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"Chef's Advice: Forbidden Ingredient in Burgers and Essential Supermarket Item Every Cook Needs"

Each week, our Money blog's editorial team conducts interviews with chefs as part of the Cheap Eats feature. In the latest interview, we chat with Chris Shaw, the executive chef at Toklas restaurant on the Strand in London.

"Chef's advice: A particular ingredient to avoid in burgers and a supermarket staple every culinary...
"Chef's advice: A particular ingredient to avoid in burgers and a supermarket staple every culinary pro swears by"

"Chef's Advice: Forbidden Ingredient in Burgers and Essential Supermarket Item Every Cook Needs"

Chef Chris Shaw's Affordable Food Hacks and Favourite Spots

Chef Chris Shaw, the head honcho at Toklas restaurant on the Strand in London, is known for his culinary prowess and love for delicious, budget-friendly eats. In a recent interview, Shaw shared some of his top affordable food hacks and favourite budget-friendly eating spots.

One of Shaw's favourite cheap food hacks is using Maggi liquid seasoning, a versatile ingredient that can elevate dishes like fried rice, poached eggs, or sauces. With its wide availability at major retailers, Maggi liquid seasoning is a handy kitchen staple that can add depth and flavour to your meals.

For a simple, quick homemade meal, Shaw recommends a puttanesca pasta made from pantry staples such as tinned anchovies, capers, tomatoes, parmesan rinds, and parsley. These ingredients can often be found at home without needing an extra supermarket trip, making this dish a convenient and cost-effective option for busy weeknights.

When it comes to affordable restaurants, Shaw has a soft spot for Pizza Express, a nostalgic, cheap, and cheerful chain where he enjoys an American Hot-style pizza. With its reasonable prices and consistent quality, Pizza Express is a go-to place for Shaw, reminding him of his childhood in London.

Another budget-friendly favourite of Shaw's is Dom's Subs on Hackney Road. The Grapes sub, filled with Thai ground chicken, gem lettuce, house-made mayo, pickles, chillies, and crispy shallots, is a favourite of Shaw's. This tasty and affordable sub is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious meal in London.

In addition to his love for affordable eats, Shaw also has some strong opinions about certain food combinations. For example, Shaw is not a fan of the combination of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs.

When it comes to wine, Shaw recommends exploring, asking questions, and going with what you like. Shaw has not revealed his favourite wine, but he encourages everyone to find a wine that suits their taste and enhances their dining experience.

In the world of gastronomy, Shaw considers Cynthia Shanmugalingam from Rambutan, a Sri Lankan restaurant in Borough Market, to be the best chef in the UK. Shaw's admiration for Shanmugalingam's culinary skills is a testament to the diversity and excellence of the UK's food scene.

In summary, Shaw's top affordable food hacks include using Maggi liquid seasoning widely and making quick puttanesca from pantry staples. His favoured affordable restaurant chain is Pizza Express, especially for its pizza and nostalgic value. Shaw's go-to simple recipe at home is a puttanesca, and he frequently uses Maggi liquid seasoning in his cooking. For a delicious and affordable meal in London, be sure to check out Dom's Subs on Hackney Road.

  1. In his love for budget-friendly eats, Chef Chris Shaw often uses Maggi liquid seasoning, a versatile ingredient, to add depth and flavor to dishes like fried rice, poached eggs, or sauces, making it a handy kitchen staple for those looking to stretch their personal-finance.
  2. For those seeking a simple, quick, and cost-effective homemade meal, Chef Chris Shaw recommends a puttanesca pasta made from pantry staples such as tinned anchovies, capers, tomatoes, parmesan rinds, and parsley, as it can often be found at home without the need for an extra shopping trip.
  3. To satisfy one's appetite for a delicious and affordable meal in London, Shaw recommends Dom's Subs on Hackney Road, specifically the Grapes sub filled with Thai ground chicken, gem lettuce, house-made mayo, pickles, chillies, and crispy shallots, which Shaw finds to be both tasty and budget-friendly.

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