TV Chef Shivi Ramoutar Discloses Her Culinary Must-Haves and Insider Tips
In a revealing interview, acclaimed TV chef and cookbook author Shivi Ramoutar, 42, opens up about her absolute favourite food items, essential kitchen tools, and top dining spots. Her insights offer a glimpse into the preferences that shape her cooking and lifestyle.
Premium Pantry Staples and Condiments
When it comes to olive oil, Ramoutar is a devoted fan of Odysea, praising its Greek varieties for their rich flavour. She particularly recommends drizzling the high-polyphenol option, priced at £8.50 from Waitrose, over salads or lunches for an extra burst of taste.
For seasoning, she never travels without Maldon Sea Salt, carrying a compact tray even around London. During extended filming trips, she also packs Yorkshire Gold tea bags to ensure a comforting brew away from home.
Her condiment of choice is Caribbean hot sauce, with her own brand, Island Girl Ramoutar favours Gail's Challa Tin Loaf for toasting, noting its slightly sweet, enriched dough pairs perfectly with salted butter. For butter, she admires Lescure, though it can be tricky to find at £6.60 from bonnebouffe.co.uk, so she often opts for All Things Butter's salted version at £3.05 from Waitrose as a reliable alternative. In the cheese department, she loves Saint-Félicien, a soft, buttery cheese available from £9.75 at lafromagerie.co.uk, which she enjoys on a fresh baguette for a delightful treat. For crisps, she is obsessed with Torres Black Truffle varieties, claiming nothing else compares. When time is short, she turns to Itsu's gyoza dumplings from the freezer section at £4.20 from ocado.com, which she fries and adds to salads with a quick miso dressing and noodles for a satisfying meal. Her top pick for a Sunday roast is The Princess Royal in Notting Hill, praising both the food and the lovely setting. For special occasions, she frequents The River Cafe in London, highlighting its beautiful food, incredible service, and family-friendly atmosphere. Ramoutar's most useful kitchen gadget is a Mexican elbow squeezer, ideal for juicing limes, especially when making large batches of margaritas. For a ten-minute meal, she prepares chicken and pineapple enchiladas by shredding leftover roast chicken into a tomato sauce with cumin and oregano, adding pineapple, onions, and peppers, then wrapping it all with cheese on top. Her go-to for cheap eats is Pret's Mozzarella and Tomato Croissant, which she finds super comforting, while her favourite corner-shop chocolates are Maltesers or Minstrels, perfect for a quick sweet fix. When abroad, Ramoutar always packs her essentials but also seeks out culinary experiences. She names Morocco as a holiday destination she'd revisit solely for the food, captivated by the heady use of spices and the scent of orange blossom in the air. In the UK, she recommends Rockfish in Dartmouth for the best fish and chips, appreciating the simple, quality fare enjoyed by the sea. Among her store cupboard luxuries are Fortnum & Mason's own-brand mixed nuts at £15.95 and Colonel Skinner Hot Mango Chutney at £6.95, with jars so beautiful she hesitates to open them. Her secret ingredient is chilli in desserts, using a brush of hot sauce on roasted fruit to enhance sweetness. For potatoes, she adores roast varieties cooked in rosemary, garlic, and goose fat, while her top spot for drinks with a view is Kensington Park Road in Notting Hill, where summer seating offers a perfect vantage point to watch the world go by. Shivi Ramoutar's book, Recipes From The Rum Islands, is published by Headline Home and available for £20, with special offers until 3 May.Bread, Butter, and Cheese Selections
Snacks, Ready Meals, and Dining Out
Kitchen Gadgets and Quick Meal Solutions
Travel and Food Destinations
Bougie Pantry Items and Secret Ingredients
