Andy Hunter a local crime boss (Michael Briggs) but she jilts him on her wedding day for the true love her life Alfie. Kat sparks a romance with Alfie Moon and it is the love story of the square. She finally marries Alfie Moon on Christmas day in the Vic. Alfie takes a loan from Andy which he is unable to repay and then threatens to kill him unless Kat sleeps with him. Their relationship becomes cold and distant. One of Kat's biggest storylines was helping her daughter cover up the murder of Dirty Den Watts. She left the soap in 2005 sailing into the sunset with Alfie for a new life in America. Kat returned to the soap in 2010 on the run from a man who she and Alfie conned for money. While Alfie was serving time, she had an affair with Michael Moon who happened to be Alfies cousin and she is now pregnant with his child. Another Kat storyline focused on the breakdown of her and Alfie's marriage and her separation from Tommy and their twin sons Bert and Ernie. Kat's union with Phil Mitchell began after months of feuding. She then sleeps with him marries him beginning a war with his ex Sharon Mitchell over the Mitchell empire. The latest storyline has focused on her son Tommy who idolised Phil and is trying to get back at Kat for breaking up the marriage. Kat meanwhile is back with the love of her life Alfie who is suffering from cancer. While another argued: "I can't see any court giving Max custody over Linda, now that she's recovered. Advertisement "He's had 4 kids and managed to mess it up every time, he's been with countless women so can't provide Annie with stability, family wise. "I can't see Jack supporting him in it, even if he did I'm pretty sure Denise would shut that down." Just how exactly Max's return will rock Albert Square remains to be seen. Advertisement

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store