The rise of celebrity lifestyle content has offered fans a peek into the kitchens of famous personalities, revealing their favorite recipes and culinary skills. However, not all celebrity forays into cooking have been met with praise, with some drawing criticism for unconventional methods and perceived lack of expertise.
Two chefs, Saifur Rahman of Tower Tandoori and Sohan Bhandari of Colonel Saab, have shared their assessments of various celebrities' cooking endeavors with the Daily Mail. Their evaluations range from those who should "hang up their aprons" to those surprisingly adept in the kitchen.
Brooklyn Beckham has faced considerable criticism for his online cooking series, "Cookin' with Brooklyn." Reports suggest the series cost approximately $100,000 per episode, with some viewers accusing him of being a "nepo baby" and lacking fundamental cooking skills. Specific instances cited include burning guanciale for spaghetti carbonara and serving undercooked fried chicken prepared with expensive avocado oil. Rahman noted that Beckham's content has often gone viral for the wrong reasons, with basic techniques being questioned, diverting attention from the food itself. Bhandari advised Beckham to "spend more time mastering the fundamentals" as confidence in the kitchen stems from experience.
Meghan Markle's cooking show, "With Love, Meghan," also drew mixed reactions. Critics pointed to what they described as "lacklustre" recipes and unorthodox methods, such as cooking spaghetti in a skillet and grilling lettuce. Rahman felt the show was too polished and disconnected from everyday cooking, lacking the warmth and practicality viewers seek. He suggested that Markle's content felt more like an advertisement than an invitation into a real-world kitchen.
Other celebrities who received critical feedback include Joe Swash, whose food hygiene and preparation methods have been questioned by viewers; Millie Mackintosh, whose healthy recipes have been deemed restrictive and unconventional by some; Paris Hilton, whose "Cooking With Paris" series was noted for its chaotic, entertainment-focused approach rather than culinary instruction; Gwyneth Paltrow, whose wellness-focused approach through Goop has faced criticism for promoting unrealistic eating habits and questionable cooking techniques; and Vogue Williams, who was criticized for alleged cross-contamination in a cooking video, raising concerns about basic food safety.
Conversely, some celebrities have garnered praise for their genuine passion and skill in the kitchen.
Ferne McCann has been commended for sharing wholesome, family-friendly recipes that are practical and achievable. Bhandari noted that McCann comes across as someone who genuinely enjoys cooking for loved ones, making her food feel honest and approachable.
Megan McKenna, a singer and former reality TV personality, is developing a reputation as a capable home cook, frequently sharing videos of pies, roasts, and baked goods. Fans often praise her presentation and ability, with some suggesting she could have pursued a career as a chef.
Businesswoman Emma Grede is recognized for her calm and confident approach to preparing fresh, balanced meals. Bhandari highlighted her understanding of quality, preparation, and attention to detail, principles that contribute to creating a great meal.
David Beckham, unlike his son, has earned recognition for his authentic passion for cooking. He regularly shares videos of himself preparing dishes like mushroom ravioli, paella, and Sunday roasts. His attention to detail and knife skills have impressed fans and even celebrity chefs. Rahman commented that Beckham's success lies in making food part of his personal identity and centering his content around family, which lends credibility and relatability.
Rapper Professor Green has also been noted for his cooking content, ranging from curries to pasta. He even launched a takeaway in Glasgow. Rahman contrasted his approach with that of Markle, stating that Professor Green's content feels connected to his real life, making food accessible and focusing on the experience of cooking rather than using it as a celebrity platform.