Who is chef Enikő Fejér on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
With MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 now in full swing on BBC One, we find out more about Enikő Fejér, one of the chefs taking part in this year’s competition.
Originally from Környe, Hungary, Enikő now lives in Swaffham, Norfolk, with her husband, their son, their cat Oscar and dog Bella.
Age at start of filming
37
Job role
Private Chef
Chef background
“I’ve worked in hospitality since I was 17. My first experience was a three-month internship in Germany organised by my school, where I worked as a barmaid and waitress. My first chef role was as a chef de partie in my local restaurant while I was still in education.
“After finishing my studies, I moved to Budapest to work full-time as a chef. In 2010 I moved to the UK, which became one of the biggest milestones of my career.
“I worked at The Hind's Head in Bray, part of the Fat Duck Group and later at The Square under Philip Howard.
“In 2023 I set up my own private chef business, Chef to Home by Eniko Fejer where I now cook independently.
“In January 2025 I was named BBC Radio 2’s ‘Chef of the Week’ on the Sara Cox show.”
Who and what inspired you to become a chef?
“I was 11 years old when I decided I wanted to be a chef. I saw a TV programme about a high-end fine dining restaurant, and something just clicked.
“I knew that’s where I wanted to be — creating exceptional food in a fine dining environment — and I’ve been cooking ever since.”
How would you describe your style of cooking and any influences on it?
“My style is contemporary European with influences from my Hungarian and Eastern European heritage. I love combining traditional dishes and flavours from home with modern techniques and fresh seasonal produce.”
Three ingredients you can’t live without
“Flour, water, salt — the foundations of sourdough bread.”
What you eat when you get back from service
“A simple sandwich made with my homemade sourdough bread.”
Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?
“My private dining clients often compare my dishes to those they see on MasterChef, and although I’ve always had terrible stage fright, I felt ready for a new challenge.
“When I saw applications were open, something told me to give it a chance and see what might happen.”
Outside of cooking what are your passions?
“Sourdough bread making, long walks with my family and dog, gardening, and reading.”
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Who is chef Enikő Fejér on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
