TikTokTo continue this month’s spotlight on #FoodTok and the #TikTokFood community, we sat down with @thomasfagan_, a Dublin-based food creator who is ‘trying it all so you don’t have to’. To find out more about his journey on #FoodTok read more below!
Q: What inspired you to start sharing your food journey on TikTok?
A: Sharing my food journey online started unintentionally, which I think is the case for most people who fall into the content creation sphere. I've always been someone who loves and enjoys food, and I have always gone out of my way to try new things and new places. One day I decided to start documenting it, and it's been a whirlwind ever since.
Q: What FoodTok trends are you currently seeing on TikTok?
A: I see a lot of Mukbang content across TikTok, which I love. I think the amalgamation of eating alongside storytelling is encapsulating in a sense - it puts the viewer at ease. I see a lot of 'unproduced' content which is what I think TikTok is all about, it’s more casual and inviting content. There are a lot of creators recreating trending food/drink recipes, or documenting their journey going out to try them.
Q: What is your favourite thing about being part of the #TikTokFood community?
A: My favourite thing would be the people. I have met so many new friends/creators who do something similar to, or a variation of, the content I create, which is amazing. Being part of the community is a catalyst for building your own community within it, which is something I find very exciting.
Q: What new ingredients or cooking techniques have you discovered through #FoodTok that you now love using?
A: What I love about #FoodTok is the array of perspectives that are accessible to you. Most things you come across aren't exactly reinventing the wheel, but a lot of the time you find a new way to spice up something conventional. Something I have been obsessed with after finding it on TikTok is a cooking technique called ‘velveting’.I believe it’s a technique originating from Chinese cuisine that aims to preserve the moisture of the meat you're cooking.
Q: What are the top three restaurants or food locations you have shared on TikTok? (Please link the video)
A: It's hard to choose, but my top three restaurants that I have shared recently would have to be: Boeuf and Frites, Vida’s, Drury Buildings
Q: What is your favourite #FoodTok recipe you have shared on TikTok to date and why?
A: I'm not the best cook (yet), so l don't have a favourite recipe that I have shared. However, what I can tell you is my favourite Dublin food spot that I have shared recently which is Cookieboy, a cookie shop located on Stephen Street Lower, Dublin 2 that serves coffee and most importantly cookies - the best in Dublin I might add! It is a new business with the nicest owner, and I love it because I felt we were missing a place like this in the Dublin food scene. What I love about having a platform is being able to share and promote small and new businesses that deserve to do well.
Q: What other #FoodTok creators are on your For You feed?
A: Some of my favourite #FoodTok creators are:
@fooddunneright, Ciarán shares THE BEST recipes
@heyitsgra, Grá shares Dublin's hidden gems, and a lot of budget-friendly spots too!
@massivenotmassive, I love Alanna's quick and witty recommendations
@foodstagram.ie, I am obsessed with everything Irah shares, and she is a fellow iced coffee obsessor!
@ogecheese, Her voiceovers are the best thing you'll find on the app
@missremiashten, I love her cooking content, she makes me want to move to LA!
@naraazizasmith, The queen of excess, her videos are so engaging!
@kkimthai, Anything Kim shares, I am on board with
