Vittles

Vittles explores global food and culture, highlighting perspectives and trends overlooked by mainstream food media. It covers London's evolving food scene, societal and emotional aspects of eating, design impacts on consumer behavior, systemic issues within food systems, and personal narratives tied to food. Vittles also discusses the role of food in diplomacy and identity.

Global Food Culture Food Trends Societal Impacts of Food Food System Issues Personal Food Narratives Food and Identity Design in Food Retail Food Education Hospitality and Stereotypes Gastrodiplomacy

The hottest Substack posts of Vittles

And their main takeaways

Does London Finally Have a Legit American Barbecue Restaurant?

51 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25

There is a new American barbecue restaurant in London, but it's unclear if it can live up to true American BBQ standards.
Many people in London have a love for American culture and food, but that doesn't always translate to quality barbecue.
The success of this restaurant might depend on how well it can capture the spirit of real American barbecue cooking.

Blood, soil, and Jeremy Clarkson

213 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Political Ideologies Protests

Jeremy Clarkson has become a popular voice for UK farmers through his show, Clarkson's Farm, but his views also link to far-right ideas and nationalism.
Many farmers feel undervalued and nostalgic for the past, making them susceptible to far-right populism that blames migrants for their struggles.
Not all farmers share these extreme views, and there are movements working towards a fairer and more sustainable agriculture, showing that positive change is possible.

Torta Amor de Albahaca (Basil Thousand-Layer Love Cake)

69 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25

🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Culinary Baking Cuisine Pastry

The Torta Amor de Albahaca is a unique twist on a classic cake, using flavors like basil and dulce de leche for a special touch. It's a fun and creative dessert option for celebrations.
This cake was inspired by the author's Chilean heritage and was even made for their own wedding. It combines personal meaning with a delicious taste.
Using store-bought puff pastry makes the cake easier to assemble, showing that you can enjoy baking without all the stress of making everything from scratch.

Is Rotisserie Chicken the Solution?

125 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25

🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisine Food Trends

There's a growing trend for chefs to open rotisserie chicken restaurants as a way to adapt to tough economic times. It's not just because they love cooking chicken, but it's a strategy for survival in the restaurant industry.
Successful rotisserie chicken places focus on serving a simple, enjoyable meal rather than getting bogged down by chef ego. It's important for chefs to prioritize the eating experience over trying to impress with complex dishes.
Norbert's, a new rotisserie chicken shop, showcases how experienced chefs can thrive in a small, focused environment. This shows a shift in dining from elaborate meals to more straightforward comfort food.

Service, Please

251 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25

🍲 Food & Drink Dining Eating Food culture Culinary Arts

Dining is about more than just food; it's about the experience and connection between people. Feeling comfortable and cared for can make a meal much more enjoyable.
Sometimes, we don’t know what we want to eat, and that's okay. Being open to trying new things can lead to delicious surprises.
The relationship between a server and a diner is interesting; it can blur lines between roles and emotions, making it both rewarding and complex.

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Bitter Delights

74 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25

🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking tips Culinary culture

Bitter gourd is a key ingredient in Bengali cooking and is often enjoyed in various dishes. People in Bengal value bitter flavors and consider eating them healthy and beneficial.
Bitter ingredients like bitter gourd can be prepared in many ways, including dal and stir-fry, and are usually part of everyday meals rather than festive occasions.
There are techniques to balance the bitterness when cooking with bitter gourd, such as using less of it and adding ghee to the dish.

Six Underrated Dishes at Well-Known London Restaurants

146 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25

🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisine Food culture Dining Experience

Mulligatawny soup is a unique Anglo-Indian dish that's not seen much, but it's really tasty. At Veeraswamy, it’s served with a fun presentation and a mix of great flavors.
Veeraswamy is the oldest Indian restaurant in the UK, starting in 1926, and the soup is one of the few items left from its original menu. It's a big part of London's Indian food history.
In addition to Veeraswamy, there are other hidden gems on menus across London worth trying. The recommendations cover a range of delicious dishes that shouldn't be missed.

Who Makes the Rules?

164 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25

🍲 Food & Drink Cuisine Dining Restaurants Food culture Sustainability

Sushi has become popular in Pakistan, and restaurants have adapted it to local tastes. You can find sushi rolls like spicy prawn tempura and chicken rolls in many places.
The introduction of Japanese cuisine, especially sushi, was risky but aimed at wealthy customers seeking new dining experiences. Restaurants like Fujiyama created a status symbol around trying such exotic food.
There is a growing interest in using local seafood for sushi in Karachi, but many people still prefer imported ingredients. This shows a disconnect between local culture and the coastal resources available.

