Michael Jackson’s quirky diet revealed: King Of Pop’s former chef says he loved eggplant pizza and sugarless candy

By Dailymail.com Reporter

Published: 20:33 EST, 28 August 2015 | Updated: 21:09 EST, 28 August 2015

The famed pop star Michael Jackson had some rather odd tastes when it came to his diet, according to his former personal chef.

In an interview with People, posted one day before what would've been Jackson's 57th birthday on Saturday, the performing legend's chef Mani Niall revealed that when it came to his food, Jackson was very peculiar.

He described The Gloved One as 'a vegetarian who didn’t like vegetables.'

Wanna be eatin' somethin': The famed pop star Michael Jackson had some rather odd tastes when it came to his diet, according to his former personal chef Mani Niall

Wanna be eatin' somethin': The famed pop star Michael Jackson had some rather odd tastes when it came to his diet, according to his former personal chef Mani Niall

Among other dietary quirks, the moon-walker 'liked pizza, but he didn’t like pasta,' and 'had a major sweet tooth, but he didn’t eat sugar and didn’t like chocolate.'

Obviously these could've been major roadblocks to satisfying the superstar, but Chef Niall found some culinary hits for the hit-maker. 

More exotic dishes such as Mexican spicy smoked red chile enchiladas and grilled tofu shish kebabs with couscous and Moroccan sauce were beloved by the singer.

Smooth criminal: The wily chef Niall had some tricks up his sleeve to make sure Jackson got all the nutrients and fuel he needed

Smooth criminal: The wily chef Niall had some tricks up his sleeve to make sure Jackson got all the nutrients and fuel he needed

The wily chef also had some tricks up his sleeve to make sure Jackson got all the nutrients and fuel he needed to keep up with his epic tour schedules.

Niall would use Japanese eggplant and shiitake mushrooms as toppings on pizza to 'disguise' the vegetables, and use maple syrup instead of sugar for baking cookies.

While MJ was busy on stage and with rehearsals, Niall would have to anticipate his needs quickly.

Thrilled: Niall would use Japanese eggplant and shiitake mushrooms as toppings on pizza to 'disguise' the vegetables and use maple syrup instead of sugar for baking cookies

Thrilled: Niall would use Japanese eggplant and shiitake mushrooms as toppings on pizza to 'disguise' the vegetables and use maple syrup instead of sugar for baking cookies

You are not alone: While the King Of Pop's schedule and very particular diet were demanding, Niall still remembers him fondly

You are not alone: While the King Of Pop's schedule and very particular diet were demanding, Niall still remembers him fondly

“He was the type of person who could just go, go, go for hours without eating, and then be famished,” recalled Niall.

While the King Of Pop's schedule and very particular diet were demanding, Niall still remembered him fondly.

The accomplished chef now owns his own restaurant in Oakland, California called Sweet Bar Bakery, and is serving several of Mike's dishes to commemorate the late singer's upcoming birthday on Saturday. 

On June 25, 2009, Michael died at age 50 at his home in Holmby Hills, California, reportedly of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication after suffering from cardiac arrest.

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