Biography
Born in Stirling, Scotland, 32-year-old Theodore Chana has been in a kitchen from an early age. Born and raised in a family of renowned artists, Janet Pavey and Sonny Chana, Theodore’s inspiration to cook delicious, textured, vibrant, and sustainable cuisine comes from his parents. Learning from his mother’s innovative home cooking/baking, using only fresh ingredients and his father’s passion for growing his own produce through his chilli company.
Theodore Chana has since been inspired to create dishes that strive for taste, texture, colour and sustainability within the local area. Using Scotland as his base, it is a home to some of the best produce in the world.
Theodore’s worldwide culinary experience goes back 20 years. Theodore began his career at 3AA Rosette restaurant Cromlix House Hotel near Dunblane, where he spent five years mastering his craft. He further had the opportunity to build on his culinary skills in renowned restaurants across the country, such as two Michelin Starred Gidleigh Park Hotel with Michael Caines and Kinloch House Hotel with Steven McCallum.
Theodore has also spent time in the kitchens of The Fat Duck by Heston Blumenthal in Bray and at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder. Theodore has recently joined The Craft Guild Of Chefs as a member which he is to be a part of.
Theodore has also travelled further afield to experience different culture and food heritage. Experienced cooking street food in Thailand, learning local techniques from Northern and Southern Thailand. Also, travelling around India for three months cooking and eating in areas where his family originates from. Theodore spent four years in Australia, working in some of the worlds best restaurants, including working on an organic farm. This has made him appreciate food and the amount of work that goes into farming.
Theodore has created a bespoke catering business, Theodore Chana – Private Chef, working alongside celebrities, high profile clients and Hollywood actors. He has worked with Louis Vuitton and some of the world’s highest ranked national Michelin Star chefs. Most recently, Theodore has been all over the United Kingdom cooking at various events, featuring in cooking demonstrations with his father, Sonny Chana Artist at the Great British Food Festival, held at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. He also cooked at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, cooking for the late Queen and her family at The Royal Garden Party.
Theodore was brought to the medias attention in 2016 when he was a contestant in BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals. Since then, Theodore has worked with numerous television providers such as Amazon, Channel 4, Netflix and ITV. In 2020, he featured on The Great British Bake Off as the first contestant from Scotland in three years, where he sculpted a chocolate showpiece which was over fifty inches in height! Theodore is to be involved with The Scottish Baking Awards, where he is a judge for Scotland, working closely with Melanie Andrews MBE and Shona Sutherland to recognise the best of Scotland’s talent.
Theodore is constantly enhancing his knowledge and talents and honing skills that will prove indispensable throughout his career. Exciting times lie ahead for Theodore, who is forever striving for the next step in his exciting career as an established MasterChef.
Skills
BAKING, COOKING, DRIVING, CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING, SWIMMING, TENNIS, HORSE RIDING.