Nick Bramham’s Steak au Poivre

110 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25

🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking Dining Food culture

Nick Bramham shares an affordable and delicious recipe for Steak au Poivre, perfect for special occasions. You can enjoy this dish without the expense of traveling to Paris.
Cooking the steak properly is key, so letting it come to room temperature and seasoning it well helps achieve a better and more even cook. Techniques like searing and basting with butter enhance the flavor.
This recipe is an easy way to recreate a restaurant favorite at home, making it accessible for anyone who loves good food without breaking the bank.

Stress ReLeith: Chicken in Tarragon and Cream Sauce

133 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25

🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Recipes Nutrition Culinary Arts Mental health

Cooking can be a fun and therapeutic way to deal with anxiety. It helped someone overcome stress and improve their mental health during tough times.
Taking an online cooking course can boost your skills and confidence in the kitchen. It can be a challenging yet rewarding experience, even if it's not all fun.
You can make tasty meals quickly with fewer ingredients. Learning how to simplify recipes can make cooking enjoyable and efficient.

Where to eat this weekend

97 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25

🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisine Recipes Dining

Bellyzone offers tasty Chinese braised meats on rice, with a simple menu focused on a few great dishes. It's a solid option for late-night cravings because they deliver 24/7.
The experience of cooking during a partner's pregnancy can lead to fun food discoveries and changing tastes. It shows how food connects to life events and relationships.
Exploring less-known restaurants can be rewarding and introduces you to unique flavors. Trying new places helps support local businesses and keeps dining exciting.

Anna Higham’s Baking with Jam

89 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25

🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Baking Culinary Arts

Making raspberry jam is simple and fun, using berries that have the right balance of acid and pectin. It makes your kitchen smell amazing, too!
There are different delicious baked treats you can make with raspberry jam, like thumbprint cookies and Bakewell tarts, which add variety to your baking.
Jam-making is about preserving fruit and enjoying the flavors all year round. It's a beautiful way to create something to savor in the winter.

Honey Marmite Fried Chicken

125 implied HN points • 28 May 25

🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cuisine Cooking Food culture

Honey Marmite Fried Chicken is a delicious dish that mixes sweet and savory flavors, and it's based on a popular Malaysian Chinese recipe.
Marmite is a common pantry item in Malaysia, used in many local dishes for its rich umami taste, making it different from its reputation in the UK.
The dish can be easily adapted for vegans by pairing the honey Marmite sauce with vegetables like tempeh or tofu.

Made in Manhattan, Remade in London

102 implied HN points • 30 May 25

🍲 Food & Drink Cuisine Restaurants Dining Reviews Culture

London's restaurant scene is seeing a rise in New York-inspired dining, with spots like One Club Row offering a taste of NYC culture.
New York cuisine focuses on big flavors and a mix of influences, featuring classic dishes like burgers, oysters, and flambé desserts.
Chefs in London are creatively adapting New York-style brasseries instead of opening traditional Parisian ones, bringing a fresh twist to the dining experience.

Rick Stein’s Oddity

490 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Food Media Culinary culture Personal Reflection Culinary History

Rick Stein's cooking shows evoke strong feelings of nostalgia for many, reflecting personal histories tied to food and family. Watching his programs can remind people of their childhood and special memories with loved ones.
Stein represents an old-school style of British cooking, which can sometimes come off as out of touch and patronizing. His remarks, often laced with literary references, may feel elitist or unaware of modern sensibilities.
Despite his flaws, Stein's shows highlight a deep passion for food and culture. His approach to cooking and sharing meals can offer comfort and joy, showing how food connects to home and family.

Sandwiches from the Garage

343 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25

🍲 Food & Drink Culinary Arts Food culture Writing Cooking Personal narratives

When writing, some people prefer simple meals that don't take much time to prepare. It's about using food as fuel to focus on the writing process.
Eating repetitive or plain food can help writers maintain their energy and concentration. It's not about gourmet meals, but about keeping distractions to a minimum.
The experience of eating while writing can be very personal and varies from person to person. Some find comfort in routine meals that help them stay grounded while they work.

Starving Palestine

282 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Systems Agriculture Culinary culture Environmental Impact

Israeli actions in Palestine, especially in Masafer Yatta, have severely impacted local pastoralist communities. Many shepherds face violence and loss of land, making it hard for them to sustain their traditional way of life.
Food sovereignty is crucial for Palestinians, as their access to traditional agricultural knowledge is shrinking. This loss affects their health and cultural practices, making dependency on outside, often expensive, food sources more common.
The fight for food sovereignty in Palestine is part of a broader struggle against colonialism. It represents a way for Palestinians to assert their rights, heritage, and identity amidst ongoing challenges.

The best and worst of London food (media) in 2024

446 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24

🍲 Food & Drink Food Trends Cultural Commentary Dining Experiences

2024 saw a lot of strange food trends in London, like gold leaf dosa and tuna fight clubs. Many food spots became wildly popular for bizarre things, even if the food wasn't great.
The shift in food media was dramatic, with social media influencers taking over from traditional critics. This change marked a decline in the quality and seriousness of food coverage.
Even though there are talented people on social media, there seems to be less ambition in print media for food journalism. The culture of food writing has changed a lot, not always for the better.

"In Scotland, we don't go in for that lazy criticism, not even in an ironic way"

238 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25

🍲 Food & Drink Local Cuisine Culinary Trends Food culture

Scottish cuisine has changed a lot in recent years and is no longer mocked for its food. Instead, people see Scotland as having amazing ingredients and chefs.
There is a focus on using local Scottish produce and cooking techniques like preservation that are gaining popularity. This keeps the food scene exciting and innovative.
Chitra Ramaswamy, a restaurant critic, brings a unique perspective as the only critic dedicated to Scotland's food culture. Her reviews reflect a deep appreciation for the country and its evolving culinary identity.

Eating in bed, a lyric essay

333 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Culinary Arts Food Writing Personal essays

Eating in bed is a cozy and intimate experience that can transform a small space into a comforting sanctuary. It feels special to share meals in this setting, where there are fewer formalities than at a dining table.
Messiness isn't just seen as a hassle; it can show how relaxed and comfortable people are with each other. Sharing food in bed allows for a deeper connection and understanding between partners.
Creating a personal 'nest' in bed can make everyday meals feel luxurious and cherished. It's a way to express love and care through small, thoughtful gestures like bringing each other unique treats.

Nectar Card

241 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25

🎭️ Culture Migration Identity Emotions Community Food

Supermarkets can feel different depending on where you are. In Belfast, they felt warm and friendly, while in London, they sometimes feel cold and uninviting.
Running into familiar accents can remind you of home and bring up emotions you didn’t expect. This can happen anywhere, even in a supermarket.
Feeling disconnected from friends and home can lead to moments of vulnerability. Sometimes, small encounters can make you reflect on your experiences and relationships.

Six of Nunn

200 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25

🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisines Reviews Recommendations Food culture

There are differences between reviewing and recommending restaurants. A review often tells a story, while a recommendation is simply an endorsement of a place worth visiting.
The author shares six restaurant recommendations in London that are worth trying. These are places that have unique qualities and offer great food.
There is also one restaurant that the author suggests avoiding because it gets too much praise already, indicating it may not be as special as others.

Once Yellow Bittern, Twice Shy

459 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24

🍲 Food & Drink Restaurant Reviews Culinary Trends Food culture Dining Experience Gastronomy

The Yellow Bittern is a unique restaurant in London that doesn't use social media or an online booking system. It's co-owned by chef Hugh Corcoran, known for a simple, hearty menu.
The restaurant has sparked a lot of discussion because some people think it's too expensive and exclusive. Meanwhile, others see it as a refreshing change in the restaurant scene.
Corcoran's approach includes only accepting cash and having a short lunch service, which challenges modern dining trends. Many people are drawn to its old-fashioned style, but it also makes some customers uncomfortable.

How Pie and Mash Killed Itself

361 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24

🍲 Food & Drink Culinary History Food culture Restaurant Industry Food Critique

Pie and mash shops in London are losing customers because their old traditions don't appeal to many people anymore. This dish has remained mostly unchanged, making it feel outdated to newer generations.
There's a common belief that outside factors like gentrification are causing the decline of pie and mash, but the real issue is that the food hasn't adapted or modernized to attract a wider audience.
Instead of trying to preserve pie and mash as it was, shops should evolve to include new flavors and ideas. This could help keep the tradition alive while appealing to a changing population.

