My name is Nikki Maria Magdalena, for now I’m based in Antwerp, Belgium. I cook for intimate events and transformative gatherings across Europe.

In 2019 I started cooking professionally and quickly fell in love with the creativity and intensity of the restaurant life. But after 7 years I began to question whether that environment truly reflected the way I wanted to cook and grow old.

So when I had the opportunity to cook for a holotropic breathwork retreat for 20 days in Spain I experienced a glimpse of my future. Being surrounded by nature and community, nurishment becomes such an important part of the experience. Preparing for the big journey, grounding after deep work, creating connection around the table. Caring and giving as my mother would do. I love getting to know the people I cook for, rather than checking a ticket.

I am inspired by different cuisines around the globe. From classic meat and fish dishes to plant-based menus, gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan dishes that feel abundant and naturally rich rather than restrictive.

I’m deeply curious about plants, physics and psychology. I’m inspired by Herbalism and how ingredients can influence energy, mood and work as a medicine. My mother, Maïté Matterne is Orthomolecular Gut Therapist at wealthybiome, she inspires my everyday so I love to infuse her knowledge into my recipes.