From chasni to cheesecake: meet The Big Lunch Recipe Search finalists!
We asked home cooks across the UK to take part in The Big Lunch Recipe Search – a celebration of the meals that bring us together. And wow, did they deliver. From cherished family recipes to legendary local favourites, we received stories and flavours from every corner of the UK that made us laugh, smile and feel rather hungry.
The competition was inspired by YouGov research that we recently commissioned, which revealed that almost one in seven of all UK adults (14%) never cook a completely new recipe, with around a quarter of people (24%) admitting that a lack of ideas discourages them from cooking from scratch. With that in mind, we set out to spark some inspiration – and people across the UK rose to the challenge.
We searched for dishes that reflect the incredible diversity of our four nations – the traditions, flavours and personal stories that make food so meaningful – and now we’re thrilled to reveal the top 10 finalists!
These dishes are packed with love, culture and connection – showing that whether it’s a spicy street food snack or a homemade dessert passed down through generations, food has the power to bring us all to the table.
Finalists
Here are the 10 finalists from The Big Lunch Recipe Search:
- Gateaux Piment (Chilli Cakes) – submitted by Yohannah Caussyram from Surbiton
- Strawberry and Vanilla Cheesecake – submitted by Ben Le Bas from Frome
- Butternut Squash Empanadas – submitted by Melanie Booth from Westbury
- Cheese Straws – submitted by Ian Woods from Norwich
- Air Fryer Lemonade Scones – submitted by Clair Kirk from Carlisle
- Chickpea Salad – Chana Salad – submitted by Sal Ahmed from Bristol
- Irish Apple Chutney with Homemade Seeded Irish Bread – submitted by Roisin Murray-Gibbons from Warrenpoint
- Wild Garlic Pesto Pinwheels – submitted by Jayson Cheyne from Falkirk
- Dad’s Chicken Chasni – submitted by May Donald from Bishopton
- Dad’s Pasties – submitted by Kathryn Burnand from Prestatyn
Each one of these finalists tells a story – of heritage, of experimentation, and of families and communities gathering in kitchens to pass on love and connect through food. And that’s the spirit of The Big Lunch.
And the winner is…!
On Thursday 5 June, HM The Queen, Patron of The Big Lunch, met the Recipe Search finalists to crown a winner.
The event was held on Eden Dock, a pioneering partnership with charity the Eden Project and Canary Wharf Group (CWG) has reimagined the historic Middle Dock to enhance biodiversity, and bring people and nature closer together.
The Queen revealed Melanie Booth, a SEN teacher from Westbury, Wiltshire as the overall winner with her dish Butternut Squash Empanadas. She marked the moment by unveiling Melanie’s prize – a show stopping cake adorned with depictions of the finalist’s dishes.
Food brings us together
76% of those who took part in The Big Lunch 2024 said it made them feel they belong more in their community – proof that simply coming together for some food and fun is more than just a meal – it can be a catalyst for connection.
Whether it’s a spicy snack from overseas, a lovingly prepared dessert, or a savoury bite handed down from dad, these recipes are fuelling friendships across the UK.
Feed community spirit this summer
From Belfast to Brighton, Portree to Penzance, people are getting ready to roll out the tablecloths and serve up something special.
So, get your homemade dishes or some shop-bought snacks at the ready. The Big Lunch is fun, it’s easy and it’s for everyone and this is your invitation to join in!
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