TikTok star Kalani Ghost Hunter goes on mission to prove British cuisine isn’t bland

Kalani Smith, a TikTok sensation from Mount Juliet, Tennessee, has embarked on a unique mission: to prove that British cuisine is far from bland. 

Known online as Kalani Ghost Hunter (KGH), Smith originally gained popularity by investigating the paranormal but has since shifted his focus to reviewing British food, amassing over three million TikTok followers in the process.

Smith's culinary journey across the UK has seen him review everything from Welsh cakes to curries, challenging the widespread belief, particularly in the United States, that British food lacks flavor. 

"The most interesting thing about this journey… is that the perception around the world, especially in the US, is that the food in the UK is bland, it's bad," Smith explained. His goal has been to document that this stereotype is not entirely accurate.

While visiting Cardiff Market in South Wales, Smith praised its offerings, stating they surpass London's Camden Market "10 times out of 10." 

He found particular delight in Welsh cakes, especially after a disappointing experience with a packaged version from Morrisons. Smith described the fresh Welsh cakes from Cardiff Market as "absolutely incredible."

Smith also highlighted the UK's curry scene, calling it "untouchable" and one of the standout culinary experiences of his travels. However, not all traditional British dishes won him over; he was less impressed with pie, mash, and liquor, stating, "That liquor sauce is just not something that I would ever want to eat again."

Despite some critical reviews, Smith emphasized the importance of honesty and respect in his content. "Each city in each region has a dish that they kind of cling to… If I don't think something tastes good, I'm not going to say [it does] to, you know, save someone's feelings."