Sybil Kapoor is an award-winning chef, food writer, broadcaster, and travel writer with a distinguished career spanning decades. She has won five national awards for her contributions to food journalism, broadcasting, and cookery writing, including two Glenfiddich Awards, two Michael Smith Awards from the Guild of Food Writers, and the prestigious Fortnum & Mason Food & Drink Award for Food Writer of the Year. Kapoor has authored seven cookery books, including Modern British Food, Simply British, and Taste: A New Way to Cook, all of which reflect her passion for creating flavorful, accessible dishes. Her latest work, The Great British Vegetable Cookbook (National Trust), showcases her ability to combine historical and practical food knowledge with creative and delicious recipes.
Born and raised in the English countryside, Kapoor began her culinary career as a chef in London and New York, where she worked as sous chef at Jam’s, Jonathan Waxman’s first restaurant. She later became head chef at Clarke’s and Café Kensington, both known for their fresh, modern cuisine. Transitioning into food writing in 1991, Kapoor became a prominent voice in British cookery, contributing to publications such as The Financial Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, House & Garden, and Conde Nast Traveller. She also writes for Sainsbury’s Magazine, Delicious, Waitrose Food Illustrated, and Borough Market’s blog. Frequently appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and television programs like Market Kitchen’s Big Adventure, Kapoor continues to shape the food industry with her deep knowledge, engaging storytelling, and commitment to celebrating seasonal and British ingredients.