Cooking outdoors: what a chef's travels can teach a backyard host

Isaac Carew is a British chef and food writer, known for approachable home cooking and for sharing dishes picked up while travelling. The phrase "the food globe at his feet" captures a familiar idea: once you cook with curiosity, ingredients and techniques from around the world become easy to reach. For Australians, that idea fits naturally into outdoor living, because so much of our everyday cooking already happens on a deck, under a pergola or beside the pool.

Many of the world's most loved food traditions are outdoor ones. Think of charcoal grilling across South-East Asia, wood-fired flatbreads in the Middle East, the Argentine asado or the Mediterranean habit of long lunches eaten in the shade. Bringing those ideas home is less about expensive equipment and more about how the space around the cooking works.

Designing a space that suits global cooking

  • Shelter matters. A roofed pergola or verandah lets you cook through summer showers and harsh midday sun. Check with your council about approvals before adding a solid roof or enclosing an area.
  • Ventilation and clearance. Barbecues, smokers and pizza ovens need open airflow and safe distances from timber, cladding and overhanging roofing. Follow the manufacturer's guidance.
  • Prep and serving room. A bench close to the heat source makes it far easier to handle marinades, skewers or dough without running back inside.
  • Lighting. Evening dining is part of many cuisines, so plan for good task lighting near the grill and softer light over the table.

Fire safety deserves attention too: observe total fire ban days, keep an extinguisher or hose nearby, and never leave coals unattended.

For ideas on how covered outdoor areas look in real Australian homes, browse our gallery, or read what we cover for more on pergolas, decks and verandahs.