Family traditions, Spanish heritage and the journey behind Elena’s Paella
The secret ingredient is sharing the meal
Paella has never just been about a meal, it is a reason for family and friends to gather around the table.
From Spain, with love, to Melbourne
I was born in Madrid, Spain, where my family's roots stretch back through many generations.
I was raised by my abuela (grandmother), who taught me the art of making our family's traditional paella. It was a treasured recipe passed down from her mother, and from the generations before her, along with the belief that the best meals are those shared with the people you love.
I watched abuela toast rice in olive oil, bloom saffron in warm broth, and coax a golden socarrat from the bottom of the pan. That patience and care is still how every paella is cooked today — slowly, outdoors, over real flame.
Abuela taught me that the secret ingredient is always sharing the meal with the people you love. Long before it was a business, paella was simply how my family gathered, one pan, one flame, and everyone at the table.
In 1985, after meeting my husband, Joe, I made Australia my home.
Today, I'm honoured to continue my family's tradition by sharing authentic Spanish paella with families and friends across Melbourne.
Abuela’s Inspiration
Every recipe traces back to family kitchens in Spain, adapted with care for Melbourne tables.
Family Traditions
We cook the way families cook — generous portions, shared plates, and no one leaving hungry.
Bringing People Together
Paella has always been a gathering dish. We bring that spirit to every event we cater.
Taste the story for yourself
Explore our menu or start planning your celebration with Elena’s team.