Magdalina Stamova.
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I come from Plovdiv, a charming place in Bulgaria with an old town full of character. When I was about 40, I moved to the UK because Bulgaria had few jobs and little money. My first job in the UK was as a kitchen porter in Tonbridge, Kent. It was quite a change from my managerial role back home in a food production company. I used to oversee a big team and organize everything down to the smallest detail in a nationwide organization that makes sausages, salami, and other charcuterie products.
Then, I moved to London seven years ago and started working as a prep chef at Parlour in Kensal Green. I begin my day in the kitchen at 8 am, baking soda bread, and finish by 4 pm. Usually, my daughter comes to pick me up from work after collecting my grandson from school. We get to spend long afternoons together as a family. It’s much better than cleaning the plancha at 10 pm after a 13-hour shift. That’s why I love to be a prep cook as I have time in the afternoon for my loved one’s.
I enjoy preparing Chicken Kyivs each week.. However, making hash browns can be messy and is not my favorite task. Regarding the industry, I believe there should be more women in the kitchen. There are only four women at Parlour, including myself, but we need to have more representation. My dreams for the future are pretty simple; all I hope for is good health and happiness.
What is your favorite street food?
I’m a vegan now and mostly eat at home!
Which restaurant or food stand do you recommend? (Different from yours) (Add its Instagram handle if possible)
Somewhere back home in Plovdiv! Bulgarian food and Bulgarian music. It’s called Sunny Beach
What is your guilty pleasure?
I eat salad twice a day! I don’t do guilty pleasure. Two apples is the closest I get.
