International Women’s Day: Meet the chefs cooking up treats in Portugal’s catering industry
International Women’s Day: Women Chefs Redefining Portugal’s Culinary Landscape
This Sunday, March 8, marks International Women’s Day—a celebration of social, political, and economic strides made by generations of women who defied norms and reshaped traditions. Yet, the catering industry still holds onto outdated perceptions, where female chefs often face hurdles in proving their expertise. Euronews recently spotlighted four trailblazing women challenging these stereotypes and transforming the sector in Portugal and beyond.
Zélia Santos: Breaking Barriers at Reid’s Palace
Zélia Santos, head chef at Reid’s Palace’s Brisa do Mar, is a first in a 130-year history of the iconic Madeiran hotel. Hailing from the island, she honed her skills at the Madeira Hotel and Tourism School before joining Reid’s as a young professional. Her mastery of French and Mediterranean cuisines eventually earned her the opportunity to lead the restaurant, where she prioritizes local, seasonal ingredients. “Leading a Reid’s Palace kitchen is a blend of pride and responsibility,” she says. “As more women step into these roles, we pave the way for others to envision leadership as a realistic path.”
“The more women in these positions, the more doors we open for others to see leadership as an achievable goal,” Zélia reflects.
While progress is evident, Zélia acknowledges that the journey is ongoing. She highlights the importance of balanced teams, stating, “Mixing genders in the kitchen brings diverse perspectives and approaches, which enriches the culinary experience.”
Marlene Vieira: A Michelin-Starred Advocate for Equality
Marlene Vieira, a standout in Lisbon’s Time Out Market and the first woman to earn a Michelin Star in 2025, shares her insights on gender dynamics in the industry. “Women face unique challenges,” she explains, noting that biases persist in how the public and investors perceive female chefs. “Investors often favor male chefs, as their commercial appeal is more established. The public still leans toward seeing men in charge of kitchens, which influences funding decisions.”
“The most popular in Portugal are men,” Marlene adds, emphasizing the wage gap that continues to affect women in the sector.
Growing up in Maia, Porto, Marlene began her culinary journey at 12, working in an apprenticeship-like setting. By 16, she was studying at the Santa Maria da Feira Hotel School and by 18, had already gained experience in hotels across Portugal and abroad, including a stint at the Portuguese restaurant Alfama in Manhattan. Despite the progress, she stresses that the industry remains a work in progress: “There’s still a discrepancy in pay between men and women in similar roles.”
Eva Monteiro: Pioneering Pastries with a Literary Touch
Eva Monteiro, the pastry chef at Florbela Pâtisserie and Blind in Torel Palace Porto, believes the tide is turning. “More women are excelling in this field,” she notes, adding that the notion of male dominance in catering has diminished. “I’ve never felt discriminated against because of my gender. It can happen, but it’s not my experience.”
“Women are very well represented, and their presence is growing steadily in the catering sector,” Eva says.
Her path began with a degree in Interior Design before she shifted focus to Hotel Management at the Porto School of Hospitality and Tourism. After an apprenticeship at Hotel Teatro in Porto, she worked in various establishments before joining Torel Palace in 2019. The launch of Florbela Pâtisserie in 2023 offered her a fresh challenge: “I’m embracing French-inspired pastries while staying rooted in Portuguese traditions.”
These chefs exemplify resilience and innovation, proving that the catering industry is evolving. Their stories underscore a broader movement—where women are not just breaking glass ceilings but redefining what it means to lead in the kitchen.
