Celebrating Unsung MVPs

In a world where truffle oil, kombucha and exotic superfoods have dominated food headlines, something quietly exciting is happening in kitchens and restaurants: the everyday staples we’ve long taken for granted are finally having their moment. Cabbage, Chickpeas, grains, potatoes and legumes, once seen as supporting acts on the plate, are being celebrated as stars. These unsung "Most Valuable Players" (MVPs) are stepping into the spotlight, proving that simplicity, affordability and accessibility don’t have to come at the cost of flavour or creativity. 

This shift is being driven by a blend of cultural, economic and environmental factors. In uncertain times, people are turning to foods that feel familiar and comforting, dishes that evoke warmth and nostalgia. Buttery mashed potatoes, fragrant rice bowls or a hearty lentil stew speak to a collective desire for food that feels grounding. Rising food costs are also pushing consumers to seek ingredients that are both versatile and nourishing, and subtle essentials like beans, cabbage and potatoes deliver on all counts. They are reliable, affordable and endlessly adaptable, capable of taking on countless flavour profiles. 

Sustainability is also a big part of the story. Carbon sequestering and protein-rich, the appeal of pulses aligns perfectly with the growing emphasis on climate-conscious eating and optimised nutrition. At the same time, chefs are finding ever more creative ways to reinvent these so-called ordinary foods. Charred cabbage wedges dressed with miso butter, crispy smashed potatoes served with elegant sauces, rice elevated in risottos and congees, and legumes at the centre of vibrant mezze spreads or deeply spiced stews, all show that these familiar ingredients can be sophisticated, exciting and endlessly satisfying. 

What we are seeing is more than just a passing trend; it is a cultural recalibration. Celebrating unsung MVPs means embracing a kind of democratic dining, where ingredients that are accessible to everyone take centre stage. It champions simplicity without sacrificing excitement, and nourishment without pretension.

At its heart, this movement is a reminder that flavour, comfort and innovation can be found in the most simple ingredients, and consumers are agreeing, and wholeheartedly embracing.