Gathering

This book is a vibrant culinary journey inspired by Monica’s roots in the Pacific Islands and her adventures across the globe – from the sun-soaked archipelagos of Italy to the bustling kitchens of South China and the spice-laden waters of the Java Seas.

Drawing on her rich Polynesian heritage, Monica reimagines traditional island flavours with a contemporary twist, creating recipes that are as innovative as they are soulful. Each dish tells a story of place, culture and connection, bringing together tropical ingredients, global influences, and modern techniques.

More than just a cookbook, it is an invitation to explore a fresh way of cooking at home – colourful, bold and deeply rooted in tradition, yet alive with new ideas. With Monica as your guide, you’ll discover how to bring the warmth, generosity and creativity of island-inspired cooking into your own kitchen, wherever you are in the world.

About the author

Monica Galetti was born in Samoa, but at the age of eight, moved to Wellington, New Zealand, and lived there with her parents and five siblings.In 1999 Monica moved to London to work at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Le Gavroche and worked rapidly through the sections of the kitchen to became senior sous-chef. She was the first woman to hold such a senior position at the restaurant. She was a judge on the BBC series MasterChef: The Professionals from 2009 to 2021 and has appeared as a presenter on other food-related television programmes.