You Can’t Go Wrong With Delia

282 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24

🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Recipes Tradition Culture Celebration

Delia Smith's recipes are a reliable choice for traditional Christmas dinners. Many people rely on her approach to make sure their meals turn out well.
Celebrating Christmas can involve a mix of personal traditions and modern adjustments. It's important to adapt holiday meals to fit family and cultural backgrounds.
Cooking for Christmas can bring back memories and connect us with our loved ones. It’s often about creating a warm atmosphere, regardless of the methods or ingredients used.

Vittles Reviews: Why are all the girlies going to Daquise?

179 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Restaurant Reviews Dining Trends Culinary culture Food Photography Gastronomy

Daquise is a popular Polish restaurant in London that many people are excited about right now. It's known for its cozy vibe and rich history, attracting lots of visitors.
Trendy dining is shifting from casual, changing menus to more traditional a la carte options. Many food lovers are leaning towards restaurants with a classic touch and Instagram-worthy aesthetics.
Some classic restaurants are regaining popularity among younger crowds while maintaining their unique charm. Daquise seems to be successfully keeping its vibe intact despite the changing trends.

Vittles Restaurants: Three’s a Crowd

223 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisine Reviews Culture Cooking

Agrobeso is a popular Ghanaian restaurant in Peckham where families often go when they're too tired to cook at home. It offers delicious traditional dishes like jollof rice and peanut soup in a cozy setting.
Blue Nile is a unique Jamaican restaurant known for its seafood, like pepper prawns. The atmosphere combines old Peckham charm with a lively kitchen vibe, making it a great place for comfort food.
Felix Kebab Grill serves spicy suya late at night, attracting a crowd looking for a tasty snack. It's a small, no-frills spot that delivers on flavor and warmth, perfect after a night out.

New Year New Name: Introducing Vittles Cooking

213 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking Food culture Nutrition Sustainability

Vittles Cooking is changing its name from Vittles Recipes to reflect a broader focus on home cooking. It aims to embrace creativity and fun in cooking, rather than just sticking to traditional recipes.
The platform is inviting new pitches related to home cooking. They're looking for unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and experiences that challenge the usual cooking norms.
Vittles Cooking wants to highlight how cooking intersects with daily life and current issues like the climate crisis. They're interested in stories about cooking in tough times or finding joy in everyday meals.

When Food Doesn’t Taste Like Home

395 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24

🍲 Food & Drink Culinary History Cultural Identity Political Impact Food security Resilience

Food is deeply tied to personal history and culture, especially in communities like Gaza. For many, the memories of eating fresh, home-grown food evoke feelings of love and connection to the land.
War and occupation have drastically changed how Palestinians experience food. What was once nourishing and comforting has become a reminder of suffering, scarcity, and loss.
Survival has forced people in Gaza to adapt and eat whatever they can find, sometimes even dangerous or inedible plants. This struggle highlights their resilience amid desperate circumstances.

Chugging Away

197 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Beverages Culinary Arts Food culture Nutrition Recipes

Beverages can evoke strong memories and feelings, connecting us to different places and times in our lives. For example, a familiar drink can remind us of our childhood or special moments.
Certain drinks have unique historical stories tied to their origins, making them more than just something to sip on. They often reflect cultural traditions and personal experiences.
Exploring different beverages can be an adventure in taste and discovery. Trying new drinks allows us to learn about different cultures and enjoy various flavors that resonate with our experiences.

Vittles Reviews: A Love Story

133 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25

🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisine Dining Food culture Reviews

Modo's restaurant in London is recognized for its authentic Lebanese cuisine, thanks to the owners' strong culinary background.
The restaurant started as a dark kitchen and grew in popularity by connecting with the local Arab community and understanding their tastes.
Modo's creates a warm, home-like atmosphere, showing care for their customers, which helps them feel welcomed and appreciated.

Quick and Easy Bakes: Marmalade Chocolate Loaf, Fifteens, and Brown Bread Shortcake

143 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25

🍲 Food & Drink Baking Recipes Cooking Culinary Gastronomy

Make baking easy with simple recipes that don't take much time. There are options for cakes and desserts that can be quickly done.
You can use common ingredients you already have at home, like leftover bread, to create tasty treats.
These recipes are perfect for both new bakers and those who want quick, satisfying sweets without a lot of fuss.

