Speaker 2025

Romy Gill

Chef Romy Gill MBE is a prominent figure in the culinary world, known for her expertise in Indian cuisine, vibrant personality, and dedication to charitable causes. Based in the southwest of England, she has left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape.

As the former owner and head chef of Romy’s Kitchen, Romy garnered widespread acclaim for her innovative approach to Indian cooking. She was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours list in 2016. 

Romy's influence extends beyond the kitchen to television screens across the globe. She has appeared on numerous other TV programs and radio shows.

BBC One's Ready Steady Cook; Romy was part of two series with Rylan Clark 

BBC Celebrity Mastermind 

BBC Strictly It Takes Two

BBC Celebrity Pointless

BBC Celebrity Weakest Link

BBC Countryfile has appeared many times plus presented a strand for BBC Countryfile in four episodes.

BBC The One Show

Celebrity MasterChef has been a judge on chefs table few times, plus more.

BBC Morning Live has presented a strand and has appeared on numerous times. 

BBC Sunday Morning Live many times.

BBC The Hairy Bikers’ Comfort Food

BBC 2 Front Row with Mary Beard. 

ITV Saturday Morning, regular on James Martin. Plus, presented a strand and appeared with James Martin on Great British Adventure in Bristol.

For two years Romy was a regular on Channel 4's Packed Lunch 

Appeared to cook NBC’s The Today Show in America

Romy has also done an episode with NHK World called Asian Dreamers. And much more 

Romy has been a notable presence on radio as well, contributing to BBC Radio 4’s Food Programme as a presenter, guest and a judge, making appearances as a guest on BBC Pick of the week, BBC Loose Ends, BBC Good Read, BBC Great Lives, Woman’s Hour, Cerys Matthews, and Today Show and much more.

An accomplished food and travel writer, Romy has contributed to esteemed publications such as BBC Food, The Telegraph, The Sunday Times, The New York Times, Ocado Magazine, Saveur Magazine, Food & Wine, Food 52, CN Traveller, and many others. She frequently travels across the UK and internationally for guest chef residencies, food demonstrations, and conferences. 

Romy was a speaker at the Mad Symposium in Copenhagen in 2018 and part of the Northcote Obsession Series in 2019. She was invited to Food on the Edge in 2019 and cooked at the prestigious James Beard Foundation in New York in 2020. Romy Gill was also part of the Ted talk for Sunbeam College for Women in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh- Power of Choice. Her culinary adventures take her around the world, sharing her passion for Indian cuisine.

In 2019, Romy released her debut cookbook, Zaika – Vegan Recipes from India, which received widespread acclaim for its inventive plant-based dishes. Her second book, On The Himalayan Trail, further showcases her culinary expertise and adventurous spirit. Romy's new book Romy Gill India – Recipes from Home with Hardie Grant which is out now and promises to delight readers with her signature blend of flavours and storytelling.

Romy’s dedication to philanthropy is evident through her efforts to raise funds for various charitable causes via her culinary endeavours. To date, she has raised over £200,000, making a significant impact on communities in need. Romy received the 2023 ICAP Culinary Award for her book On The Himalayan Trail during a ceremony in New York. Recently, Romy was featured in the Living Legends Portraits exhibition at Blenheim Palace. This is only some of her achievements, Romy keeps on pioneering in the world of hospitality and media.

This speakers events: 

Friday 16th may 2025

This speaker has no events on Friday

Saturday 17th may 2025

This speaker Has no events on Saturday

Sunday 18th may 2025

This speaker Has no events on Sunday
Back to Ballymaloe Food Festival

Speakers 2025

Speakers confirmed for 2025 - more to follow check back soon!

Exhibitors Mayfair 2023

May 12th, 13th and 14th 2023

Friday 5pm to 10pm - Saturday 10am to 10pm - Sunday 10am to 5pm.

To receive an invite to apply for a stall please contact Bree@ballymaloe.com

2023
Exhibitors

2025 Festival Partners