Intelligence Squared
Yotam Ottolenghi: How I Found My Voice
Aug 24, 2023
Yotam Ottolenghi, a chef and writer renowned for revolutionizing British cuisine, joins Samira Ahmed to share his culinary journey. The vibrant food culture of Jerusalem and memories of his grandmother, a Mossad spy, shape his unique perspective. He discusses the challenges of being a gay parent in diverse cultures and his transition from academia to cooking. Ottolenghi also delves into his influence on food during lockdown, highlighting how cooking became a cherished activity while navigating cultural authenticity and the politics of food.
40:12
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Quick takeaways
- Yotam Ottolenghi found his love for cooking by embracing non-traditional dishes and flavors.
- Food in the Middle East carries political significance, sparking debates about appropriation and authenticity.
Deep dives
The Influence of Jerusalem on Yotam Ottolenghi's Love for Food
Yotam Ottolenghi shares that his love for food was shaped by the streets of Jerusalem, where he experienced the incredible variety and flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. He reminisces about going to East Jerusalem to buy traditional Palestinian cakes and enjoying takeout hummus and labneh. The city's sensual and historic ambiance provided a backdrop for unforgettable food experiences. Ottolenghi also discusses the cultural and political complexities surrounding Middle Eastern cuisine, acknowledging the challenges of collaborations and the difficulty of separating politics from food.
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