FOR a veteran television chef, Paul West can't really stomach the current batch of reality cooking shows.

The former host of River Cottage Australia on SBS was dishing out his culinary tips to onlookers at the Heritage Bank Toowoomba Royal Show today.

On top of highlighting the finer points of a perfect steak, Mr West also took aim at top-rated programs like My Kitchen Rules and Masterchef.

"It's competitive-based, it's all about having a winner and beating people with how good a cook you are,” he lamented.

"River Cottage and the reason why it resonated so well with audiences is it's not about using your food to win - it's about using your food to feed people, have conversations and bringing people together.

"That sounds like something obvious, but that's not what it's about now on TV.”

While his most famous work is still on hiatus, Mr West said he loved doing cooking demonstrations.

"I do the same kind of recipes I do on a show, except you actually get to meet people,” he said.

"Doing it out in the public, you get to meet the people who love the show, you get to learn all the stories about why they love it - that's the greatest reward.”

Mr West also praised Toowoomba and its residents for offering a welcoming atmosphere.