When it’s barbecue season it’s time to bring out the good stuff: condiments. I’ve been scorned for loving BBQ sauce. Surely that’s not something serious foodies spread on burger buns or smear on hot dogs? Well, you’re wrong. This one does – but only if it’s from Richard Bainbridge’s hand-crafted range or made by Tom Kerridge, whose fruity, spicy brown sauce is a must-have at the barbecue and the breakfast table.
For ketchup, it’s got to be Dr Will’s naturally sweetened stuff. It’s far superior to that Big Red Bottle most people have in their cupboard. And on that note, yes, ketchup should always be kept in the cupboard and not the fridge. Chilled sauce doesn’t taste of anything, and I don’t want an unidentifiable cold liquid in my burger.
For mayo, it’s impossible not to be won over by the colourful tubes from HLTHPUNK UFO, which also sells burger sauce – a fiery mix of mayo, mustard and cayenne pepper. Then there is the extra creamy, really rich Kewpie mayonnaise, which has a cult-like following. And for chips? I plunge mine into the spicy sriracha mayo from the Sauce Shop.
Mayo
Black garlic aioli (£4.29; souschef.co.uk)
Tongue-tinglingly tangy. Great for adding oomph to grilled seafood, barbecued burgers and Spanish food.
Kewpie mayonnaise (£5.40; souschef.co.uk)
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This is Japan’s favourite mayo for a reason. Made using just egg yolks, it’s extra- creamy, smooth and rich.
Spicy sriracha mayo (£2.99; sauceshop.co)
For spice lovers. This is the perfect sauce to plunge chips into.
Truffle mayonnaise (£9.95; finefoodspecialist.co.uk)
Use to posh up potato salad or make a really special sandwich.
Chutney
Apple, peach & apricot chutney (£4.75; rosebudpreserves.co.uk)
Lightly sweet and full of plump fruit. You’ll want this on your plate with roast pork – or on the cheeseboard with cheddar.
England Preserves pear, date & ale chutney (£5.50; provisionslondon.co.uk)
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What your pâtés and terrines are crying out for.
Chilli chutney (£5.90; store.dishoom.com)
From the much loved Indian restaurant group. A perfect partner for spicy deep-fried dishes from okra fries to samosas.
Special Edition soured plum & black pepper chutney (£3.75; tracklements.co.uk)
Perfect sidekick for curries, or for dunking parathas and crispy pakoras.
Ketchup and barbecue sauce
Elderflower BBQ sauce (£4; rbainbridge.co.uk)
This slightly sweet barbecue sauce is a tasty chip dipper if you’re bored of ketchup.
Fruity brown sauce (£10.95 for two; tomkerridge.com)
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Want to upgrade your full English? Add a dollop of this classic fruity, spicy sauce to your plate.
Dr Will’s tomato ketchup (£3.50; waitrose.co.uk)
This all-natural ketchup is made sweet using dates, vine-ripened tomatoes and apples. Great as a cheat’s pizza sauce.
HLTHPUNK UFO Impossibly Awesome Burger Sauce (£4.99; sauceshop.co)
This really is that good, a mix of mayo, mustard, tomato paste and cayenne. And it’s vegan.
Mustard
Pommery Firemen’s mustard (£6.99; provenderbrown.co.uk)
For when French mustard isn’t strong enough, try this with hot chilli pepper. Spread on pork or beef before roasting.
A L’Olivier white truffle mustard (£12.95; harveynichols.com)
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Proper posh mustard. Just as delicious with steak or spread on ham in a sandwich.
Maille Dijon Originale (£1.85; sainsburys.co.uk)
A condiment classic. Bring out for cold cuts, roasts, sandwiches or use for vinaigrettes and dressings.
Terre Exotique mustard with roasted spices (£3.50; souschef.co.uk)
A smoky, spicy mustard, great with lamb merguez, chorizo or traditional sausages and mash.
