When the world feels like it’s spinning off its axis, most of us reach for something specific. Maybe it’s a bag of chips or a childhood soup. For Vice President Kamala Harris, that "reset" button is usually found in a heavy Dutch oven or a bowl of Raisin Bran. Honestly, if you’ve ever watched her talk about food, you know she isn’t just a politician who eats to survive. She’s a "foodie" in the most literal sense—someone who reads cookbooks to relax and treats a Sunday roast like a sacred ritual.
The Kamala Harris favorite food conversation isn't just about one dish, though. It's a weird, delicious mix of South Indian heritage, California vibes, and a deep-seated love for Southern soul food.
The Gumbo Obsession and the Bathtub Legend
If you had to pin down one single dish that defines her kitchen, it’s gumbo. But not just any gumbo. It has to be the kind that takes hours.
She often credits her "second mother," Mrs. Shelton, who hailed from Louisiana, for teaching her the ropes. Harris has described herself as a "lifelong gumbo apprentice." That’s a pretty humble way for a Vice President to talk, but it shows how much respect she has for the craft of a good roux.
There’s also that story that went viral about the collard greens. While stopping at The Grey in Savannah, she told Chef Mashama Bailey about the time she had to cook so many greens for a Christmas Eve party that she literally had to wash them in her bathtub. You’ve gotta respect the hustle. Most people would just give up, but she was out there scrubbing grit off leaves in the porcelain.
Her recipe for those greens? It’s pretty specific:
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- Rendered bacon fat (essential).
- Sliced garlic and chili peppers.
- A mix of water and chicken stock.
- A final, aggressive splash of vinegar and Tabasco.
The Morning Routine: Boring or Brilliant?
You’d think the Vice President would have a chef whipping up eggs Benedict every morning. Nope.
She told The Cut that her go-to is actually pretty relatable—and maybe a little bit dry. She eats generic Raisin Bran from the grocery store. It has to be the kind with low sugar, and she splashes it with almond milk. She usually eats it standing up at the kitchen counter while scrolling through her daily briefing.
It’s efficient. It’s high-fiber. It’s... well, it's very "I have a lot of meetings today."
The 6 PM Rule
There’s an interesting quirk in her diet that not many people realize. Back in 2021, while visiting a plant-based taco spot called Tacotarian in Las Vegas, she mentioned she tries to eat vegan before 6:00 PM.
It’s a "flexitarian" approach that a lot of people are adopting for health or environmental reasons. But once the sun goes down? All bets are off. That’s when the cheeseburgers and the roast chickens come out to play.
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Cooking as a Form of Control
For Harris, cooking isn't just about the calories. It’s about the "normalcy." She’s mentioned in several interviews, including one with Jennifer Hudson, that Sunday family dinner is what keeps her focused.
When your life is dictated by Secret Service schedules and global crises, being the one who decides exactly how much salt goes into the bolognese is a big deal. She’s even known for her "world-famous" bolognese and a mean roast chicken.
Speaking of that chicken, she’s got a system. She dry-brines it for 24 hours with lemon zest, garlic, and herbs under the skin to make sure it stays juicy. Then, she uses the leftovers for chicken salad or boils the carcass for broth. It’s a very "waste not, want not" vibe that she probably picked up from her mother, Shyamala.
The High-Low Mix: Doritos and Masala Dosa
The Kamala Harris favorite food list wouldn't be complete without the snacks. We all have that one snack that we can’t say no to. For her, it’s Nacho Cheese Doritos. Not the cool ranch, not the spicy ones—just the classic red bag. She was spotted grabbing a bag at a Sheetz in Pennsylvania, and honestly, it’s the most relatable thing she’s ever done.
On the other end of the spectrum is the food of her heritage. The video of her making masala dosa with Mindy Kaling is basically a masterclass in South Indian home cooking. They bonded over keeping spices in old Taster’s Choice coffee jars (a classic immigrant move) and the proper way to flip a dosa.
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Quick List of Her Top "Soul" Foods:
- Masala Dosa: The fermented crepes filled with spicy potatoes.
- Curd Rice: A cooling South Indian staple made with yogurt and tempered spices.
- Cheeseburgers: She’s admitted to being a total fan, despite her push for more sustainable eating habits.
- Caramel Cake: Specifically, anything with a bourbon-caramel situation.
Why This Matters (Beyond Just Lunch)
You might wonder why we care what she eats. Is it just "lifestyle" fluff? Maybe. But food is also a political language.
When she talks about her mother’s "smorgasbord" or her "second mother’s" gumbo, she’s telling a story about the American experience. It’s a blend of cultures that shouldn’t work together but somehow creates something better.
Also, her "apprentice" mindset toward cooking says a lot about her personality. She’s a researcher. Whether it’s a policy brief or a tuna melt (she famously coached Senator Mark Warner on his truly tragic microwave tuna melt), she wants to do it the "right" way.
Actionable Tips to Eat Like the VP
If you want to bring a bit of that "Momala" energy to your own kitchen, you don't need a security detail. Just follow these steps:
- Prep like a pro: If you're roasting a chicken this Sunday, season it on Saturday. Let it sit in the fridge uncovered. The skin will get way crispier.
- The "Bathtub" Method: If you're cooking for a crowd, don't be afraid to use the big sink (or the tub) to wash your greens. Just... maybe scrub the tub first.
- Keep the Jars: Don't throw away your glass jars. Use them for your cumin, turmeric, and mustard seeds. It’s a great way to recycle and keep your spices organized.
- Balance the Day: Try the "Vegan until 6 PM" rule if you're looking to cut down on meat without giving up your Friday night burger.
The next time you’re standing at your counter eating cereal and looking at your to-do list, just remember: you’re basically halfway to being the Vice President. All you’re missing is the gumbo recipe and a few dozen Secret Service agents.