11 Foods Gordon Ramsay Never Eats: Discover His Culinary No-Gos!

Everyone has their food preferences, but few express them as passionately as Gordon Ramsay. The renowned British chef, known for his 17 Michelin stars, has developed a strong reputation through his fiery critiques on shows like “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Kitchen Nightmares.” Despite his willingness to try various foods, there are some dishes Ramsay won’t touch. Let’s explore 11 foods he avoids.

Hákarl

In Iceland, Gordon Ramsay dared to try hákarl, a dish made of fermented shark. His reaction? Not great. After one bite, he promptly spat it out, describing the taste as unpleasant—a fizzy sensation in his nose. Ramsay acknowledged it isn’t about the quality but simply a matter of personal taste. Many, including celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, share similar feelings about this dish.

Deep-Fried Turkey

Ramsay has also made it clear he’s not a fan of deep-fried turkey. After tasting one at a friend’s Thanksgiving dinner, he called it “disgusting,” despite acknowledging the dangers that can come from improperly cooking it. While he’s partial to roasted turkey, he prefers it prepared with herb butter and bacon.

Soup of the Day

Ramsay has been vocal about his disdain for the “soup of the day” concept. He suggests that these soups often consist of leftovers that might be a few days old. Instead, he recommends asking what yesterday’s soup was before ordering today’s special. This approach reveals a common truth: restaurant dishes can sometimes be less fresh than advertised.

Out-of-Season Produce

Ramsay calls for chefs to use only seasonal, locally-sourced vegetables. In 2012, he advocated for regulations to prevent out-of-season produce from being served. Seasonal vegetables not only taste better but are also more environmentally friendly since they don’t require long-distance transportation.

Insects

While many cultures enjoy edible insects, Ramsay isn’t a fan. During his “Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted” series, he tried cooked bugs but quickly spit them out, comparing the taste to “crispy cockroach.” His willingness to try different foods is commendable, even if the results are less than appetizing.

Airplane Food

Ramsay is not impressed by airplane food, preferring to eat before flying. He has joked about knowing too much about the preparation process and suggests enjoying an Italian platter with wine instead. Interestingly, he operates a restaurant at London Heathrow specifically designed for travelers craving gourmet meals before boarding.

Shark Fin Soup

Ramsay also stands against shark fin soup, which remains a controversial dish tied to environmental concerns. After tasting it during a documentary in Taiwan, he remarked that it lacked flavor. He emphasized that better alternatives exist and highlighted the ethical issues surrounding the dish.

Smarties

In the U.K., Smarties are chocolate candies, but Ramsay has panned the American version, which he likened to a mix of “aspirin and Tums.” His culinary preferences lean toward stronger, more traditional sweets, such as sticky toffee pudding.

Big Macs

Ramsay isn’t shy about critiquing fast food. His take on the Big Mac is less than flattering, describing it as “bland.” He contrasts it with his admiration for In-N-Out Burger, known for fresh, quality ingredients.

Pineapple on Pizza

The classic debate over pineapple on pizza finds a staunch opponent in Ramsay, who bluntly stated on his talk show that it doesn’t belong there. Interestingly, his pizza restaurants do offer this topping, reflecting the complexity of culinary preferences.

Candy Corn

Lastly, Ramsay criticizes candy corn, labeling it as “earwax formed in the shape of a rotten tooth.” This notorious Halloween treat faces scrutiny from many, but Ramsay’s sharp words add more weight to the ongoing debate.

Through his culinary journey, Gordon Ramsay reveals a clear set of foods he steers clear of, often based on taste and quality. His views reflect broader culinary themes regarding sustainability, freshness, and ethical considerations in food preparation.

For more insights into culinary etiquette and dining experiences, check out [Town & Country](https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/dining/a9604138/gordon-ramsay-interview-f-word-show-fox-and-restaurant-etiquette/) and explore how chefs prioritize quality in their cooking.