International Women’s Day: Meet the chefs cooking up treats in Portugal’s catering industry

International Women’s Day: Meet the chefs cooking up treats in Portugal’s catering industry

March 8th is International Women’s Day, a time to commemorate the progress made by women across social, political, and economic domains. Yet, in the world of catering, gender barriers persist. For centuries, cooking has been associated with women’s roles in domestic settings, though leadership in the culinary arts has often been seen as a male domain. Euronews spoke with four trailblazing women reshaping Portugal’s food scene, challenging stereotypes and redefining success in the industry.

Zélia Santos: A pioneer at Reid’s Palace

Zélia Santos, the chef at Reid’s Palace’s Brisa do Mar restaurant, became the first woman to lead such a role in over 130 years. Raised on Madeira, she studied hotel and tourism at Reid’s Palace’s own school before starting her career there. Her expertise in French and Mediterranean dishes earned her the chance to helm the Brisa do Mar kitchen, where she emphasizes local, seasonal ingredients.

“Being the first woman to head a Reid’s Palace restaurant is both a personal and professional triumph. It requires transformation and responsibility, and I’m deeply proud—especially knowing that more women in these roles help others see leadership as attainable,” she says.

Marlene Vieira: Breaking barriers in Lisbon

Marlene Vieira, a chef at Time Out Market in Lisbon and a 2025 Michelin Star recipient, highlights the ongoing journey for gender equality. While the number of women in the field has grown, she notes that men still dominate top positions. “The public often prefers to see men in charge of kitchens, and investors follow suit,” she explains. “But things are changing.”

“Now, it’s easier to secure funding for a male chef than a woman. A male chef is seen as more commercially viable. Yet, the conditions are improving, and the industry is no longer strictly a man’s world,” she adds.

Marlene, born in Maia, Porto, began cooking at 12, learning through an informal apprenticeship. At 16, she enrolled in Santa Maria da Feira Hotel School, later working in hotels across Portugal and the U.S., including the Portuguese restaurant Alfama in Manhattan. Her participation in the Chef of the Year competition in 2009 underscored the challenges faced by women in the field.

Eva Monteiro: Embracing innovation at Torel Palace Porto

Eva Monteiro, the pastry chef at Florbela Pâtisserie and Blind in Torel Palace Porto, observes a growing presence of women in catering. She credits this shift to breaking down outdated assumptions. “I’ve never felt discrimination because of my gender,” she says. “Women are well-represented, and their role in the sector is expanding.”

Initially studying Interior Design, Eva shifted to Hotel Management at Porto’s School of Hospitality and Tourism. After an apprenticeship at Hotel Teatro, she worked in various hospitality settings before joining Torel Palace Porto in 2019. The opening of Florbela Pâtisserie in 2023 inspired her to explore French-inspired pastries, though she remains committed to adding Portuguese flair to her creations.

Advancing the culinary narrative

These women exemplify a broader movement toward gender equity in Portugal’s catering industry. While challenges remain—such as the wage gap and lingering biases—progress is evident. As Marlene Vieira notes, “Women overcome obstacles that differ from those of men, and their resilience is key to reshaping the industry.” Their stories reflect a future where leadership and creativity are no longer confined by gender, but defined by talent and dedication.