Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was known for his music, his dance moves, and his iconic style. But what about his eating habits? What was Michael Jackson’s favorite food? It might surprise you to learn that the superstar had a rather unique and somewhat limited diet.
Mani Niall, Jackson’s former personal chef, shared some insights into the singer’s culinary preferences. Niall met Jackson in 1982 and toured with him during the Victory tour, providing a glimpse into the pop icon’s life beyond the stage.
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According to Niall, Jackson could go for hours without eating, then suddenly become famished. Satisfying his hunger wasn’t always easy, as Jackson adhered to a “fairly limited diet.” Niall described him as “a vegetarian who didn’t like vegetables.” This presented a challenge when planning meals.
He liked pizza, but not pasta. He also had a sweet tooth, but he didn’t eat sugar or chocolate. This made finding suitable desserts particularly tricky.
Despite these restrictions, Niall managed to find some winning dishes. Mexican food, especially spicy smoked red chile enchiladas, were a favorite. Jackson also enjoyed grilled tofu shish kebabs with couscous and Moroccan sauce. These options offered a balance of flavor and nutrition within his dietary guidelines.
Niall, who owns Sweet Bar Bakery in Oakland, even created a commemorative menu featuring dishes inspired by Jackson’s preferences. This included a pizza with shiitake mushrooms and Japanese eggplant, a clever way to incorporate vegetables, and cookies made with pecans and maple syrup instead of sugar. These “ookies,” as Jackson’s bodyguard called them, provided a healthier alternative to traditional sweets.
During his time with Jackson, Niall learned that the singer didn’t celebrate his birthday due to his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness. Niall remembers his assistant always reminding everyone that Michael didn’t celebrate his birthday. Therefore, this commemorative menu served as a special way to honor Jackson’s memory and celebrate his life through food.
In conclusion, while Michael Jackson’s favorite food may not have been straightforward, his personal chef found ways to cater to his unique tastes and dietary restrictions. From spicy enchiladas to creative pizzas and sugar-free cookies, Jackson’s meals reflected his individual preferences and Niall’s dedication to providing him with satisfying and enjoyable food. His diet, while limited, offers an interesting glimpse into the personal life of the King of Pop.
