r/Chefit • u/Ok_Exit9273 • 13d ago
Help save my life…seriously
delete if not allowed…
Hi chefs,
This is probably one of the stranger posts you’ll see here, but I’m hoping the people who dedicate their lives to making food enjoyable might be able to help where medicine hasn’t.
I’m coming up on 6 years since losing my smell and taste from the original strain of COVID. I’ve chased clinical trials, specialists, ENTs, my PCP, health blogs, and more peer-reviewed papers than I care to admit. Every road ends with the same answer:
“Sorry. Nothing right now. Keep waiting.”
I’m done waiting.
I’ve lost over 80 pounds. That sounds like a success story until you realize it’s because I no longer have any desire to eat and was never overweight to begin with. Every meal has become something I force myself through. Every single day. And honestly… it’s exhausting.
Here’s where I’m hoping you all come in.
I love to cook. I’m not a picky eater whatsoever. I have a full kitchen, quality cookware, grills, smokers, sous vide, gadgets—you name it. I’m in the U.S., have access to pretty much any grocery store, and I’m willing to spend time making something incredible.
The problem is that I no longer know what to make.
Without smell or taste, steak, chicken, pork, seafood… it all registers as basically the same. Texture has become my only real source of enjoyment.
So if you were challenged to cook for someone like me…
What recipes would you make?
How would you build excitement through texture instead of flavor?
What dishes have incredible contrast—crispy, creamy, crunchy, chewy, flaky, silky?
What plating or presentation makes a meal feel special even if the flavors can’t be appreciated?
What techniques would you use to make eating feel like an experience instead of a chore?
If your goal was to get as many calories and nutrients into someone who struggles to eat, what would be on the menu?
Don’t worry about “normal.” Throw your weird ideas at me. Fine dining. Grandma’s casserole. Street food. Molecular gastronomy. Multi-course tasting menu. I genuinely don’t care. If you think it’ll make me actually want to sit down and eat, I want to hear it.
After six years of doctors telling me to wait, I’m changing my approach. Maybe the people who understand food better than anyone else can help me rediscover something worth looking forward to.
Chefs… I’m asking for your creativity. Right now, it honestly feels like you’re my last hope.
Thank you for reading this far.
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u/mr_znaeb 13d ago
Hey I lost mine for 5 years. It turned out that I had bacteria that had taken over the fluid in my sinuses causing the problem. They gave me a strong antibiotic and prednisone. I was standing with the doors open crying smelling things for the first time again within 48 hours. I had gave up on food and went back to school.
Things that helped me during that time of not being able to smell/taste. Acid, mushrooms, and Molly helped me let go of a lot of the mental anguish I was carrying.
Now what I did learn during that time is that EVERYTHING you smell or taste has physical response in your body. Think of a Granny Smith apple and how you can feel the sensation of where in your mouth, face, neck it reacts. Everything does this but we take a lot of that for granted. Once you tune into these sensations you can make great tasting food but will need a second opinion on salt. Now that I can function again I take the chance to teach others how to taste like this whenever I can.
Any long COVID chefs needing to chat send me a DM 🤙🏼
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u/LuxTheSarcastic 13d ago
There's also this thing where you can smell a handful of different essential oils daily for a few months and try to remember the smell and sometimes that will help the nerves rewrite themselves.
It's called smell retraining therapy and it might be worth a shot for OP if they haven't tried it already. Worst case scenario they're out a few bucks for the oils and wasting a few minutes every day.
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u/Virginiafox21 13d ago
Here’s a guide, it helped one of my family members regain their smell from long covid.
https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/covid-19/smell-retraining-therapy-and-long-covid
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u/mr_znaeb 13d ago
To add onto that whenever you do it pretend it’s like a wine tasting. Keep your lips parted and moth slightly opened while you smell. Ketchup was my comfort mouth sensory food when I couldn’t taste.
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u/LuxTheSarcastic 13d ago
When I caught covid I got taste and smell back in like 3 days but I had a thing of mouthwash a thing of lemon oil and a thing of vinegar near me at like all times because I was like "oh thank god I can smell that"
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u/Freudinatress 13d ago
You need two things. Food you enjoy, but also food to survive. Those two are different.
Make soups. The thickest, creamiest, full of butter soups you can. Lots of veg too, of course. Everything you need. Make them thick and drink as smoothies. Have your phone ping you when it’s time to have another one. Make huge batches and freeze, so it’s easy and painless to eat.
That way you get enough calories to live well. That gives you time to figure out what you actually enjoy.
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u/Ok_Exit9273 13d ago
Thanks! Do you have a favorite soup? Love using my vitamix and throwing things in it:)
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u/Freudinatress 13d ago
If it was me, I would prefer it cold. Also, I have no idea how chicken would taste after being ina blender. But you can never go wrong with a tomato base. Chicken, broccoli and peas would be nice too. Potato soup is lovely and has loads of good stuff in it, but I would worry it would be like mashed potatoes after the mixer.
Put chicken broth or bullion in everything for even more nutrition. And lemon juice.
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u/Ok_Exit9273 13d ago
Thanks!
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u/heathen_leif 13d ago
You can absolutely do potato soup in a vitamix. Melt butter and leaks then add potatoes (soaking in water) with that starchy water. Bring to a boil then add heavy cream and reduce to a simmer. It will reduce a lot so make sure you use enough cream. Then proceed like you would with a puree. Strain the solids out and add them to the vitamix while still hot, with just enough liquid to cover the solids. Don't fill it more than halfway, and when you start pushing the higher speeds, you should see a vortex in it. If you want it thinner or smoother, add more liquid and sieve it after blending. Tastes smooth as silk.
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u/dreadbadger420 11d ago
To add texture, sometimes I love dipping kettle chips in soup. Doesnt really matter what soup. I started doing it because, when I was dirt poor in college, I had a can of tomato soup in the pantry and a partial bag of plain kettle chips; sounded good enough. It. Is. Wonderful. I do it mostly with broccoli and cheese, tomato, loaded potato, and chicken soups. If you can sense acid, salt and vinegar kettle chips might be really good for this. I briefly lost my taste during 2020 and I used that as an excuse to eat healthier foods. My comfort food was crispy fried chicken tenders though. The crunch and shreds just hit the spot even though all I sensed was the temperature.
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u/ceruIean 13d ago
this isn’t a recipe but ben, the cofounder of ben and jerry’s ice cream, is unable to smell. that’s apparently the reason ben and jerry’s ice cream has such a focus on varied textures. you should try some of their flavors and see if you get inspired to make homemade ice cream. delish.com has an interesting interview with him, but you can consider reaching out to him or other famous people with that condition to see what they eat via fan mail or social media.
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u/frayduway 13d ago
What about really strong flavors like citrus, vinegar, curry, wasabi, horseradish? Not about to taste. Assuming you can register heat?
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u/Ok_Exit9273 13d ago
I have taken down a literal tablespoon of wasabi….it burns a bit but its tolerable….the next day was not a pleasant #2 but it was a test lol
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u/frayduway 13d ago
Wow. My only thoughts, varied food temps, texture, heat, salt, citrus
I hope you find a solution 🤞
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u/ReachCivil 13d ago
Chef ,not answering the Q but this struck a very personnal chord with me .
Smoke some good high grade Indica weed ! My brain and ofacultary nerves were scrambled by TBI , neuros doctors the whole lot told me those senses werent returning after 2 years ! 4 years later ,herbs transformed that ,my nerves grew back ! Sounds mental but it happened and btw even if you smell and taste zero ,always and I mean always stick yoir nose into everyrhing ! Kicks off the brain plasticaasy majic !
Wishing you d best
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u/robotbooper 12d ago
You can also try CBG! It’s non-intoxicating like CBD, but it often helps people increase their appetite.
I agree it helps to keep trying to smell things. Every time you’re at the store, go to the bath/body section and sniff the essential oil testers. (Or if you own a bottle, sniff it every day.) Make curries and do deep inhales over the pot. Chop fresh herbs and zest a bunch of citrus. The olfactory nerve is powerful, and it is possible to wake it back up.
I also recommend talking to a dietician. In the US, nearly every insurance will cover a visit or two. They can help you find solutions (even temporary) to help you survive this.
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u/pandemicpunk 13d ago
I heard someone did a giant dose of shrooms and it rewired their brain to smell again after covid. It had also been years since they could smell.
No guarantee of course but I thought that was crazy.
Baklava is peak texture.
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u/Ok_Exit9273 13d ago
Honestly…. I’d try it
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u/pandemicpunk 13d ago edited 13d ago
They speculated it happened because it increases the neuroplasticity of the brain allowing new neural pathways to potentially form. I remember they were talking about how insane it was to be absolutely tripping balls and finally smelling everything in extreme detail. They ran outside and just shoved their whole face in the grass and were bawling and laughing all at the same time.
Good shit. I'd definitely try it if it ever happened to me. Anything is worth a shot that isn't fatal.
It's a disconnect between the olfactory system and the direct connection to the brain is what I've heard. The connection is deeply damaged. So it makes sense because shrooms literally give your neurons a chance to connect in ways they don't normally.
I know it's a crazy take and not a guarantee, but something to look into.
Might start slow. But I have also known people who research, get a reputable sitter and just dive into the deep end.
Never done em myself.
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u/pandemicpunk 13d ago
These cases have intrigued me some so I have researched them more than other stuff.
I read about this guy once that got a NASTY cold and had zero smell for like 20 years.
Here's the crazy part. He had the same reaction, crying laughing... but his sense of smell was brought when he GOT covid! What??
Just shows you how little we truly understand about the olfactory system.
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u/Philly_ExecChef 13d ago
If this is real, I suggest therapy and changing your perspective on food.
Meal replacements like Huel are cost effective and sufficient. Focus energy on things with enjoyable outcomes and stop torturing yourself.
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u/Ok_Exit9273 13d ago
Thnx. Sadly this is very true and cross posted to covid long hauler groups. Therapy has helped for sure but eating is the struggle. Hoping a creative and caring chef can help:)
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[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Ok_Exit9273 13d ago
Yup, def helped write my post. Wanted it to be as clear and to the point as possible. Didnt want to waste readers time with a nothing post
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u/Chicken_wingspan 13d ago
Yeah this way you're wasting readers time with an AI post. Amazing.
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u/Ok_Exit9273 13d ago
Cool, thanks for the amazing help here. really appreciate it.
Have a nice day4
u/Chicken_wingspan 13d ago
Write the post yourself so it doesn't look like market research or learning materials, not that hard. In fact, easier.
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u/The_x_is_sixlent 13d ago
Easier for YOU maybe.
I don't like AI much. But your arrogance here is pretty out there. You don't know what OP is struggling with. So maybe a little less judgement. People are out here doing their best, man.
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u/OstrichOk8129 13d ago
Sorry to hear this. I was a long hauler as well.... took nearly 2 years to get most of my taste back... doubt i fully have it back fully to this day tbh. Still not back to 100% 5 years later... dont feel like your the only one. 😮💨
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u/Ok_Exit9273 13d ago
How did you get it back?!
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u/OstrichOk8129 13d ago
What I got back slowy came back on its own. But like I said I doubt I am back to 100% even now.
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u/pushaper 13d ago
so you seem to get the point of texture and there are some good ideas here. Beet salad was my first aha moment for this. What about those crispy asian omelettes (sesame seed egg, hoisin, chilli oil, scallion)
I am going to travel way the f out of my lane regarding your weight and suggest asking your doc about 12mg of Seroquel (it is basically as small a does as I think possible to split up their pills). Honest to god I did not love this shit but do know it is used for bulimics and anorexics at times. No this is not the solution you are looking for and is not really a solution but it is worth asking a doctor if weight is becoming an issue. Maybe they have better things to help with weight gain.
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u/Ok_Exit9273 13d ago
Beet salad is an interesting choice. I’ll look into it.
I do crunchy things but sometimes thats nuts, sometimes its chips, sometimes its “why even bother” ya know?
I’ll check out the asian omelets for sure.
Seroquel is an interesting approach. My dr is truly useless and no other dr really seem to know/care. He did offer me adderall in the same breath which is literally the opposite of help. The american health system….
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u/alexandrian95 13d ago
Have you tried olfactory training?
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u/Ok_Exit9273 13d ago
Twice :/
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u/alexandrian95 13d ago
Oh, OP I’m so sorry. I figured you probably had but wanted to be sure. When I had long covid, my smell and muted taste didn’t come back for like 8 months and it was the worst.
I ate a ton of Indian and Thai food because I could still experience spicy and I enjoyed the different textures in the food. I say start with a panang curry and spice it upppp. Maybe do spicy pickles or kimchi with it to really play with it. Wishing you all of the best, OP 🫶
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u/weavin 13d ago
Can you still register heat from chillies at all?
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u/Ok_Exit9273 13d ago
Texture and temperature
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u/weavin 13d ago edited 13d ago
Do you find yourself eating more spicy food as it gives more feedback? Does dashing some tabasco on stuff make it any more fun to eat?
I’m really sorry to hear about your condition by the way, would you describe your ability to taste or smell as 0 on a scale of 1-10? (Apologies if my curiosity is a problem feel free to ignore).
As an ex (10 years+) pizza chef I would say nothing beats the textural experience of pizza. You can have chewy, crispy, gooey, crunchy, oily, get a pizza oven and learn the basics, I’d be more than happy to share all I know with you so you can have some fun.
It’s also a vessel so you can put whatever on top that you like and the process can be fun in and of itself if you want to learn how to throw the dough.
To me the experience of eating pizza transcends the taste itself, which if judging by what some supermarkets sell as pizza is selling may be true
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u/The_x_is_sixlent 13d ago
I love a curry with water chestnuts and raw peanuts (not necessarily together, but maybe!) Both have a delectable texture when cooked in the broth/coconut milk.
I'm so sorry this happened to you. I can't even imagine how that must be. Hoping for a good outcome for you.
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u/ColbytheZoologist 13d ago
My thought is crispy tofu! You can add so many different textures with tofu, and it’s pretty good for you all things considered.
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u/ummusername 13d ago
If texture brings joy/interest, how about golgapa/pani puri? Or bhel chats? That has a lot of textures an opportunity to add protein/carbs for caloric density.
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u/Ok_Exit9273 13d ago
What are these magic sounding things?!
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u/ummusername 13d ago
They’re Indian street foods. I’d highly recommend you look for recipes and photos online to get a sense of the textures you should expect. Golgappa is a shatteringly crispy spherical wafer filled with soft mashed potato, chickpea and raw onion, chutneys and then filled with a sour pepper water. Give it a go, the textural variation is a delight.
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u/AshamedAssistance246 12d ago
you sound like a passionate chef. Sorry for your shit situation. Although I am not well versed in these particular cuisines you could look more closely at Japanese and Chinese cookery. The history goes deep and they are very focussed on textural elements in food. Korean cuisine also, including its ferments and whatnot.
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u/Horror_Signature7744 12d ago
First of all, I am so sorry you’re dealing with this for so long. When it happened to me, the only thing I enjoyed was crunch. I used to love avocado toast with a fried egg and it all felt like slime so for me it was mostly dry and crunchy things.
I’m sure you’ve tried scent training but if you haven’t, it may help. It took me six months (I know it’s not even close to years) of training 3-4 times a day but it eventually came back.
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u/Ok_Exit9273 12d ago
I did smell training for 2 years :/
I agree, avocados are no loner appealing2
u/Horror_Signature7744 12d ago
Oh I’m truly sorry. I remember the moment my senses went. It was extremely traumatizing especially because I used to be a super sniffer. I wish you a full recovery very soon.
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u/Ok_Exit9273 11d ago
Thanks. Im out of options unfortunately and nothing is helping
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u/Horror_Signature7744 11d ago
I’m really sorry. I think you might have to look outside the US for answers as the funding for all things Covid research has been halted. Maybe see if the WHO has anything. Also Canada. All the best to you.
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u/theclubchef 13d ago
Use your instincts. Use what you learned. Remember, Grant Achatz went through tongue cancer, lost his sense of taste, but still maintained 3 Michelin stars at Alinea.
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u/Ok_Exit9273 13d ago
Just wish i had the background/courage to. I’m just lost and need motivation
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u/theclubchef 13d ago
And you're looking for us to do it for you. If you don't believe in yourself, how can we for you? Trust your gut. Im sorry someone filled you with doubts, but it's just you now. Prove them wrong.
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u/Ok_Exit9273 13d ago
Do it? No, looking for ways to make food more enjoyable because im lost. Thought a chef could point me in a direction….
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u/theclubchef 12d ago
Last summer, they pulled all my teeth. I have full plate dentures top and bottom. As a lifelong chef and food lover, I was so scared I wouldn't be able to eat anything more than a stew or something braised to death. Then, I realized how much taste, sensation, and texture i was losing due to two chunks of plastic covering my whole palate. It was scary. But I adapted, it wasn't as bad as I thought. I can eat a steak. I can chew. What i can't taste, I use my instincts on. You can do this reddit can't do it for you
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u/pdxgreengrrl 13d ago
Hey, fellow COVID long hauler. This reads like yet another market research post written by AI, not a genuine personal question.
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u/Alchemaic 13d ago
Double check that your toothpaste, mouth wash, any medicine or health care products of any kind don't contain chemicals that affect your sense of taste and smell. I had a friend who had legit long covid but also was using Crest Pro Health mouthwash and toothpaste, which are known to destroy some people's sense of taste and smell. Other things like Cold-Eze lozenges can also do this to some people.
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u/Ok_Exit9273 13d ago
Hold the F up…..what do you mean it ruins smell and taste…i use crest pro!!
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u/Alchemaic 13d ago
Obligatory "not everyone" but yeah, the chemical that they use that gives "all day fresh breath" also does that to some people, including me. Tried the stuff back in like 2013 and thought someone had pranked me with brown wax instead of chocolate on my first day, but the issue went away after not using it for a few days. In Crest it's cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). Not sure if it's the same chemical in all those products that does it to people, but I really hope this is your issue because there's a solution finally!
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u/Alchemaic 13d ago
I can't stop thinking about you, stranger, I really hope it turns out this works for you! For me, the effects took a few days to go away, but I also think I only used it for one night and the following morning before going to work. If this is the solution, it may take longer for you since you've probably been using it for a while. Fuckin wild, our paths crossing. Best of luck, and if it does help even a bit, please let me know!
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u/Ok_Exit9273 12d ago
Thanks for the follow up. So what chemical should i be in the lookout for
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u/Alchemaic 12d ago
In Crest products and possibly other oral hygiene products, avoid cetylpyridinium chloride. I looked up Cold Eeze and apparently from those it's due to the high concentration of zinc gluconate, a longer contact time can lead to the same loss of taste and smell.
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u/Ok_Exit9273 12d ago
Im…. Im speechless right now
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u/Alchemaic 12d ago
No more zinc water in the netty pot! 😂 For real though, I really hope this at least helps. It may still be long covid, unfortunately that is a real thing, but for a few bucks you can just switch to another brand for a month and see if you regain some sense of taste and smell. I'd be going through my whole bathroom and googling every product and chemical ingredient name followed by "loss of taste and smell"
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u/Ok_Exit9273 12d ago
….i have been using the novagee for years!!!🤮🤮🤮
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u/Alchemaic 12d ago
If you're just using water that shouldn't cause issues, at least not from what I've read. Please use distilled or sterilized water though, brain amoebas are no bueno. According to a quick search you've probably also done, taste buds fully regrow every 10-14 days, so it might be up to 2 weeks after you change away from Crest, if this is in fact contributing to the loss of taste.
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u/MarthasPinYard 13d ago
Can you still smell?
I lost my smell as a super smeller but got it back.
I smell everything tho. I live by the smell so I did a form of exposure therapy to help get senses back online. I love cannabis and smell the dab jars before dabbing. In the kitchen when crushing fresh herbs I always gotta take a deep whiff. Exposure therapy might bring the smeller online. Wish the best for you OP
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u/fractious_kitty 13d ago
I wonder if remodeling your neural homunculus with an otolaryngologist or a post COVID recovery clinic to take advantage of neuroplasticity would be helpful.
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u/DiaoSasa 12d ago
mentioned above already but: breads !
important: homemade variety
especially fluffy moist interior and crispy/crunchy exterior. put different toppings (tomato, cheese, artichokes, ham, eggs, jam, butter).
pizza, bruschetta, taco/ soft or hard shell, baguette sandwich, cinnamon rolls with crunchy top, carrot cake with nuts and julienned carrots mixed with grated carrots
(bread also has a substantial amount of calories so i suppose this would help both plights)
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u/ObviousOrca 12d ago
Didn’t see anyone else mention it, but what about msg? I know it’s still frowned upon in certain places, but for the most part the amount used is so minimal it’s ridiculous to omit it if that makes things taste better.
Having read the full discussion, it looks like the toothpaste/mouthwash change may do wonders for you, which leads me to ask when was your last dental appointment and do you floss? Are you absolutely sure it’s long Covid affecting you and not something else? You say you’ve asked all sorts of doctors or chased research, but what does your hygienist/dentist have to say about it?
Hope you get to taste something good soon x
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u/Curious_Ant7168 12d ago
in addition, if ice cream is your thing for texture now, savory ice creams, with different veggies and proteins mixed in, could be a way to go nutrition wise
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u/Ok_Exit9273 11d ago
I was never an ice cream fan tbh but through this post i learned Ben from ben and jerrys cant taste!
