Book Review: "A Thousand Feasts" by Nigel Slater

I wasn't planning on reading this at all. I don't tend to read books about food because I find that they can be a bit self-indulgent. But I think you and I both know that I was looking for a book that had a positive outlook on life because I have been reading so many sad books lately. From Franz Kafka's Amerika to Amanda Peter's The Berry Pickers, I really do think I need to get on with reading something a little bit happier. At least I had heard of Nigel Slater before, I wasn't completely unfamiliar with him. And this book is far from self-indulgent - I will tell you how. Welcome to my Saturday night.

Nigel Slater is a celebrated British food writer, journalist, and TV presenter, known for his simple approach to cooking. He was born in 1958, Slater gained prominence through his food column in The Observer, where he shared comforting, home-cooked recipes. His writing style, often blending personal anecdotes, is showcased in his memoir Toast: The Story of a Boy’s Hunger, later adapted into a film. Slater’s cookbooks, including The Kitchen Diaries, and TV shows like Simple Suppers emphasise uncomplicated, heartfelt food, making him a beloved figure in the cooking world for his down-to-earth philosophy and brilliant ideas. Now you know who he is if you did not already. Back to my Saturday night.

I don't think I have ever in my life sat down with a book in the bath but this time I did. It was roughly a quarter to ten at night and I wasn't feeling like going to bed because I had this weird energy to start doing things. I packed away washed dishes, picked up stray clothes, relined the bin and yet, I couldn't get relaxed. My mother had given my some advice to fill up the bath and put in some of my Sleep by Lush lavender soap inside. I carried over Nigel Slater's A Thousand Feasts and sat down. I have to say that I think I stayed there until half past eleven until I thought it was time to go to bed, but then I still didn't stop reading the book.

One of the parts I liked is when he recounts his experience of enjoying a bowl of steaming miso soup in the early morning, describing the subtle, earthy flavors of the broth and the meditative calm it brings. It's not just a meal but a quiet, almost ritualistic start to the day, highlighting the cultural and emotional significance of this simple dish. I have never thought about miso soup like this in my life but now, when I do eat it - I don't think I'd be able to get this image out of my head. It's weird when someone else describes such a simple dish to you because it opens your eyes on to things you have never seen about them.

One of my favourite parts of the book was the description he gives when he eats a mango. He goes on vividly describing how the rich, sticky sweetness of the fruit contrasts with the cool, cleansing rain. The sensory overload—the intense flavours, the tactile nature of the fruit’s flesh, and the pounding rain—becomes a metaphor for embracing life’s chaotic beauty​. I hate mangoes (yes, I'm Indian and yes, I hate mangoes) but after reading this, I kind of want to give them another go even though I've never liked the taste of them. It seems to be an experience I'm missing out on and it's a brilliant piece of writing as well. I'm glad I could take part in the reading experience though - even if the mangoes are far off for now.

He also captures the vivid fragrance of freshly picked sweet peas, using it as a gateway to explore how scents evoke memories. For him, the delicate aroma conjures nostalgic moments of summer, childhood, and gardens from the past, underscoring the emotional power of scent​. You will never in your life read someone describing peas like this. It is fantastic with great sensory and mindful description. Reading this book is truly like meditation.

This is also on par with the descriptions of Iceland that he writes, focusing on the food's meaning. While sheltering from the harsh Icelandic weather, Slater writes about the raw beauty of the landscape. The cold, wind-swept environment provides a stark contrast to the warmth and intimacy of the food memories he pens down, adding a layer of reflection about isolation and connection​. It is beautiful.

As you can see there are these (and more) that you require to read in this book. It is one of the most descriptive books about food I have ever read and if you want to think about food in a different way then this is the book for you. I have to admit, for some time now I have been thinking of food only as sustenance and nothing else, eating just what I have to with minimal cooking and eating effort. However, I think this book will change that somewhat - or at least I hope it will.