Australian celebrity chef Manu Feildel has continued sharing his love of cooking with wife Clarissa Weerasena, who has developed her own television career alongside the longtime My Kitchen Rules judge. In a recent interview, Clarissa discussed how the couple learned to work together in the kitchen after years of disagreements over cooking techniques, offering a glimpse into their marriage and family life.
Manu Feildel’s wife, Clarissa Weerasena, is a Malaysian-born jewellery designer, former marketing professional and passionate home cook. The couple met in Sydney in 2011, became engaged in 2013 and married in January 2018. They share a daughter, Charlee, while Manu also has an older son, Jonti, from a previous relationship.
NEED TO KNOW
- Manu Feildel married Clarissa Weerasena in January 2018 after approximately seven years together.
- Clarissa has Malaysian and Sri Lankan heritage and has worked in jewellery design, marketing and television cooking.
- The couple have a daughter, Charlee, and Manu has a son, Jonti, from his previous relationship with Veronica Morshead.
Their relationship has developed around a shared appreciation for food, family traditions and cooking, although Clarissa has established her own identity beyond being married to a celebrity chef.
Who is Manu Feildel’s wife, Clarissa Weerasena?
Clarissa Weerasena is a Malaysian-born Australian television personality, jewellery designer and home cook. She has Malaysian and Sri Lankan family roots and grew up surrounded by traditional Asian cooking.
At 18, Clarissa moved from Malaysia to Western Australia to continue her education. Living away from her family encouraged her to develop her cooking skills, particularly because preparing familiar dishes helped her maintain a connection with home.
Before becoming more involved in television, Clarissa worked in marketing and public relations. She also pursued jewellery design and later collaborated with her husband on food-related projects.
Her television appearances have included cooking segments on Better Homes and Gardens, where she has introduced viewers to recipes influenced by her cultural background.
Manu Feildel and Clarissa Weerasena met in 2011
Manu and Clarissa first crossed paths at Sydney’s Ivy nightclub in 2011. Their introduction happened in a lift, and Clarissa initially had no idea that Manu was a well-known television chef.
During a 2016 interview, she recalled that Manu approached her after hearing she was a talented cook.
Their first meeting did not immediately develop into a relationship. They went several months without seeing each other before arranging a drink, followed by another meeting some months later.
Eventually, their shared interest in cooking helped bring them closer.
Manu later explained that Clarissa’s enthusiasm for food was one of the qualities that attracted him to her. Their relationship developed as both discovered they enjoyed preparing meals, visiting restaurants and exploring different cuisines.
Manu Feildel married Clarissa in January 2018
After dating for approximately two years, Manu proposed to Clarissa in 2013.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Charlee, in 2015, before eventually marrying in January 2018.
Their wedding was a private celebration attended by close relatives and friends. Manu confirmed the marriage on Instagram, describing the ceremony as intimate and filled with happiness.
Although they had been engaged for several years, the couple had previously postponed their wedding while balancing work and family responsibilities.
Their marriage has now lasted more than eight years, with both continuing to support each other’s professional interests.
Clarissa Weerasena and Manu Feildel have a daughter
Manu and Clarissa welcomed their daughter, Charlee Ariya Feildel, in 2015.
The celebrity chef also has an older son, Jonti Feildel, from his previous relationship with Veronica Morshead, sometimes known as Ronnie.
Manu and Veronica were together for approximately 12 years before separating in 2009.
Clarissa has developed a close family connection with Jonti, who has also shown an interest in cooking. During a 2025 interview, she revealed that he sometimes contacts her for recipes and cooking advice.
Family meals remain an important tradition in their household, particularly on Sunday mornings when Manu prepares crêpes for the children.
Clarissa and Manu have worked together on television and cookbooks
Although Manu is professionally trained, Clarissa has become an accomplished home cook in her own right.
The couple collaborated on the cookbook More Please, published in 2016, featuring recipes inspired by their family meals and different culinary backgrounds.
Clarissa has also appeared on Australian television, including cooking segments on Better Homes and Gardens.
During a 2025 interview, she explained that sharing a kitchen with Manu initially required patience because their cooking styles were different.
While Manu follows professional techniques and prefers specific equipment, Clarissa takes a more relaxed approach to preparing meals.
Over time, they developed a practical arrangement. When Clarissa cooks, Manu often helps with preparation, while she handles cleaning when he takes charge.
Their different approaches have become part of their shared cooking experience.
Manu Feildel has praised his wife’s support during difficult times
Manu has spoken openly about the support Clarissa provided during challenging periods of his career.
During a 2024 appearance on The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show, he discussed the emotional and financial difficulties he experienced after closing a Melbourne restaurant while Clarissa was pregnant with Charlee.
The chef acknowledged that the experience affected his confidence and behaviour at home.
He credited Clarissa with remaining supportive during a period when he was struggling personally and professionally.
In subsequent interviews, Manu has emphasised the importance of appreciating his wife and making time for their relationship.
For the couple, cooking remains more than a professional interest. It is a shared activity that connects their different backgrounds and brings their family together.
As Manu continues his television career, Clarissa has increasingly developed her own presence in Australian food media while maintaining the family life they have built together.