A Journey That Started with Wanderlust

Born on January 16, 1990, in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, to a British mother and Austrian father, I was raised with a deep belief: the world is vast, beautiful, and meant to be explored. By age 10, I’d visited 15 countries, each adventure sparking a love for new flavors, languages, and cultures that shaped my life.

My family’s passion for travel set the stage for a life of discovery, from bustling markets to quiet kitchens, each moment a lesson in food and connection.

My Culinary Journey in Numbers

40+ Countries Explored
25 Years of Travel
15+ Years in Hospitality
250+ Family-Tested Recipes

The Foundation: Learning Through Adventure

School was never my strong suit—I was polite but restless, believing I could chart my own path. At 15, my father sent me to Austria’s Alps for hospitality training. What started as reluctance turned into passion in those mountain kitchens, where I learned to blend discipline with creativity.

Surrounded by family hospitality pros, I mastered knife skills and pastry, setting the stage for a lifelong pursuit of global flavors.

India: Where Everything Changed

At 16, I roamed India from Himachal Pradesh’s heights to Mumbai’s vibrant streets. Every market was a masterclass in spices—saffron, cardamom, chili—igniting my culinary curiosity.

“The greatest adventures often begin with the words ‘I have no idea what I’m doing’—and that’s exactly where I found myself stepping off a plane in Mumbai with my best friend and a heart full of curiosity.”

— Oliver Mayerhoffer

Oman: Mastering the Craft

From 17 to 20, I honed luxury hospitality in Oman, balancing Middle Eastern spices and mastering Arabic coffee traditions. I learned hospitality is about caring—connecting people through food.

This experience, recognized by local media as “Best Expat Chef,” shaped my approach to crafting authentic, memorable dishes.

Thailand: Where Love and Purpose Converged

In Thailand, I met Natalia, a Siberian cultural navigator. We married in Russia and welcomed Victor in Thailand, blending our cultures into a family adventure fueled by food.

Together, we’ve crafted 250+ recipes, each tested with Victor to ensure they’re kid-friendly and full of global flavor.

Life’s Greatest Lessons

Losing my brother Daniel and my mother reshaped my perspective on life’s preciousness. I taught myself web development and SEO to build Mangoes & Palm Trees, honoring their memory through storytelling.

This platform is a tribute—a way to share authentic flavors and stories with families worldwide.

Mangoes and Palm Trees: Our Family’s Gift to Yours

What began as a family journal grew into a mission: to bring global flavors to your table. Every recipe is tested with Victor (8, turning 9 in November), ensuring they’re kitchen-ready for families.

From Thai curries to Omani spice blends, our dishes carry the stories of 50+ countries, adapted for real home cooks.

Our Family Food Philosophy

Food is the universal language of love. We adapt authentic methods for family life, testing every dish with Victor to ensure it’s delicious, fun, and approachable.

“The greatest adventures are born from life’s most challenging moments—it’s in those times of struggle that we discover our true purpose.”

— Oliver Mayerhoffer

Our Current Chapter

Now based in Vietnam, we’re diving into regional cuisines, from Yunnanese spices to French colonial dishes, crafting guides to make global cooking accessible for every family.

Our journey continues, with plans to explore East Africa and South America next, bringing new flavors to your table.

Ready to Explore Global Flavors?

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