The Philly Five

Meet our chef champions and explore their exclusive recipes.

Education with Nicole Pisani

Vibrant recipes crafted by Nicole Pisani to inspire chefs in the education sector.

Nicole Pisani, Head Chef, Gayhurst School, Hackney

"Using Philly in dishes offers a depth of flavour and creamy texture that children love."

Nicole Pisani's Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Curry

Nicole Pisani's Chocolate, Philly and Avocado Pot

Nicole Pisani, Philadelphia Professional Education Ambassador

A name you may well be familiar with

Nicole Pisani has worked at Ottolenghi's restaurant NOPI and Anna Hansen's The Modern Pantry in London. Now Nicole is the co-founder and Executive Head Chef of the charity Chefs in Schools and is working on the food education programme in the soon-to-be built School of Food in Hackney. She has been working in school food with the LEAP since 2014 and is known for her authentic approach to cooking.

Read Nicole's Interview Q&A

Free Education Recipe Book

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It's time to get to know Philadelphia

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Nicole Pisani - Chef Q&A

What is it about the industry that you love the most?

It’s definitely the people that make this industry. Because of the hours and intensity of the work, most of the time your team ends up becoming your family.

Biggest inspiration in your career?

Diana Henry

Hidden talent?

Using scraps and leftovers to reduce food waste!

Dish you would cook for the rest of your brigade?

Rasam - a South Indian spiced soup full of fantastic flavours.

Greatest meal of your life?

I have two! Fäviken, Magnus Nilsson’s Swedish restaurant which closed at the end of 2019 and Perilla in London’s Stoke Newington

How does it feel to represent Philadelphia?

Exciting! It’s great to be a part of Philadelphia’s future

If I wasn’t a chef I would be…

A farmer

What is your favourite ingredient and why?

Right now it’s pumpkin. It’s such a simple and humble ingredient

What advice would you give to a young chef just starting out in the industry?

Be honest and curious every day