> I have been an interviewer in the place where I work currently, and I always asked candidates to write code.

Agreed. It doesn't have to be perfect. They should be able to talk and explain it. Whiteboard design sessions are my favorite A good marker and a whiteboard are indispensable for me, and I use it in interviews as well. I present the situation as here is a typical problem we are solving, let's solve this together.

I also give plenty of chances to let the candidate tell me or teach me something they are excited about.