Best of the Spectator Table Talk: Thomasina Miers, co-founder of Wahaca
Jul 1, 2025
Thomasina Miers is a chef, writer, and the co-founder of Wahaca, known for her passion for sustainable Mexican street food. In this conversation, she shares heartfelt memories of cooking with her mother and explains her family's move to Mexico, where her culinary journey began. Thomasina discusses the challenges of launching Wahaca in London, particularly sourcing authentic ingredients and reshaping perceptions of Mexican cuisine. She also reflects on motherhood's impact on her views about sustainability in food systems and dives into the vibrant culture captured in her new book, Mexican Table.
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Early Food Memories with Mother
- Thomasina Miers' earliest food memory is stirring onions slowly with her mother to bring out flavor.
- Family mealtimes involved feasting on simple dishes like seasonal artichokes with burnt butter and bread.
Ballymaloe's Holistic Food Education
- Ballymaloe cooking school teaches holistic food education including how composting works.
- Understanding food origins and environmental impact is crucial for improving food systems.
Discovering Real Mexican Food
- Thomasina first visited Mexico at 18 and was surprised to discover authentic Mexican food is not Tex-Mex.
- The vibrant food culture inspired her to bring true Mexican cuisine to the UK.