Top Chef Chris Shaw Shares Budget Cooking Tips: Essential Cheap Supermarket Item and Burger No-No
As food prices continue to climb, many home cooks are searching for ways to create delicious meals without breaking the bank. This week on Sky News’ Money blog feature "Cheap Eats," head chef Chris Shaw of Toklas restaurant on London’s Strand offers insightful and practical advice for cooking smart on a budget. From his favorite affordable supermarket product to a surprising ingredient he believes should never be added to a burger, Shaw’s tips are perfect for anyone looking to elevate their cooking without overspending.
The Must-Have Cheap Supermarket Item: Maggi Liquid Seasoning
For Shaw, the humble maggi liquid seasoning stands out as the essential affordable kitchen staple. Easily available at most large supermarkets, this versatile condiment adds depth and umami to a wide range of dishes.
"I put it on everything—from fried rice and poached eggs to using it as a base in a really good sauce," Shaw explains. The concentrated flavor of this seasoning helps boost the taste of simple meals, making it a go-to for budget-conscious cooks looking to maximize flavor without complexity or cost.
Quick and Easy Go-To Recipe: Spicy Puttanesca
When time is limited, Shaw relies on his quick puttanesca recipe, which makes use of pantry staples rather than frequent grocery trips. Anchovies, capers, tinned tomatoes, Parmesan rind, and parsley come together to create a satisfying, flavorful meal in minutes.
“It’s my late-night snack when I get home from work. You can raid your cupboard and make it happen pretty much anytime,” he says.
A Cheap Local Favorite: Dom’s Subs
For affordable dining out, Shaw recommends Dom’s Subs on Hackney Road, known for generous portions and bold flavors priced between ÂŁ9 to ÂŁ14. “My favorite is ‘The Grapes’—a super spicy sub with Thai ground chicken, gem lettuce, house mayo, pickles, chillies, and crispy shallots. It’s such good value,” he shares.
The One Thing You Should Never Put in a Burger: Bacon
In an unexpected twist, Shaw passionately advises against adding bacon to burgers.
“I love bacon sandwiches and would choose one any day, but bacon on burgers is the worst thing in the world,” he says bluntly. “It just doesn’t belong there. Most of the time it’s chewy or burnt, and it makes the whole thing fall apart.”
Shaw advocates for keeping burgers focused on quality beef and well-crafted toppings rather than mixing in bacon, which he feels detracts from the experience.
The Best Food City: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Sharing inspiration beyond the UK, Shaw names Chiang Mai as his favorite city for food experiences.
“The food is cheap and delicious, but more importantly, there’s a shared culture of caring deeply about food and the time spent eating together. Farmers, school kids, and city people all eat in the same places—it’s a communal experience London lacks,” he reflects.
Resilience in The Food Industry
Shaw also opens up about the toughest moment in his career—navigating the pandemic’s impact on the restaurant industry.
“When the restaurant where I worked closed during COVID, going back to 60-hour weeks after lockdown felt like a total reality shock. Watching beloved restaurants close was incredibly hard,” he recalls.
Despite the challenges, Shaw remains passionate about food and committed to sharing accessible cooking wisdom.
With food inflation forecasted to rise as high as 6% this year, experts like Shaw offer timely advice to help consumers stretch their grocery budgets without sacrificing taste or quality. Whether it’s keeping Maggi liquid seasoning on hand or knowing what not to add to a burger, these simple tips from a top chef make budget cooking both achievable and enjoyable.
For more budget-friendly cooking tips and insights from industry experts, keep following Sky News’ Money blog—your personal finance and consumer hub.
This article was originally featured by Sky News in their Money blog series focusing on budget food hacks and hospitality industry insights.