Monica Galetti – a name synonymous with exacting standards, passionate cooking, and a compelling presence on British television. From her humble beginnings in Samoa to becoming a celebrated chef and a formidable judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, Galetti has carved a unique and influential path in the culinary world. Her journey is one of unwavering dedication, embracing diverse culinary traditions, and breaking barriers in an often male-dominated industry.
Early Life and Culinary Roots
Born in Samoa in 1975, Monica Galetti, née Fa’afiti, spent her early childhood immersed in the vibrant culture and fresh produce of the Pacific Islands. She was raised by her aunt with her sister and four brothers, experiencing a strong connection to nature and a direct understanding of food from source. Her memories include picking fruit for breakfast and collecting eggs from the garden, an early education in “field-to-fork” dining that would profoundly shape her culinary philosophy.
At the age of eight, Galetti moved to New Zealand to join her mother, settling in Wellington. It was here that her serious pursuit of cooking began. She enrolled in culinary college, excelling in her studies and quickly demonstrating a natural flair and competitive spirit. Galetti won every national competition available to her and even represented Oceania in international culinary events, hinting at the prodigious talent that would later make her a household name. This early success laid the groundwork for her ambition to work in the world’s most esteemed kitchens.
The Le Gavroche Years: A Crucible of Excellence
In 1997, seeking to further hone her craft, Monica Galetti made the audacious move to London. She sent her CV to several of the capital’s top restaurants, and it was the legendary Michel Roux Jr. at the two-Michelin-starred Le Gavroche who first responded. What followed was a transformative 12-year period that would define much of her professional life.
Starting as a first commis, a relatively junior position for someone of her prior experience, Galetti embraced the challenge. The kitchens of Le Gavroche were, and remain, renowned for their exacting discipline, classical French techniques, and intense pressure. It was a rigorous environment, but one in which Galetti thrived. She rapidly ascended the ranks, demonstrating not only exceptional cooking skills but also an unwavering resilience and steely determination.
Her ascent culminated in her becoming the first woman to hold the senior sous-chef position in Le Gavroche’s illustrious 50-year history. This was a significant achievement, breaking a long-standing barrier in a bastion of traditional French gastronomy. Michel Roux Jr. himself became a mentor, recognising her talent and commitment. Her tenure at Le Gavroche not only solidified her technical mastery of French cuisine but also instilled in her the high standards and precise execution that she is now known for.
The MasterChef: The Professionals Phenomenon
While still at Le Gavroche, Monica Galetti embarked on a new chapter that would bring her to national prominence: television. In 2009, she joined the judging panel of MasterChef: The Professionals on BBC Two. Her role, initially a seemingly brief stint, quickly evolved into a central and indispensable part of the show.
Galetti’s judging style is distinctive and much admired. She is firm, direct, and uncompromising in her assessment of the contestants’ dishes, yet always fair and ultimately constructive. Her deep understanding of classical techniques, her encyclopaedic knowledge of ingredients, and her ability to articulate both triumphs and flaws in a dish made her an authoritative and respected figure. She doesn’t mince her words, but her critiques are always delivered with the intention of pushing chefs to be better. This no-nonsense, yet empathetic approach endeared her to viewers and aspiring chefs alike.
Her on-screen presence added a crucial layer of gravitas and insight to the MasterChef format, ensuring that the show remained a serious culinary competition. Her presence has undoubtedly inspired a generation of young chefs, particularly women, to pursue careers in professional kitchens, seeing a strong, successful female role model at the forefront of the industry.
In 2022, Galetti announced a temporary hiatus from MasterChef: The Professionals, citing the need to focus on her mental health and spend more time with her family. This brave and open admission resonated with many, highlighting the pressures of a demanding career and personal life. However, much to the delight of fans, she returned to the judging panel in 2023, reaffirming her commitment to the show and its contestants. Her return was met with widespread enthusiasm, cementing her status as an integral part of the MasterChef family.
Beyond the Kitchen: Television Presenting and Authorship
Monica Galetti’s talents extend beyond the professional kitchen and the MasterChef studio. She has become a familiar and popular television personality, co-presenting the critically acclaimed series Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby alongside Giles Coren and later, Rob Rinder.
