We bring the warmth of Spain
to your celebrations

Maria’s Paella started in Wagga Wagga in 2020.

I grew up in a family where cooking happened every single day, but Sundays were different: that was the day we’d gather together, spend the whole afternoon at the table, talk, laugh, and truly enjoy good food. That rhythm of cooking and connecting never left me, and I went on to study cooking formally in Chile.

When I arrived in Australia, I noticed something was missing in the Riverina region: food that came with real hospitality and a sense of occasion, not just something quick and forgettable. That gap is what led me to start Maria’s Paella; bringing live-fire Spanish and Latin cooking straight to people’s events, turning a simple meal into a full experience. Guests don’t just eat; they gather around the pan, watch the paella come to life, and become part of the show.

What this business has given me goes far beyond food. As a single mother, catering has given me the freedom to build my life around my kids – school drop-offs, pick-ups, after-school sport, and still find time for my own sport and to travel with them. Most of the work happens on weekends, which means my weekdays are free for what matters most. I’m deeply grateful for the community that has grown around Maria’s Paella, and for every family and business that chooses to welcome me into their celebrations.

But if I had to choose the one thing I love most about this work, it’s the human connection. Every event brings new people, new stories, and new communities into my life. And every time I watch guests gather around the paella pan, sharing that same warmth and togetherness I grew up with on Sunday afternoons; that’s when I know exactly why I do this.