Monica Galetti - Speaker

Monica Galetti is a renowned New Zealand chef known for her unique mix of classical French cuisine and South Pacific flavours. She was raised in Upolu by her aunts while her mother worked in Auckland. At eight, she moved to Wellington to live with her parents and five siblings. Monica's love for food, influenced by her Samoan heritage, led her to study hospitality at the Central Institute of Technology. 

After earning her diploma, she began her career at Timothy's restaurant, where her talent was recognised, leading her to compete in international cooking competitions. In 1999, she moved to London to work with Michel Roux Jr. at Le Gavroche, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Starting as a first commis, her skills quickly advanced her to the position of the restaurant's first female senior sous chef. During her ten years there, she also helped launch Le Gavroche des Tropiques in Mauritius. 

Since 2009, Monica has been a judge on BBC's MasterChef: The Professionals and has co-presented Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby since 2017. She has written three books: "Monica’s Kitchen," "The Skills," and "Monica at Home," released in September 2021. In 2017, she opened her first restaurant, Mere, in London, showcasing a blend of culinary influences from her and her husband, David's, backgrounds. Although Mere closed in 2024, it reflected her culinary vision. Monica continues to be a key figure in the culinary world, serving as a UK Tourism Ambassador for Samoa and returning to MasterChef: The Professionals in March 2023. Her cooking showcases her South Pacific roots and classical training, with a focus on family and seasonal ingredients.