A Cup Of Tea With Monica Galetti

‘My daughter almost burst into tears when I went blonde!’

Samoan-born chef Monica, 42, landed a job as commis-chef at the two Michelin-starred Le Gavroche in 1999 and rose through the ranks to become senior sous-chef at Gavroche des Tropiques in Mauritius. In 2017, she opened her own restaurant, Mere in London, with her husband, David, who’s a sommelier. For the past nine years, Monica has co-judged MasterChef: The Professionals.

How do you have your tea?

I drink buckets of green tea. I have to keep my energy levels up because nobody likes a grumpy chef.

Who would you most like to have a cup of tea with?

My head chef Renee Miller. Sometimes we get so caught up with the restaurant that it’s rare we get to chill and catch up properly. She’s a great friend.

What new challenges are there in this tenth series of MasterChef: The Professionals?

There’s always a slight change. This year in the first skills test, when the chefs all have to prepare the same principal ingredient, we asked them to be creative with it, so there’s more for us to see of the chef.

You also opened your first restaurant this year, Mere in London, with your husband. How’s that been?

We wanted to open one 10 years ago but then we had our daughter [Anais, 11]. So I’ve come late to opening my own restaurant, but it’s been equally stressful and exciting, because I have my team and we’re doing great things.

How do you relax?

By walking my dog, Fynn, a boxer. It forces me out of the house and it’s a nice way to get some air and to calm things down for a bit.

You’ve changed your look over the years, and now have blonde hair. How did that come about?

I just turned 40 and it was at a time in life when I was coming to open my restaurant and I felt free. I went blonde when my husband and daughter were away – when they came back and I opened the door and my daughter almost burst into tears! Now she likes it.

Are you sick of the sight of food by the end of the day on MasterChef: The Professionals?

Yes, I don’t eat after filming: I’m too full. I have glass of red wine, intravenously!

MasterChef: The Professionals is on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at

8pm on BBC2