In Amazing Hotels, Galetti and her co-presenters travel the globe, exploring some of the world’s most extraordinary and luxurious hotels. The show goes “beyond the lobby,” allowing viewers a rare glimpse into the intricate operations, unique challenges, and dedicated staff that make these establishments tick. Galetti’s role often involves getting hands-on in the hotel kitchens, offering her professional insights into their culinary offerings and service standards. Her natural curiosity, genuine warmth, and expert eye for detail make her an engaging and informative guide, showcasing her passion for the broader hospitality industry. The show continues to be popular, with new episodes airing regularly, including those in 2024 and 2025.
In addition to her television work, Galetti is an accomplished author. She has released several cookbooks, including Monica’s Kitchen, The Skills: How to Become an Expert Chef in Your Own Kitchen, and At Home: My Favourite Recipes For Family & Friends. These books offer a deeper insight into her cooking philosophy, sharing recipes that blend her classical French training with influences from her Samoan and New Zealand heritage, as well as the diverse cuisines she has encountered throughout her career. Her books are praised for their clear instructions, inspiring dishes, and practical advice for home cooks looking to elevate their culinary skills.
Mere: A Personal Culinary Statement
In 2017, Monica Galetti embarked on her most personal and ambitious project yet: opening her own restaurant, Mere, in Fitzrovia, London. Named after her mother (Mere means “mother” in French, and also has significance in South Pacific cultures), the restaurant was a collaboration with her husband, David Galetti, who brought his expertise as a sommelier to manage the front of house.
Mere was conceived as an elegant yet contemporary restaurant, offering a relaxed yet refined dining experience. It was an opportunity for Galetti to express her unique culinary identity, blending her classical French training with the vibrant flavours and ingredients inspired by her Samoan and New Zealand roots. The menu at Mere reflected this fusion, featuring dishes that were both sophisticated and deeply personal. It quickly gained critical acclaim, establishing itself as a respected dining destination in London’s competitive culinary scene.
However, the hospitality industry, particularly in London, faces significant challenges. In April 2024, Monica Galetti announced the difficult decision to close Mere. In an Instagram post, she cited the “immense challenges” faced by the hospitality sector, specifically mentioning the impact of post-Brexit rules on staffing and rising operational costs. New legislation, including increased minimum salary thresholds for skilled worker visas, has made it increasingly difficult for restaurants to find and retain staff, exacerbating an already tight labour market. Galetti’s decision highlighted the precarious nature of even successful independent restaurants in the current economic climate, echoing sentiments from many across the industry who have seen a worrying number of closures. While a poignant end to a significant chapter, the closure of Mere underscores the resilience required in the culinary world and allows Galetti to explore new avenues.
Personal Life and Balancing Act
Monica Galetti’s demanding career in professional kitchens and television has often been balanced with her personal life. She is married to David Galetti, a French-born sommelier whom she met while they both worked at Le Gavroche. They have a daughter, Anais, born in 2006.
Galetti has often spoken publicly about the challenges of balancing a high-pressure career with family life. The long, unsociable hours traditionally associated with Michelin-starred kitchens are notoriously difficult for parents. Her decision to step back temporarily from MasterChef: The Professionals in 2022 was a candid admission of these pressures, prioritising her well-being and time with her family. This openness has made her an even more relatable figure to many working parents.
Her daughter, Anais, reportedly has a keen interest in music, rather than following her parents into the culinary world. Galetti has shared anecdotes about her daughter’s lack of enthusiasm for cooking, providing a humorous contrast to her own professional life. Despite the demands of their careers, Monica and David have consistently prioritised creating a stable and supportive environment for their family, adapting their schedules to ensure quality time together.
Current Trends and Future Endeavours
Since the closure of Mere, Monica Galetti has continued to be a prominent figure in the culinary landscape. One of the most notable recent trends in her career is her collaboration with Singapore Airlines. Beginning in autumn 2024, Galetti was announced as a guest chef for the airline, tasked with designing exclusive menus for passengers travelling in Suites, First Class, and Business Class on flights departing from the UK.
Her spring and summer 2025 menus, available from March to August, highlight seasonal British produce while incorporating her signature blend of classical French techniques and South Pacific influences. Dishes such as Slow Roasted Lamb Cutlet with Gremolata and Rosemary Jus, and Blackberry Treacle Tart with Mascarpone Ripple, have been designed to offer a refined yet comforting dining experience at 35,000 feet. This partnership not only showcases Galetti’s culinary versatility but also reflects a growing trend in the airline industry to elevate in-flight dining with celebrity chef collaborations, offering passengers a “restaurant-quality” experience. This initiative keeps her actively involved in menu development and high-end culinary creation, even without a physical restaurant.
Her ongoing role on Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby also keeps her in the public eye, exploring the intricacies of the global hospitality sector. While her future television projects are not yet fully announced for 2025 and beyond, it is likely she will continue to be involved in food-related programming, perhaps exploring new formats that allow for a better work-life balance than the intense demands of restaurant ownership. Her focus seems to be shifting towards broader culinary consultancy, brand partnerships, and continued media presence, leveraging her extensive expertise and popular appeal in ways that offer greater flexibility.
The Monica Galetti Effect: Impact and Legacy
Monica Galetti’s impact on the UK culinary scene is undeniable. She has been a trailblazer for women in professional kitchens, proving that with talent, tenacity, and hard work, one can reach the very highest echelons of a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her journey from Le Gavroche’s rigorous kitchen to senior sous-chef shattered a glass ceiling, inspiring countless others.
Her role on MasterChef: The Professionals has transformed the show into a serious platform for aspiring chefs, raising the standard of culinary competition on television. Her critiques are not merely entertainment; they are lessons in precision, flavour, and technique, educating both contestants and viewers. She has a unique ability to command respect while still conveying warmth and genuine desire for chefs to succeed.
Beyond her professional achievements, Galetti’s willingness to speak openly about mental health and work-life balance has resonated deeply. In an industry notorious for its high-pressure environment, her candidness has contributed to a broader conversation about well-being in the workplace, fostering a more supportive and understanding environment for aspiring chefs.
Her cooking style, a sophisticated blend of French classical techniques with vibrant Pacific Rim flavours, has also influenced contemporary British cuisine. She has championed the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, rooted in her upbringing, while demonstrating how diverse culinary traditions can be elegantly fused. Monica Galetti is more than just a chef or a TV personality; she is a role model, an advocate for excellence, and a significant voice in the ongoing evolution of the culinary world.
FAQs
Where is Monica Galetti originally from?
Monica Galetti was born in Samoa and raised in New Zealand.
Is Monica Galetti still a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals?
Yes, Monica Galetti returned as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2023 after a temporary break.
What was the name of Monica Galetti’s restaurant?
Monica Galetti’s restaurant was called Mere, which she opened with her husband, David Galetti. It closed in April 2024.
What other TV shows has Monica Galetti appeared in?
Monica Galetti is also known for co-presenting Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby.
What is Monica Galetti’s cooking style?
Monica Galetti’s cooking style blends her classical French training with influences from her Samoan and New Zealand heritage, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and sophisticated flavour combinations.
Final Thought
Monica Galetti’s journey is a compelling narrative of passion, perseverance, and profound talent. From her formative years in Samoa and New Zealand to her groundbreaking tenure at Le Gavroche and her widespread recognition through MasterChef: The Professionals, she has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined expectations. While the closure of Mere marks the end of a cherished chapter, it simultaneously opens new avenues, as evidenced by her exciting collaboration with Singapore Airlines. Galetti’s influence extends far beyond the dishes she creates; she is a powerful role model, particularly for women in a demanding industry, and a voice for well-being and authenticity. Her unique blend of classical training, vibrant heritage, and a no-nonsense yet empathetic approach has cemented her place as one of the UK’s most respected and beloved culinary figures. Her legacy is one of unwavering dedication to excellence and a continuous inspiration to those who aspire to master the art of cooking.
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