Rasmus Munk named the best chef in the world
Hooray! The Best Chef Awards 2024 have been presented. This time, there was no spotlight on the best bars in the world and best restaurants in the world; last night, Dubai celebrated the best chefs in the world.
The 8th edition of The Best Chef Awards took place in the Middle East for the first time. Specifically, at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai.
How do you become the best chef in the world?
To qualify for this prestigious title, The Best Chef Awards looks at creativity, intelligence, passion, innovation and sustainability. Of course, a winner of the Best Chef Award must be able to create amazing dishes, but nowadays that alone is no longer enough. The best chef in the world must be a modern chef, a leader, someone who elevates food to a higher level through technology or science, or someone who makes a positive social impact through their kitchen. A role model of hard work who can serve as an example for new generations of curious new talent, according to the organisers.
Rasmus Munk
Rasmus Munk of Alchemist in Denmark has been named the best chef in the world. ‘Famous for his avant-garde approach, Munk’s work at Alchemist combines theatrical elements with culinary innovation, offering an immersive experience that has earned him worldwide recognition’ – according to the jury. Rasmus Munk has by now become almost a household name; securing a spot at the world-famous chef’s restaurant is no easy feat. Alchemist is one of the most difficult restaurants at which to get a table. 10,000 people ahead of you on the waiting list – no joke.
Second place went to Albert Adrià of Enigma in Spain. He is no unfamiliar name either; Adrià is known for the legendary restaurant El Bulli, where he and his brother Ferran made waves with their culinary experiments. And Adrià continues to push boundaries at Enigma, where his work combines storytelling with innovative techniques, further strengthening his influence in the industry – according to the jury.
Third place went to a lesser-known name: Eric Vildgaard of Jordnær in Denmark. The jury said: ‘Known for his dedication to sustainability and purity, Vildgaard’s creations at Jordnær are a tribute to the art of local Nordic ingredients, allowing his work to resonate worldwide.’
Special Best Chef Awards
As part of The Best Chef’s (r)evolutionary new ranking system, special awards were also presented. These went to chefs who make extraordinary contributions in specific areas:
- The Best (R) Evolution: Albert Adrià, Enigma (Spain)
- The Best Chef Pastry Award: René Frank, Coda (Germany)
- The Best New Entry Award: Mei Kogo, Sushi-Meino (Japan)
- The Best Terroir Award: Jaime Rodríguez, Celele (Colombia)
- The Best Science Award: Ángel León, Aponiente (Spain)
- The Best Food Art Award: Julien Royer, Odette (Singapore)
- The Best NextGen Award: Michele Lazzarini, Contrada Bricconi (Italy)
- The Best Dining Experience Award: Vaughan Mabee, Amisfield (New Zealand)
- The Best Creativity Award: Paco Méndez, Come Restaurant (Spain)
- The Best Dubai Award: Himanshu Saini, Trèsind (UAE)
- The Best Voted by Professionals Award: Ana Roš, Hiša Franko (Slovenia)
- The Best Origins & Future Award: (1) Eva, Lilian, Emilie Rihani, Three by Eva (UAE) (2) Mohamad, Wassim, Omar Orfali, Orfali Bros (UAE)
No stars, but knives
Another new feature at The Best Chef Awards this year is the so-called Knife Recognition system. No stars, but knives instead.
- Three knives (The Best): the highest level of culinary mastery, awarded to 97 chefs who achieved 80% or more of the maximum score.
- Two knives (World-Class): recognition for 177 chefs who achieved 40% or more, underscoring their world-class expertise.
- One knife (Excellent): recognition for 276 chefs who achieved 20% or more, highlighting their remarkable contributions to the profession.
Dutch chefs on the list
Jonnie Boer of three-Michelin-starred restaurant De Librije received three knives: an outstanding achievement!
Joris Bijdendijk has also been included on the list. The executive chef of Amsterdam restaurants RIJKS* and Wils* received no fewer than two knives. Soenil Bahadoer of two-Michelin-starred De Lindehof in Nuenen also received two knives. Erik & Julien van Loo (Parkheuvel), Iñaki Bolumburu (Contrast), Jan Sobecki (TRIBECA), Jarno Eggen (De Groene Lantaarn), Jeroen Achtien (Inter Scaldes), Michael van der Kroft (Tres), Robin Van De Bunt (De Leuf) and Tim Golsteijn (Bougainville) all received 1 knife. For the full list of winners of The Best Chef Awards 2024, visit thebestchefawards.com.
Planning a holiday to Dubai? Here you’ll find the best restaurants and hotspots in Dubai, from budget options to over-the-top luxury. Rahul Rana of the – amazing! – Avatara restaurant in Dubai and Tom Allen of Dinner by Heston in Dubai received 1 knife. Two restaurants where I personally had an amazing evening.
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Image: Best Chef Awards
