THE FOOD PAIRINGS YOU WOULD NEVER PUT TOGETHER

An unusual flavour can often win over the masses, with dishes like pork cooked in Coca-cola, chicken served with waffles and chocolate with a dash of chillie widely enjoyed across the globe. But while many concoctions have become loved by the public, a flavour expert has shared some of the more unusual matches that have probably never crossed your mind.

To mark the launch of British retailer Marks & Spencer on Ocado, the online supermarket commissioned leading UK-based author of The Flavour Thesaurus, Niki Segnit, to find new and unexpected foods that pair perfectly with everyday favourites - including chicken, cheddar, tomatoes and pears. Speaking to FEMAIL, Niki explained that coffee, anchovy and sauerkraut pair well with steak, while passion fruit and caramel are tasty additions to salmon dishes.

According to the expert, compatible tastes for chicken include banana, prune and pork, as well as rose water and eggs. While vegetarian favourite halloumi, which is typically served in a burger or with salad, goes well with oranges, grilled watermelon and baked beans.

Niki explained: 'Roasting different types of food - such as steak and coffee - creates a strong overlap in flavours because the roasting process creates the same type of molecules. 'There are many wonderful matches to be discovered, and you don't need a PHD in molecular gastronomy to start experimenting.

'Interesting and unusual flavour matches can be made with common store-cupboard ingredients, like cheese and marmalade, or chocolate and aubergine.'