Who is chef Gail MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 contestant?

We find out more about the next batch of chefs set to take to our screens when MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 continues this week, next airing on Tuesday, November 5 at 9pm.

Introducing Gail (Geer Li), senior chef de partie at Dinings SW3 in London

Cheffing is a second career for Shanghai-raised Gail, who previously worked as a Mandarin teacher in China and Germany.

Name

Gail (Geer Li)

Age

35

Where are you from/where do you live?

Gail made the leap and enrolled in a culinary school in London in 2019. She currently lives in Wandsworth with her boyfriend Nico, who she met at culinary school and is also a professional chef.

Current and previous experience

Gail trained at Le Cordon Bleu in London in 2019. After graduating, she went on to work at the modern Japanese restaurant in Chelsea, Dinings SW3, where she is now senior chef de partie and training to be junior sous. She has participated in multiple food and wine pairing competitions and has won national trophies with her wine partner.

Who and what inspired you to become a chef?

“Ultimately, it was a passion for cooking and a desire to making people happy that led me to train as a chef. There’s a well-known saying in China - food is heaven to Chinese people. I grew up with my grandma's deep-fried fritters, my dad's noodles, my mum's steamed fish and rice, the smell of the street vendors' snacks, the neighbours' stir-fries, my uncle and aunts' wind-dried fish and my friends' hotpot. Growing up, I would happily spend a whole day in the kitchen experimenting and cooking dishes for my parents and friends. Food has always been a central part of my life.”

How would you describe your style of cooking and any influences on it?

“I grew up in Shanghai, and home cooking has a deep influence on my taste and style. Shanghai is also one of the most international cities in China, and the international environment had a deep influence on who I am and my cooking style. At Le Cordon Bleu, I was trained in classic French cuisine, and I love to apply those French techniques to my cooking. After graduating, I started my professional career in a Japanese fusion restaurant, where I learned traditional Japanese techniques and cooking methods. All these have influenced my way of cooking and formed a strong Asian fusion style to my food philosophy.”

Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?

“I am honoured to participate in MasterChef: The Professionals and have an to opportunity to get feedback from some of the most prestigious chefs in the UK. I also wanted to showcase the depth of Chinese food culture through my dishes. I hope the experience will shine a light on the way forwards for my career, connecting my culinary experience with my other skills and knowledge.”

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“When I’m not cooking I’m spending time with family, friends, pushing myself, and being hopeful.”