Tommy Banks reveals the travel destinations that inspire his cooking, from Singapore’s street food to Italy’s wine country, on Routes with Jenni Falconer
Michelin-starred chef, farmer and restaurateur Tommy Banks joins Jenni Falconer for the latest episode of Routes, the podcast from LNER, sharing the destinations that have shaped his approach to food, from discovering Singapore’s vibrant street-food culture to exploring Italy’s renowned wine regions and championing the ingredients grown on his doorstep in North Yorkshire.
Best known for his restaurants The Black Swan and Roots and as a champion and judge on Great British Menu, Tommy reveals how travelling to experience different food cultures has influenced his cooking, why he believes the best meals tell a story about where they come from and how his passion for local produce has become central to his restaurants’ identity.
Speaking to Jenni, Tommy explains why Singapore stands out as a destination for food lovers:
“From the food perspective, off the charts. They just have this amazing culture, these hawker restaurants. So street food restaurants and everything is just awesome.”
Tommy also reflects on his early travels as a young chef, including visits to some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants and explains why he believes experiencing food in different places is about much more than what ends up on the plate.
Episode highlights include:
Why Singapore is a food lover’s paradise: Tommy shares his enthusiasm for Singapore’s hawker centres, where specialist cooks prepare dishes from scratch, often at remarkably affordable prices. He explains why the quality and value of the food make the city such an exciting destination for anyone passionate about eating well.
Discovering Italy’s food and wine culture: Tommy recalls a trip to Barbaresco in northern Italy, close to the home of Alba truffles and renowned hazelnuts. He describes falling in love with the region’s food and wine culture and why exploring the ingredients and traditions of a destination can make travelling so rewarding.
The meals that changed everything: Tommy looks back on visiting some of the world’s finest restaurants as a young chef, including Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London and Guy Savoy in Paris. He recalls being blown away by the experience, particularly a French dessert trolley that seemed to offer every dessert imaginable in its perfect form.
From a farm in Yorkshire to two Michelin stars: Tommy reflects on growing up on his family’s farm and helping with their bed and breakfast before illness at 18 brought his ambitions of becoming a professional cricketer to an end. He explains how he channelled the determination he had once put into sport into cooking, eventually earning a Michelin star at just 23.
Why Yorkshire remains home: Despite travelling widely, Tommy explains why North Yorkshire is where he feels happiest. He shares his love for the landscape around Kilburn’s famous White Horse, describing the feeling of looking out across the county on a clear day, and discusses the importance of supporting local producers and celebrating the region’s ingredients.
Food that tells a story about its place: Tommy explains the philosophy behind The Black Swan, where ingredients are sourced so locally that the team talks about “food metres” rather than food miles. He reveals why the restaurant no longer serves fish, how Japanese pickling techniques have inspired the use of Yorkshire forced rhubarb and why the provenance of ingredients matters so much to his cooking.
Taking the family on a culinary adventure: As a father, Tommy discusses how he wants his children to experience different cultures through travel and food. He shares his appreciation for Italy’s relaxed approach to eating with children and explains why he believes great food and a family-friendly atmosphere should go hand in hand.
Twenty years of The Black Swan: Tommy celebrates two decades of the family business, reflecting on how far it has come from its rural beginnings and why he is excited about what lies ahead. He also discusses the importance of creating jobs and opportunities for young people in rural communities.
Routes with Jenni Falconer sees the broadcaster travel across the LNER network with well-known guests, uncovering the journeys, destinations and memories that have shaped their lives.
The episode featuring Tommy Banks is available on Tuesday 27th October on all major podcast platforms.