From Palette to Plate: The Favourite Foods of Famous Artists

We know their brushstrokes, their colour choices, their signature styles—but what about their favourite meals? Artists, like all of us, found joy, comfort, and inspiration in food. 

Whether it fuelled late-night studio sessions or reflected their cultural roots, what they ate can offer a fascinating glimpse into their personalities and daily lives.

In this companion piece to our post on recreating meals from famous artworks, we step away from the canvas and into the kitchens of some of the world’s most iconic artists. 

Here’s what some of them loved to eat—and how you can taste a bit of their world today.

Vincent van Gogh – Simple Dutch Fare

Vincent van Gogh led a humble and often impoverished life, particularly during his early years. Letters to his brother Theo mention frequent meals of bread, coffee, and potatoes—especially during his time in the Netherlands.

Favourite dishes:

Boiled or fried potatoes

Bread with cheese

Strong black coffee

Try recreating: Dutch Stamppot, a mashed potato dish with kale and sausage—simple, hearty and comforting.

Claude Monet – Gourmet Gardener

Monet was not only a legendary Impressionist, but also a keen gardener and food lover. At his home in Giverny, he grew his own produce and kept detailed records of meals and recipes. He enjoyed hosting guests with elegant yet wholesome French country cuisine.

Favourite dishes:

Roast duck with turnips

Bouillabaisse (a Provençal fish stew)

Apple tart with Calvados

Try recreating: A classic French ratatouille or coq au vin, paired with fresh bread and local wine.

Salvador Dalí – Surreal and Sensual Dishes

Dalí’s love of food was as eccentric and dramatic as his art. He hosted lavish surrealist dinner parties and even published a cookbook in 1973, Les Dîners de Gala, featuring decadent, often bizarre French recipes.

Favourite foods:

Sea urchins and lobster

Artichokes

Rare meats in rich sauces

Try recreating: A seafood platter or indulgent lobster Thermidor—with a surrealist twist in presentation.

Pablo Picasso – Spanish Soul Food

Although he spent much of his life in France, Picasso’s heart remained in Spain, particularly when it came to food. His childhood in Málaga and later years in Barcelona and Paris shaped his tastes.

Favourite dishes:

Paella

Churros with hot chocolate

Grilled sardines

Try recreating: Spanish tortilla (potato omelette) or pan con tomate (tomato bread) with manchego and olives for a Picasso-style tapas evening.

Frida Kahlo – Bold Mexican Flavours

Frida Kahlo not only painted vivid depictions of her pain and pride but also expressed herself through cooking. She cherished traditional Mexican dishes, often serving them at her home La Casa Azul.

Favourite foods:

Mole poblano (a rich chilli-chocolate sauce served over meat)

Tamales

Fresh tortillas with beans and salsa

Try recreating: Chiles en nogada (stuffed chillies in walnut sauce), one of her signature celebratory dishes.

Georgia O’Keeffe – Clean Eating Pioneer

In contrast to the decadent dining habits of her peers, Georgia O’Keeffe embraced whole foods and healthful living. She followed a minimalist lifestyle in New Mexico and often cooked using local, ingredients.

Favourite foods:

Steamed greens

Homemade breads

Baked squash and grains

Try recreating: A nourishing grain bowl with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of tahini—beautiful, earthy and grounding.

Andy Warhol – Brand Loyalty

Warhol’s relationship with food was paradoxical. While he turned soup cans into pop art, his personal tastes were famously minimalist. He often ate the same things repeatedly, with a fondness for mass-produced, brand-name items.

Favourite foods:

Campbell’s tomato soup

Toasted bread with butter

Coca-Cola

Try recreating: A vintage American lunch: tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich and a cola in a glass bottle.

Bringing Artists to the Table

Recreating these meals is a chance to connect with great artists on a deeply human level. Imagine cooking Van Gogh’s potatoes, plating a meal in Dalí’s surrealist style, or sipping wine in Monet’s flower-filled garden. Food was part of their creative lives too—nourishing the body while art nourished the soul.

Bonus Idea: Host an "Artists' Supper Club"

Pick an artist for each course:

Starter: Frida’s tamales

Main: Monet’s duck or Picasso’s paella

Dessert: Warhol’s favourite Campbell’s soup cake (yes, it exists!)

Drinks: A Dalí-style cocktail with dramatic garnish

Serve each with a short story or quote from the artist. It’s an edible history lesson you and your guests won’t forget.