Melek Erdal's İçli köfte two ways (one disrespectful)

182 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Culture Cooking Tradition Cuisine

İçli köfte is a special dumpling that needs a lot of care and the right techniques to make it delicious. It's usually made in big batches for gatherings rather than just for one meal.
There are different versions of içli köfte across various cultures, but the Kurdish style values having a thin and delicate casing while allowing the filling to shine through.
It's okay to play around with traditional recipes, as culture evolves and can be expressed in new ways. You can make a simpler, 'disrespectful' version of içli köfte while still respecting the culture behind it.

256 Restaurants You Might Like

164 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisine Reviews Recommendations Dining

There are many amazing restaurants in London that often go unnoticed. Each recommendation highlights a unique spot worth trying.
Yiayia's Cooking is a new Cypriot restaurant focusing on traditional home-style dishes. It offers a fresh take on familiar meals that many locals may not have experienced.
The updated Six of One map now lists 256 different restaurants. This makes it easier for food lovers to discover new places to eat in London.

Six of One: South South London Special

166 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisine Baking Food culture Dining Experiences

Tooting is a great place for South Asian food; it's known for its delicious and comforting meals. The mini sadhya platter is a must-try, served on a banana leaf with various tasty ingredients.
There are many exciting restaurant recommendations from South London, including a special Polish school canteen that impresses with its food. Bistro food and top-notch pastries are also highlighted in the area.
Finding diverse and unique culinary spots, like a Caribbean restaurant and a place serving the best croissant, adds to the food experience in South London. These spots celebrate different cultures through their delicious dishes.

If in Doubt, Add Cream: Three Cheese Macaroni Gratin

118 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25

🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking Cuisine Nutrition

Using cream instead of a béchamel sauce makes macaroni gratin easier and creamier. It saves time and creates a rich flavor.
Choosing the right cheeses is important for balance; a mix of mild cheeses like cheddar and Jarlsberg works best. Avoid strong cheeses that can make the dish too overpowering.
To balance the richness of the macaroni, serve it with something acidic, like a salad or hot sauce. This helps lighten the meal.

Three Ingenious and Lawless Indian Toasties

97 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25

🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cuisine Cooking Snacks Home Cooking

Indian toasties are simple and versatile, made with whatever ingredients you have on hand. They can be created in many different ways, showing the creativity of home cooks.
Three popular toastie recipes include a Kerala-style tuna melt, a potato and green chutney toastie, and smashed spiced peas on toast. Each offers a unique flavor and style influenced by different regions.
These toasties represent the fun and casual side of South Asian cooking, where tradition can take a backseat to tasty, spontaneous meals.

A cultural history of the polski sklep

202 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24

🎭️ Culture Food culture Migration Cultural History Identity Consumer Trends

The polski sklep, or Polish shop, has significantly influenced British food culture since the EU expansion in 2004. It's become a popular spot for both Polish residents and locals seeking unique food items.
These shops serve as cultural hubs, showcasing Polish foods like kabanosy and Tyskie beer, and connecting different generations of Poles as well as new customers from other countries.
The polski sklep has evolved to include a wider array of European products, making it a blend of Polish and international flavors, and continues to adapt to the changing tastes of its diverse clientele.

The Invention of Fergus Henderson

233 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24

🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Culinary Arts Food culture Food Trends

Fergus Henderson and his restaurant St. John helped revive traditional British dishes, especially using ingredients like bones and offal. This emphasis on simple, hearty food changed how people viewed English cuisine.
St. John's design reflects a no-frills approach, with a focus on practical aesthetics rather than flashy decorations. This creates a casual, approachable atmosphere that many people appreciate.
Despite initial mixed reviews, St. John became a beloved national institution, influencing restaurants and food culture in both the UK and beyond. Its popularity shows how deep cultural roots can lead to lasting success.

Pamelia Chia’s Curry Chicken

123 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Recipes Culinary Arts Diet Cultural cuisine

Singaporean curry chicken is a popular dish known for its unique turmeric color and rich coconut milk flavor, distinguishing it from other curry types. It's often enjoyed with rice or roti prata, making it a familiar comfort food in Singapore.
Learning to cook curry can be a personal journey, as many traditional recipes involve intuitive cooking methods rather than precise measurements. The process of making the spice paste, or 'rempah', is essential and can evolve over time based on personal taste.
Letting curry chicken rest in the fridge overnight can enhance its flavor, especially the potatoes, which soak up the spices. This resting period is a simple trick to make the dish even more delicious.