Who is chef Philippe Sonou MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 semi-finalist?

Ahead of MasterChef: The Professionals 2023, which airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Monday 23 October, we find out more about the chefs taking part.

Introducing Philippe Sonou, Private Chef, London.

Thirty-three-year-old Philippe was born and brought up in Paris.

Philippe worked in both Michelin-starred and local bistro style restaurants in his home city before moving to London in 2021 to expand his culinary journey.

Name

Philippe Sonou

AGE

33

Where are you from/where do you live

London, originally from Paris, France.

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Philippe trained at Médéric, Ecole Hôtelière de Paris. He worked in many restaurants across Paris including the Michelin star kitchen of Thierry Marx at Restaurant Camelia in The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, then at Moncoeur Belleville. He moved to London in 2021, where he now works as a private chef.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO COOKING AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?

“As a young child, I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my mother, tasting ingredients and spices at each stage of my mum’s recipe. I was always eager to taste what she was cooking and was constantly asking questions about the flavours and ingredients. My mother was born in Benin and went to France when she was only 20-years-old. She instilled in me a love for both French and African cuisine, so I knew from a very young age that I wanted to become a chef.”

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

“I am passionate about creating new dishes, experimenting with new flavours and combinations, and exploring the endless possibilities of African, French and international cuisine.”

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

“I wanted to compete in MasterChef: The Professionals to show my talents to the UK. I believe I have a simplicity and purity in my cooking technique that will be beneficial to my competition. I think I can do well. I certainly hope so!”

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“I haven’t been in London for very long, so there are a lot of places to see. I like exploring them with my friends. I believe in Jesus, and I like going to church and experiencing faith with my friends and community. My friend, who I live with, used to be a triathlete, so we train a lot together as well. It’s not so easy to train with him though!”