ChefMaison Brings Its Private Dining Revolution to Portugal
What began as a survival strategy during the lockdown has evolved into one of Europe’s most exciting culinary platforms. ChefMaison, a Dutch-born service that connects private chefs with diners, is transforming the way people experience food — not at restaurants, but at home.
Launched at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, ChefMaison was created to help chefs keep working when restaurants across Europe were shuttered. But what started as a temporary solution has blossomed into a movement — one that empowers chefs and reimagines the fine dining experience for the post-pandemic world.
Today, ChefMaison operates across multiple countries, linking thousands of chefs — from Michelin-level veterans to rising stars — with clients seeking unique, tailored, in-home dining experiences.
A New Stage for Chefs
In early 2020, kitchens went quiet and chefs faced widespread job loss. But ChefMaison offered them a new opportunity: to bring their craft directly into people’s homes.
No longer bound by set menus or restaurant hours, chefs could design custom meals for intimate gatherings — from milestone celebrations to low-key date nights. The idea resonated. In a world craving both safety and connection, private dining at home struck the perfect balance.
For chefs, it was a chance to earn independently and connect more personally with guests. For diners, it meant elevated food in a familiar setting — with none of the noise or formality of restaurants.
What Sets ChefMaison Apart
While the private chef concept isn’t entirely new, ChefMaison modernized it. The platform eliminates agencies and middlemen, allowing diners to connect directly with chefs, co-design menus, and personalize every detail of the experience.
Whether it’s a five-course tasting menu, a cozy Italian feast, or a plant-based brunch, there’s no one-size-fits-all offering. Every meal is a collaboration.
And it’s easy — diners browse available chefs, read reviews, explore sample menus, and book directly through the platform.
ChefMaison Expands to Portugal: A Culinary Match Made in Heaven
From its beginnings in the Netherlands, ChefMaison has rapidly grown into a European network where hundreds of private dining experiences unfold each day. And one of its most exciting new chapters is unfolding in Portugal.
In a country celebrated for its rich food traditions and bold regional flavors, ChefMaison sees tremendous opportunity — not just for guests, but for chefs. The platform is now partnering with a growing number of Portuguese culinary professionals, helping them bring their passion to both locals and international visitors.
“Our goal is to support talented Portuguese chefs and help them gain visibility with a global audience — without intermediaries or agencies,” says Casper Engelkens, the founder of ChefMaison.
Whether it’s a seaside seafood feast in the Algarve or a modern twist on Lisbon’s classics, ChefMaison believes Portugal offers the ideal setting for unforgettable, chef-led dining experiences at home.
It’s not just an expansion — it’s a celebration of Portuguese culinary identity, delivered one personalized dinner at a time.
Beyond Catering: A Movement Toward Meaningful Dining
ChefMaison isn’t about outsourcing dinner. It’s about bringing culinary creativity into the home in a way that feels immersive, personal, and entirely new.
As the definition of “dining out” continues to evolve, ChefMaison proves that you don’t need to leave your house to have a world-class meal. Sometimes, the most memorable dishes are served at your own table — with a chef who’s there just for you.
In a time when food is as much about experience as it is about flavor, ChefMaison is leading a quiet revolution — one home kitchen at a time.
To learn more about ChefMaison’s offering in Portugal, check out their private chefs page.