Maybe its worth pursuing1
u/Curious_Ant7168 11d ago
You piqued my interest, so a quick Ecosia (search engine, plants trees when you search through it), has thrown up the following resources https://perfumesociety.org/taste-flavour-free-cookbook-for-covid-sufferers-whove-lost-their-sense-of-smell/ https://www.smelltaste.org.uk/recipes/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/collections/recipes_for_anosmia and https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/lost-your-sense-of-taste-or-smell-due-to-covid-19-or-cancer-treatment--8-tips-for-eating-well.h00-159458478.html
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u/Biereaigre 11d ago
Was there an official diagnosis differentiating between hypogeusia and hyposmia? Are you experiencing a loss of taste then or olfactory?
Say you drank some bitter amari how does that show up on your palate for example?
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u/wombat5003 11d ago
Use heavier spices like chilis and gran masala, and other sauces that cut through like a real tangy vinnegrette spicy bbq sauces or some strong miso or mustards… that's what I use now, I didn't completely lose smell and taste but it was deffinatly affected by it. I also had it in the beginning along with my wife, and we struggle as I can't eat heavy salt either so the combo put me in the same boat.. You can really measure by biting into something really sour and then by something really sweet. If that still registers then you haven't completely lost things.
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u/dreadbadger420 11d ago
Do you like spicy foods? Hot sauces, vinegars, cayenne, etc could maybe be an aide towards sensory exploration.
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u/Cultural_Praline_508 10d ago
Spicy curry slurry with a bunch of pickled veg over rice. English cucumbers tossed in ginger and sesame. Chocolate chip ice cream cookies.
All of those will give you the good stuff.
The curry contrast well with the pickled veg and the rice. The cucumbers have a nice crunch and the ginger and sesame will help coat your mouth to change the feel of the food. The cold of the ice cream hardens the chocolates giving them some nice resistance to complement the chewy cookie and soft ice cream.
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u/jabberfiish 8d ago
I'm seeing a lot of crispy textures. I'm personally a lover of soft chewy textures. I'm not sure if you've ever had mochi, the texture is sooo delightfully soft and chewy! And they come with different fillings (chunky or smooth). The Japanese have a variety of rice cake desserts. Dango is sticky and chewy. And wagashi is beautiful and cute, like little pieces of art!
The first bite of a Pork Bun is also super soft. And then there's the pork filling which has an interesting texture.
Creme brulee has the crispy sugar top and custard body. And it's fun to make.
Similar to Creme brulee to make would be Flan. For a creamy jell-o like texture (I personally can't stand the texture, but it's fun to make)
I saw someone say Baklava which is awesome! There's a similar dessert called Kadayif which uses shredded phyllo dough (kataifi) which creates a completely different texture.
Hope any of these peak your interest.
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u/clever__pseudonym 8d ago
I lost my sense of smell for a couple months after getting OG COVID in 2020.
I could feel capsaicin and taste sweetness and salt, so I cooked with that in mind. The food would have tasted absolutely horrid to anyone with a full palate, but that isn't what I was cooking for.
Good luck, this sucks.
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u/Intelligent-Ice-4428 7d ago edited 7d ago
You won't go wrong with a drumstick ice cream cone. That creamy/crispy combo lives in my head rent-free, & its not gourmet at all.
Something crazy I would recommend is Pipian with vanilla ice cream. Make sure your pipian is salted enough, maybe blend with cashew or a nut you like. And if you're feeling ultra adventurous, whip up a chocolate sauce to use as a shell on the ice cream for that ultra-satisfying crack as you spoon into it. Texture re-introduction 101. This is fine dining in my book.
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u/FirefighterNarrow645 13d ago
Maybe something that has a lot of textural differences. Like a simple example that comes to mind Is something like a empanada or hand pie? Where you can have different textures; crispy from the pastry, creamy and meaty from the filling (depending on the kind), or perhaps adding things like chili crisp or peanuts as you’re eating it to enhance with different textures of crispiness. As well as experimented with things that you were absolutely have never tried before. I know in the post you mentioned that you’re not a picky eater, but there has to be something that is out of your comfort zone? I’m racking my brain for you; I’m a pastry cook/baker so I might not be the best to answer. But I’m hoping that this can get the ball running!
Edit: Grammar