Samoan Culinary Maestro Monica Galetti is coming Home

Apia, Samoa – 13 January 2025 – Monica Galetti, the renowned female chef and television personality, will be visiting Samoa from January 26 to February 8 as the esteemed Ambassador for Samoa Tourism Authority.

Born in Samoa and raised in New Zealand, Galetti’s deep-rooted passion for food, influenced by her Samoan heritage, has propelled her to a distinguished career on the global culinary stage.

After earning her Diploma in Hospitality from the Central Institute of Technology New Zealand, Galetti swiftly immersed herself in the culinary world, competing in prestigious cooking competitions across Australia, the United States, and Europe. Her move to London in the late 1990s marked a significant turning point in her career.

She moved to London and worked at Le Gavroche restaurant where she began as a first commis and rapidly ascended to the role of sous chef, becoming the first woman to hold such a prominent position at this storied restaurant.

In 2005, she took on the role of head chef at Le Gavroche Tropiques in Mauritius, where she excelled for over a decade before departing in 2015. In 2017, Galetti opened her own restaurant, Mere, named after her mother in London in collaboration with her husband, David Galetti.

As a master chef, successful restaurateur, and the author of two acclaimed cookbooks—Monica’s Kitchen and The Skills—Galetti has made significant contributions to the culinary arts. She is also a respected television presenter and judge on BBC2’s prestigious cooking show, MasterChef: The Professionals.

Furthermore, Galetti has co-hosted 6 series of the BBC2 documentary television series since 2017, Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby, showcasing her expertise and engaging personality in the culinary field.

Galetti’s visit is regarded as a transformative opportunity for the tourism sector, significantly enhancing Samoa’s visibility in the UK, Europe, and beyond. Toleafoa Pativaine Petaia-Tevita, CEO of the Samoa Tourism Authority, welcomed Galetti, emphasizing her potential to elevate Samoa’s profile on the global stage.

“We are excited to welcome Galetti—both an ambassador for the Samoa Tourism Authority and a daughter of Samoa who has garnered international acclaim. Her visit will undoubtedly bolster Samoa’s worldwide visibility, and we look forward to attracting more visitors to our islands,” Petaia-Tevita.