Who is chef Cristina Maia MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 contestant?

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 Cristina Maia, Group Head Chef at Camm & Hooper, London.

Cristina grew up in Recife in North-Eastern Brazil. In Brazil, she worked as an accountant, but 20 years ago, she made the move over to the UK and retrained as a chef.

She now lives with her Cristina in South-East London.

Name

Cristina Maia

AGE

51

Where are you from/where do you live

Bromley, originally from Recife, Brazil

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Cristina trained at Leith’s School of Food and Wine and Westminster Kingsway College. She has worked at different event catering companies including Rocket and Spook and now works for Camm & Hopper as a Group Head Chef.

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

“Food was always part of family life and celebrations growing up in Brazil. My mum was a great cook and I’d always see her preparing meals in the kitchen for everyone until the early hours. I’ve always been fascinated with cooking and food, but it was when I moved to London that I realised I could change career, develop my interest, and grow my love.”

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

“Growing up in Brazil and having a Portuguese grandfather have had a big influence on my cooking. I am classically trained too so that also plays a part. I think my food is fairly traditional with some Mediterranean and South American influences, inspired by my childhood and the flavours I grew up with.”

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

“My wife was the one who pushed me to apply for MasterChef: The Professionals. She really believes in me and always tells me I’m good enough. I also think I have something different to bring to the competition, like different flavours.”

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“My wife is an artist and loves food, so I like to develop new dishes at home, which she takes beautiful photos of. We also like going out to try new restaurants, food market flavours and I love an English pub too. We also love to travel a lot. My sisters have moved to Portugal, so visiting family is also important and much closer than Brazil.”