Breadcrumbs [Home](/index%2Ephp/) > [A Chef Shares His Weekly Food Shop](/index%2Ephp/markdownify/node/3598) ![A Chef Shares His Weekly Food Shop](https://media.slman.com/tHc77dzdrHdRJCABxBvNn3FOc3Q=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2F280525-sl-site-assets-thumbhero-tom-cenci-online-food-shop.png) Images: PEXELS/COTTON BRO; KEVIN MALIK [Food & Drink](/index%2Ephp/life/food-drink) / 28 May 2025 # A Chef Shares His Weekly Food Shop Tom Cenci is exec chef at members club Mortimer House, where he puts a Mediterranean spin on the menus at each of its restaurants. Taking him out of its kitchens for a second, we asked him about the staples he relies on at home. From packet noodles to sourdough pizza, here’s what he gave us… Images: PEXELS/COTTON BRO; KEVIN MALIK All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. [ ![](https://media.slman.com/rglJlfYA7wZi64U53Q8tdjHt7TY=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fslman-a-chefs-ocado-shop-tom-cenci-portrait.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/tomcenci/?hl=en) David Robson ## CUPBOARD **Indomie noodles:** This is my go-to late-night snack after work. These noodles are the cheapest and quickest meals I can cook. I usually add a fried egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top, but you can pimp them however you like. They hit the spot every time. **Perelló Picante Olives:** These are the very best olives you can get, and a must-serve when entertaining. I just open a tin, pour them into a bowl, and serve. Easiest snack ever, and they never fail to impress guests. **AGV Spicy Chilli Sauce:** My favourite chilli sauce has the perfect blend of heat and flavour. It’s one of those condiments that can instantly bring a dish to life. I always keep a bottle in the cupboard – it works with everything from noodles to grilled meats. **Kühne gherkins:** Vibrant and punchy, these are a regular on my table. I serve them with bagels, burgers, or just alongside beers when friends come over. They're small but mighty in flavour. **Honest Toil olive oil:** Cold-pressed and unblended, this is how olive oil should be. I’ve done blind taste tests, and this always comes out on top. I use it for finishing dishes, dressing salads, or just dipping with good bread. ## FRIDGE **Greek yogurt:** A staple for gut health, and the kids love it too. I serve it as a dessert alternative with a drizzle of honey, sliced banana, and a handful of Grape-Nuts for texture. **Smoked gammon:** This is a really cheap cut of meat that can stretch across three meals. I slowly boil it, then serve it with potatoes, greens and mustard. Any leftovers get turned into a play on salt beef bagels, and I use the remaining stock as a base for noodle soup. Nothing goes to waste. **Guindilla peppers:** These are great thrown into a sandwich or served with sliced meats. I make homemade kebabs and always include these for a hit of vinegar and heat – they add the perfect balance. **Rude Health Oat Milk:** Made with natural fats and spring water – unlike other brands packed with processed oils and sugars – Rude Health is my go-to brand for plant-based milk. It tastes clean and creamy, and I use it in everything from coffee to cereal. [ ![](https://media.slman.com/hOYK98FaaKF8D5XtIyXwQ2vap9E=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fslman-a-chefs-ocado-shop-tom-cenci.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/tomcenci/?hl=en) @TOMCENCI ## FRUIT & VEG **Crudités:** Carrots, cucumbers and peppers are a staple with the kids. I put them out at every meal so they can help themselves. It’s a simple way to keep things healthy and colourful on the table. **Tomatoes:** I always spend a bit more on a good variety because the flavour is so much better. Obviously, tomatoes are incredibly versatile – I use them for fresh spaghetti pomodoro, quick salsas, or just in a cheese sandwich with a little salt. **Bananas:** I have one every morning for breakfast with an espresso. They’re perfect on the go, and the kids love them too. ## FREEZER **Crosta & Mollica Fiorentina sourdough pizza:** The spinach and mushroom one is so good. It’s a proper meal you can just chuck in the oven. You’d never know it was frozen. **Hackney Gelato ice-cream:** I’d take any flavour, but the pistachio, almond and lemon gelato is the GOAT. I’ve been known to eat a whole tub in one sitting, it’s that good. **M&S Quiche Lorraine:** My kids all love quiche, so this is a regular in our freezer. The M&S one is unbeatable unless you’re making it yourself, and even then, it’s close. ## DRINKS **Metaxa 12 Stars:** If you don’t know Metaxa, it’s a kind of Greek brandy. It’s smooth and well-rounded, perfect for sipping over ice. I reach for this when I want an alternative to whisky. **Ardbeg 10 Year Old Single Malt:** If whisky is your thing, this one’s a belter. It’s packed with flavour and full of smoky peat. It’s bold and totally different from other spirits, though definitely not for the faint-hearted. **Gin 27:** This is a great gin from Switzerland (where my wife is from). It’s infused with warm spices, orange and juniper, and is really soft on the palate. I always have a bottle in the cupboard for G&Ts or refreshing cocktails. **Grenadine:** A total staple for me, I use Grenadine in drinks – just a splash to add sweetness to bubbles or cocktails – as well as in my cooking. I like to use it instead of sugar when I’m cooking rhubarb. It adds sweetness, colour and a bit of complexity. For more inspiration, follow [@TomCenci](https://www.instagram.com/tomcenci/?hl=en) on Instagram --- ## SHOP THE EDIT ![Spicy Chili Sauce from AGV](https://media.slman.com/z-qIu5rQsWu-d1mbU03JoSchjg0=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fagv-spicy-chilli-sauce.png) [#### Spicy Chili Sauce](https://www.orientalmart.co.uk/agv-spicy-chili-sauce) ##### AGV £2.95 ![Extra Virgin Greek Olive Oil from Honest Toil](https://media.slman.com/374hPhVObvjAxj7v8SxAC8uuL34=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fhonest-toil-extra-virgin-greek-olive-oil-500ml.png) [#### Extra Virgin Greek Olive Oil](https://www.souschef.co.uk/products/honest-toil-olive-oil-small) ##### Honest Toil £14.99 ![Stromboli Sourdough Pizza from Crosta 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