Where have all the Grannies gone? Gillian Riley on Latin American food
Mexican food of varying quality is on the march in the borough – our resident food historian breaks down how we can get authentic dishes for our pesos
Gillian Riley
Clean eating? Hackney? More like mucky eating
As debate on the potential harm caused by the ‘Clean Eating’ movement rages on, our resident food historian explains why it may not be so new to the borough after all
Beauty is in the pies of the beholder
Historically, these tasty pastries were not only a receptacle for a mixture of tasty ingredients, but a utilitarian and hygienic way of preserving perishable food
‘Later potater!’ The uncommon history of the common spud
From its origins in South America to the market stalls of Ridley Road, the potato is a much travelled root with a chequered past
Rooting out the history of vegetables
It is hard to imagine a time when root vegetables were not an essential part of the English diet, and in Hackney there are plenty to choose from
Do me a flavour – Gillian Riley on umami
Known as the fifth taste, Umami is both a trendy concept and chemical substance – but above all a way of getting deliciousness into our food
The red tide: a tomato tour from Naples to Stoke Newington
Gillian Riley takes a sweeping look at the symbol of Italy that has captivated the rest of the world
The red tide: a tomato tour from Naples to Stoke Newington
Gillian Riley takes a sweeping look at the symbol of Italy that has captivated the rest of the world
Magic Breakfast founder and Hackney Citizen writer honoured at food awards
Guild of Food Writers names charity head Carmel McConnell an ‘inspiration’, whilst Gillian Riley is pipped to the Food Writer of the Year award
Look sharp! Unpeeling the history of citrus fruit
Food historian Gillian Riley looks at oranges and lemons through the ages, and takes a trip to the Bangledshi grocers of Brick Lane
How to have a quail of a time this Valentine’s Day
Food historian Gillian Riley looks at the many myths behind 14 February – and cooks up a lovers’ feast
A pizza history in Hackney
Head back to Roman times to explore the roots of one of Hackney’s favourite fast foods
Nosh Hashanah! Food for the Jewish New Year
Food historian Gillian Riley looks at how new establishments are carrying on long-standing kosher traditions
The scoop: Hackney’s best ice cream
Hackney’s cool streak extends all the way to the freezer section, finds Gillian Riley
In cod we trust: there’s no plaice like Hackney for fish and chips
National dish or stodgy snack? Exploring the East End origins of a comfort food classic
Korean food in East London: Kimchi the best!
From Kimchi to Bibimbap, Korean cuisine is both ancient and on trend in East London today