Who is chef Dairo Lopez MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 contestant?

Here is a closer look at the contestants taking to our screens on MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 on Tuesday, November 12 at 9pm.

Introducing Dairo Lopez, who works as a chef for Compass Group.

Colombian chef Dairo worked at Selfridges before setting up his own private event catering company.

NAME

Dairo Lopez

AGE

40

WHERE ARE YOU FROM/WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

Dairo grew up in rural Colombia in a large family. He trained as a PE teacher, but after moving to the UK in 2009, he took the leap and followed his passion for food, beginning his career as a chef. He now lives in Wimbledon Park, south west London, with his wife and two children.

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Dairo completed his NVQ Level 3 at Westminster Kingsway College. He then went on to work as a chef in Selfridges for four years before moving to catering company Baxter Story where he worked his way up to sous chef. In 2022 he went to work for Compass Group as well as continuing to run his own private event catering on the side.

WHO AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A CHEF?

“My mother has been a significant source of inspiration for me, demonstrating the importance of hard work, determination and passion in pursuing one's goals. Her love for cooking and the joy she finds in the kitchen have clearly made a lasting impression on me. I found it really highlighted the power of food and how it can bring happiness and create meaningful connections. The memories of my mother's delicious meals and the positive feedback she received from my older brother have clearly influenced my own aspirations to becoming a chef.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF COOKING AND ANY INFLUENCES ON IT?

“Where I’m from in Colombia, the food is very heavily influenced by the Caribbean with plenty of plantain, root vegetables like cassava and fish. This has had a big influence on my own cooking style.”

WHY DID YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS?

“I have always wanted to compete in MasterChef. My goal is not just to showcase my culinary abilities, but also to represent who I am and where I come from. I want to shine a spotlight on my heritage, to show the world the richness of Colombian cuisine. I also hope to open doors for aspiring chefs in Colombia, proving that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.”

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“I love football and coach a little league at the weekends near where I live. Any time off I have is spent with my family. My children are everything to me and I can’t wait until they say, ‘Daddy is that you on MasterChef?!’”