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.
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