The Instagram chef discusses his journey from TV cookery shows to sharing regional recipes and rediscovering heritage food

Chris Baber grew up in Hexham, Northumberland, with a passion for food – though his upbringing wasn’t centred on fine dining. “We had good, home-cooked food, but it was all simple classics like spag bol and cottage pie,” he reflects. His earliest cooking memories come from time spent in his grandfather’s kitchen on weekends – surrounded by music, laughter and good food.

Baber’s culinary education wasn’t traditional. Instead, he learned through TV cookery shows like Ready Steady Cook, watching episodes after school and rushing into his own kitchen to experiment. “That naturally evolved into learning how to cook,” he recalls. His passion led him to BBC One’s Yes Chef, where he triumphed in 2016, opening doors to professional kitchens and London’s Michelin-starred restaurants like Benares, where Atul Kochhar took him under his wing.

Although the professional kitchen was intense – “probably the hardest I’ve ever worked” – it taught him invaluable lessons. However, Baber chose a different path: translating his learnings into accessible recipes for everyday cooks. His debut cookbook, Easy, does just that, with an emphasis on simple, comforting dishes.

One of the highlights is the inclusion of regional specialities like panacalty (a type of corned beef pie) and singing hinnies (pan-fried scones). “These are dishes that hold special memories for me,” Baber says. “They’re simple, hearty, and they taste incredible. But if people aren’t making them, there’s always the risk they could disappear.”

He’s passionate about sharing these northeast delicacies with a wider audience. Baber describes northeast cuisine as “wholesome and hearty, designed to fill you up with tons of flavour without any unnecessary fuss.” These traditional recipes have roots in working-class homes and remain as much about simplicity as they are about taste.

With a social media following of over 161,000 on Instagram and 4.5 million views on his YouTube videos, Baber has built a loyal audience through his approachable, relatable approach to cooking. His journey has proven that a passion for food can lead to a career that enriches not just the chef but an entire community of food lovers.

“I just love food,” he concludes. “It’s one of life’s greatest joys.”