the MC and others eat is described as rather typical hearty fare that can be found anywhere else - like roast meats, salads, omelettes, salted herring, bread, fruits, etc. - instead of the expected haute cuisine of rare high-class ingredients.
Not only does the nobility prefer more typical cuisine, cooking culture is still rather underdeveloped. Cooking is still considered a low-class occupation, and most recipes are still passed down by word of mouth.
MC has fun combining the different foods available to make new dishes - like makeshift hamburgers using bread, veggies and meatloaf; or omurice from risotto, omelette and cream stew.