I create unforgettable at-home dining experiences by blending New Zealand seasonal produce with Filipino and Southeast Asian flair—tailored to you.

Quiel Mallari

I blend East and West to create relaxed, story-driven dining that feels personal and memorable.

With over ten years of experience, I started my training in Manila and I continue honing my craft here in New Zealand. My cooking brings together the best of East and West—blending flavours, techniques, and traditions—so every dish feels both familiar and exciting, with a special focus on Filipino and Southeast Asian influences.

I love creating food that’s fun, expressive, and full of stories. I keep the atmosphere relaxed while delivering something truly memorable on the table, and my main goal is always to nourish and satisfy so every dining experience feels special.

Let’s plan your meal

Cooking is my way of nourishing others and crafting unforgettable dining experiences that bring people together and hopefully bring a smile to my guest.

What you can expect when you dine with me

I cook to nourish and connect

Cooking is my way of nourishing others and crafting unforgettable dining experiences that bring people together, with each course designed to feel welcoming, intentional, and joy-filled.

My journey is built on curiosity and craft

Curiosity led me to cooking. I trained in Manila, worked overseas, and I continue refining my skills here in New Zealand—bringing everything I’ve learned into food that’s both expressive and well-balanced.

My philosophy: let the ingredients shine

I let ingredients shine, I take the time to understand each guest’s needs, and I create personalised, memorable dining experiences that feel effortless and thoughtful.

Quiel’s Menus

I offer curated, multi-course menus designed around seasonal ingredients, international inspiration, and Filipino hospitality. I focus on balance, flavour, and flow—so your meal feels relaxed, generous, and truly memorable.

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Stories and testimonials

We had the absolute pleasure of hiring Chef Quiel as a private chef during a family trip to Queenstown for my dad’s 60th, and it was a standout experience from start to finish. He curated an incredible menu that felt thoughtful and perfectly suited to the occasion, and the sheer amount of food was so generous. Every dish was of exceptional quality, beautifully prepared, and genuinely delicious. It made the celebration feel really special and effortless. Couldn’t recommend him more highly.

Michael Adams

Chef Q, thank you for an unforgettable evening. You and Marie created something truly special for us, an experience we’ll be talking about for years to come. We would go as far as saying it was the best meal we’ve ever had in our lives! Every dish was perfect in its own way. Familiar favourites elevated with incredible care, balance, and flavour. From the risotto and arancini balls to the bruschetta and chimichurri, everything felt close to home yet executed at such a high level. Even the oysters, which we would normally never eat raw, were a delightful surprise and a real highlight of the evening. With seven beautifully prepared dishes, each thoughtfully portioned, we were left completely full and more than satisfied. It was clear how much attention and passion went into every element of the meal. This dinner meant even more to us as it was a celebration of our marriage, and you both made it an extra special night we’ll always cherish. We truly hope to return and do it all again for a future anniversary. Thank you again for such an incredible experience, Nick & Vic ????

Victoria

ChefQ did a fantastic job for our private dinner at home. It was a special occasion for our family and not only did he recognise that, he delivered a fabulous experience. It was a wonderful evening for us and he did an excellent job of bringing both great food and non-intrusive service. Thoroughly recommend ChefQ

James Mahoney

We had Chef Q come to a house we rented and make dinner for 6 of us. 5 stars is not enough! Q was amazing!! From creating the menu all the way thru to the clean up, Q was a pleasure to work with. But what stands out the most is the quality and flavor of the food he created.

Kristie Carsten-Hensley

Outstanding Experience! We had the absolute pleasure of hiring Quiel and his team for Greg’s epic birthday celebration in New Zealand, and it truly made the night unforgettable. From the very first dish (oysters) to the final course, every plate was a masterpiece—beautifully presented, perfectly balanced, and bursting with flavor. The professionalism and passion his team brought into our home was second to none. Not only was the food exceptional, but the warmth, attention to detail, and seamless service created such a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere for all of us. Guests are still raving about the menu and how special the evening felt. Quiel turned a milestone birthday into an extraordinary culinary experience that we’ll be talking about for years. If you’re considering hiring a private chef in NZ, don’t hesitate—this is five-star dining at its finest, right in the comfort of your own space.

Elle F

Chef Quiel was fantastic. All the food was delicious, especially the Pork Hock and oysters! He was friendly, and incredibly accommodating. He made it a truly memorable start to our holiday in Queenstown.

Tim