Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, known for his extensive career spanning more than three decades in the food and hospitality industry, recently opened up about the worst meal he has ever had. Despite his vast culinary adventures, one particular culinary disappointment stands out in his memory.
Speaking on the Good Food Tasted podcast, hosted by comedian Patrick Spicer, Kerridge didn’t hesitate to name the offending dish when asked about the worst food he had ever tried. “It was a burger, somewhere at a water park in Portugal,” he said. “It was 100 percent the worst thing I have ever eaten. Truly rotten, the most unpleasant thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.”
He explained that while he has sampled unusual and challenging dishes like century eggs and fermented fish, this burger was especially shocking because it came from a place where such a straightforward meal should have been reliable and enjoyable. “You think, ‘Great, I’m going to have a burger and fries at a water park in Portugal,’ but it was just so bad—beyond bad, really.”
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Beyond this culinary horror story, Kerridge has been a passionate advocate for the hospitality industry, particularly during difficult economic times. He has spoken out about the need for government support, pushing for a reduction in VAT on hospitality businesses as a way to provide financial relief to struggling venues.
With hopes that VAT cuts could offer a lifeline, Kerridge emphasizes the importance of helping small businesses thrive, particularly local pubs and restaurants that serve as community hubs. He told City AM, “No successful business has ever been built on the accountant. Businesses and communities aren’t driven by tax experts. Without allowing small businesses to grow, survival is impossible.”
As England’s World Cup run provided a temporary boost to hospitality, Kerridge stresses the necessity of sustained support beyond such events to ensure the long-term survival of the industry.
Fans of the chef can catch him in action on ITV’s “Tom Kerridge Cooks Italy,” airing Thursday, June 16, from 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm.