Who is chef Dmytro 'Dimi' Penziev 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 Dmytro 'Dimi' Penziev, Sous Chef, London.

Twenty-nine-year-old Sous Chef Dimi was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine. Dimi trained at Chef’s Academy, a culinary school in Kyiv.

He spent a year working in Kyiv then two years in France. He then moved to the UK in 2021 and now works at modern Indian restaurant Kricket, which uses British ingredients.

He now lives in South East London with his wife Lisa.

Name

Dmytro 'Dimi' Penziev 

AGE

29

Where are you from/where do you live

London, originally from Ukraine.

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

After training, Dimi went on to work in Kyiv, firstly at Seafood Restaurant Odessa, he then worked under recognised Ukrainian chef, Yuriy Priemskiy at Vietnamese style restaurant, Spicy no Spice. In France, he worked at Chateau Le Sallay and now works at Kricket in London.

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

“I was inspired from the moment I started watching Ukrainian MasterChef when cooking at home. I’m always amazed by the growth of the chefs during the show and how they strive for perfection. I also love the white chef’s jacket and how it reflects the character of the kitchen as a workplace as well as the discipline that it requires.”

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

“My style is modern cuisine inspired by traditional Ukrainian flavours, along with spices and French techniques. I love bringing flavours of from where I grew up and combining them with everything I’ve learnt since working in London.”

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

“This year I feel that I've accumulated experience and skills to compete with the best on the series. My ambition is to win but I also want to improve my skills and grow as a person and as a chef. I’m eager to show the world that Ukraine has interesting cuisine and culture. I want to share our traditions and culinary heritage with the rest of the world.”

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“When I’m not working, I’m fond of extreme sports and love being in the water, so I like things like wakeboarding, snowboarding, surfing.”