Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
The famous Egyptian ruler favoured figs. Historical records show that her guards would bring her the sweet purple fruit every morning for breakfast. She even requested for a big basket of figs right before her death. This basket was said to contain an asp (a small venomous snake) – an elaborate arrangement made by Cleopatra herself in order to take her own life by the poisonous bite of the creature.
Today, many still associate this sweet, purple fruit with Cleopatra as well as fertility, and it’s widely considered to be an aphrodisiac.
MARIE ANTOINETTE
... Was crazy for croissants – not cakes!
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Everyone thinks that Marie Antoinette was obsessed with pastries of all sorts. However, this misconception can be attributed to popular culture, and according to contemporary accounts this was not true. Well, not entirely anyway. Instead, the Queen was particularly fond of her morning coffee and croissants.
Early origins of the croissant can be traced back to Vienna in Austria – the birthplace of Marie Antoinette. When she arrived in Versailles in France, she apparently still had a liking for the crescent-shaped bread and “introduced” it to France, a place we think of when the word ‘croissant’ is mentioned. The rest, as they say, is history.
EMPRESS DOWAGER CIXI
... Demanded all things grand and exquisite
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One of the rulers of the Qing Dynasty in ancient China, Empress Dowager Cixi was notorious for her overbearing attitude and devious nature. She was extremely particular about her food choices, and it is believed that she demanded at least 20 dishes be presented to her during meals.
The Empress had several favourite (highly exquisite) foods, but bean sprouts were apparently one of them. She had a specific chef, whose specialties included bean sprouts filled with minced meat, create the highly laborious dish.
QUEEN VICTORIA
... Was egg-cited about ostrich eggs
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Queen Victoria, the British ruler, had quite the insatiable appetite for ostrich eggs. These huge eggs weigh about 1.3kg and are equivalent to approximately two dozen chicken eggs!
When the Queen visited France in 1899, she was so impressed with the deliciousness of an ostrich omelette that was served that she asked her daughter, Princess Vicky, why they never had such eggs back home in Windsor, where they kept an ostrich... As it turned out, the ostrich was a male.
PRINCESS DIANA
... Liked it simple
Photo courtesy of Listal.com
The Princess of Wales enjoyed the simple things in life, especially food. Princess Diana was satisfied with a good bowl of fresh salad, according to her private chef Darren McGrady, who served her until she passed away in 1997.
Other than salad, she also loved indulging in ice cream and soufflés.
QUEEN RANIA
... Is part of the global chocolate fan club
Photo courtesy of Princessioana.com
Queen Rania of Jordan is known all over the world for her philanthropic work, her beauty, as well as her brains.
In an interview with the New York State Reading Association Charlotte Award committee, Queen Rania admitted it was tough to choose a favourite food. She expressed her love for Arabic food like falafel (fried chickpea patties) and mensaf, a traditional Jordanian dish made of lamb cooked in a type of yoghurt sauce.
“… But if I had to really pin it down, I’d say there’s only one champion. And that’s chocolate!” the beautiful Queen exclaimed.
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