Nisha Katona, born on October 23, 1971, in Ormskirk, Lancashire, England, is a British restaurateur, television personality, and former barrister. She is best known as the founder of Mowgli Street Food restaurants and the Mowgli Trust charity. Before venturing into the culinary world, Katona had a 20-year career as a child protection barrister.
Early Life and Education
Katona grew up in Skelmersdale, Lancashire. She attended Scarisbrick Hall School and later pursued a law degree at Liverpool John Moores University, where she met her future husband, Zoltán Katona. She qualified as a barrister at the Inns of Court School of Law in 1996 and became a member of Lincoln’s Inn.
Personal Life and Family
Nisha Katona is married to Zoltán Katona, whom she met during her time at Liverpool John Moores University.
Together, they have two children. Despite her public persona, Katona maintains a level of privacy regarding her family life, occasionally sharing glimpses into her personal experiences and the support she receives from her family in her professional endeavors.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nisha Katona |
| Date of Birth | October 23, 1971 |
| Place of Birth | Ormskirk, Lancashire, England |
| Parents’ Names | Not publicly disclosed |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Spouse | Zoltán Katona |
| Children | 2 |
| Profession | Restaurateur, Television Personality, Former Barrister |
| Notable Achievements | Founder of Mowgli Street Food, Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University, MBE recipient |
| Net Worth (as of 2025) | Estimated at £15 million |
Career
For two decades, Katona worked full-time as a child protection barrister on the Northern Circuit. In 2008, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport appointed her as a trustee of National Museums Liverpool. The following year, she was named Ambassador for Diversity in Public Appointments by the Cabinet Office.
Despite her successful legal career, Katona’s passion for Indian cuisine led her to establish Mowgli Street Food restaurants in the UK. She also founded and chairs the Mowgli Trust, which donates over £500,000 to local and global charities annually.
Katona is a regular face on television, appearing on networks such as the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, and The Food Network. Her appearances include shows like “Lorraine,” “Sunday Brunch,” “Secret Chef,” “My Kitchen Rules,” and her own Indian food travelogue for the BBC, “Recipes That Made Me.” In 2021, she presented a 10-part culinary travel series titled “A Taste of Italy” on Channel 4 and More 4. She also served as a judge on ITV’s “Cooking with the Stars” and was a member of the judging panel on BBC Two’s “Great British Menu” from 2021 to 2024.
In recognition of her contributions to the food industry, Katona was awarded an MBE in 2019. On January 1, 2022, she became the Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University, making her the first alumna to hold this position.
Career Overview Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Career | Worked as a child protection barrister for 20 years on the Northern Circuit. |
| Public Service | Trustee of National Museums Liverpool (2008), Ambassador for Diversity in Public Appointments (2009). |
| Restaurant Business | Founded Mowgli Street Food in 2014, now a successful chain of restaurants across the UK. |
| Charity Work | Established The Mowgli Trust, which donates over £500,000 annually to charities. |
| Television Career | Regular appearances on BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and The Food Network. Shows include: Great British Menu, Cooking with the Stars, Sunday Brunch, My Kitchen Rules, Recipes That Made Me. |
| Authorship | Wrote cookbooks including Pimp My Rice, The Spice Tree, The 30-Minute Mowgli, Meat-Free Mowgli, Bold. |
| University Leadership | Became Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University in 2022. |
| Awards & Honors | Awarded MBE (2019) for contributions to the food industry. |
Latest News
As of February 9, 2025, Nisha Katona has transitioned from her role as a judge on BBC’s “Great British Menu” after three successful seasons. She is now focusing on her new ITV cooking series, “Nisha Katona’s Home Kitchen,” set to premiere in spring 2025. This show will offer viewers an intimate look into her culinary world, featuring some of her favorite recipes prepared in her home near the Wirral.
Height and Physical Appearance
Specific details about Nisha Katona’s height and physical appearance are not publicly disclosed. However, she is often described as having a charismatic presence, with a warm and engaging demeanor that resonates with her audience.
Social Media Accounts Table
| Platform | Official Link |
|---|---|
| https://www.instagram.com/nishakatona/ | |
| https://twitter.com/NishaKatona | |
| https://www.facebook.com/NishaKatona | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/in/nisha-katona-8b0b3b1a/ |
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Nisha Katona’s net worth is estimated to be around £15 million. This wealth primarily stems from her successful chain of Mowgli Street Food restaurants, her television appearances, and her
FAQS
What is Nisha Katona famous for?
Nisha Katona is famous for being the founder of Mowgli Street Food, a popular UK-based restaurant chain, as well as a television personality, cookbook author, and former barrister.
2. Has Nisha Katona sold Mowgli?
No, as of 2025, Nisha Katona has not sold Mowgli. She remains actively involved in the business and its expansion.
3. Who owns Mowgli restaurant chain?
Mowgli Street Food is owned by Nisha Katona, who founded it in 2014. The business has grown under her leadership, with multiple locations across the UK.
4. How do I contact Nisha Katona?
You can contact Nisha Katona through her official social media accounts or via her business website for professional inquiries.
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