About Us

Anton B. Dougall – Bionote

Anton B. Dougall is a Maltese chef, writer, and television personality. He was born in Cospicua on the 8th of March, 1952.

EDUCATION
Anton received his primary and secondary education under the guidance of the Frères of De La Salle at De La Salle College, Cottonera. In 1968, he furthered his studies by enrolling in a three-year catering course at MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology), later known as the New University.

During his studies, Anton excelled in food preparation, practical cookery, hygiene, food commodities, and catering logistics. He was also credited with three vocational education qualifications from City & Guilds. Additionally, he obtained a certificate from Leeds Polytechnic, Faculty of Cultural and Educational Studies, Leisure, and Consumer Studies in a Diet Cookery course.

FURTHER TECHNICAL EDUCATION
After completing the full-time catering course, Anton attended part-time courses in Advanced Bakery and Confectionery at MCAST, as well as a course in Management of Human Resources organized by the University of Malta.

In 1991, Anton attended a diet cookery course at the Faculty of Cultural and Education Studies, Leisure, and Consumer Studies at the Catering College, Leeds Polytechnic in the United Kingdom.

AFFILIATIONS
Anton is affiliated with major food-related associations, including being an honorary member of Federazione Cuochi Italiani, Association Culinaire Française, Royal Society of Health, Hospital Caterers Association, and is a holder of a basic food hygiene certificate from the United Kingdom.

CAREER
In 1971, Anton began working as an assistant to the executive chef. A couple of years later, he was promoted to executive chef at The Villa Rosa Hotel in Malta. In 1978, Anton was promoted to general manager of the same hotel, a position he held until 1980, when he became the general manager of The Halland Hotel in Swieqi, Malta.

In 1981, Anton started his own business venture, which included publishing, contract catering, and owning restaurants and hotels. He served as chef-patron for several restaurants he owned and was the proud owner of a 230-bed capacity hotel in St. Julian’s, Malta.

KLABB TAT-TISJIR & PUBLICATIONS
In 1971, Anton founded the Klabb tat-Tisjir, the first and only cookery club in Malta, which continues to thrive today. Over 3,500 people have attended cooking courses organized by the Klabb. The club also maintains its own website at www.tisjir.com and two Facebook pages: Klabb Tat-Tisjir Ma’ Anton B. Dougall with more than 20,000 active followers and a recent page dedicated solely to Maltese food.

In 1971, Anton published his first cookbook, Tisjir Professjonali, which was an instant bestseller. He continued to publish cookbooks in Maltese, English, and German, along with a set of 350 cooking cards. This year, he is proudly publishing his 55th book, an in-depth book about Maltese food and history.

TV PERSONALITY
In 1971, Anton hosted his first cookery program, a series of 120 episodes, each 45 minutes long, on national television and radio. Throughout his career, Anton has promoted Maltese food in Europe and North Africa. After 50 years, he remains active as a guest on various weekly TV and radio talk shows.

CHEF PATRON
Anton served as chef-patron for state banquets during the presidencies of HE Anton Buttigieg and HE Agatha Barbara. He also organized a tea party for HRH Prince William and a display of Maltese food for HM The Queen and HRH Prince Philip.

Anton was in charge of banquets featuring Maltese food in London, Italy, and Algeria. In Malta, he was responsible for numerous banquets for former presidents of Algeria, Bulgaria, Greece, and the Republic of China.

Additionally, Anton organized various catering functions for the Office of the Prime Minister and currently serves as the main caterer for the Cabinet of Ministers’ office.

On 13 December 2023, Anton was awarded the Medal as a Member of the Republic by H.E. The President of Malta for his lifetime achievements.

In 2024, through his Ceserani Training Centre, Anton was approved as a service provider by the authorities to train and accredit individuals working in hospitality.

After 30 years of researching his family history dating back to 1590, Anton published a family history book.

Anton is married to Mariella and has four children and two granddaughters.