Rasmus Munk was named the world’s best chef for the second consecutive year at The Best Chef Awards 2025 in Milan, confirming the Alchemist founder as the first Nordic chef to win the title more than once. The ceremony took place on 2 October in Italy, with Munk praised for an approach that fuses science, art and theatre in Copenhagen.
Why Rasmus Munk is the world’s best chef in 2025
At Alchemist in Copenhagen, Munk blends creativity and science to stage an immersive, multi-hour experience. After receiving the award, he said his goal is to inspire younger chefs to work more holistically with food:
“Food can be a powerful medium, one that sparks conversations, raises questions, and inspires change.”
The event organisers described him as visionary, highlighting his capacity to explore new boundaries while maintaining a notable humility.
A podium that signals global breadth
This year’s Milan edition placed Ana Roš (Hiša Franko, Slovenia) second and Himanshu Saini (Trèsind Studio, UAE) third, underlining the awards’ widening scope across regions and styles. According to the organisers, the 2025 jury involved 572 chefs and 400 industry professionals voting across six continents, part of a more inclusive, tiered recognition system introduced in 2024.
With a back-to-back win, Munk now stands alongside Joan Roca of El Celler de Can Roca as a two-time recipient of the top honour, and just behind Dabiz Muñoz (DiverXO), who has three titles. The result strengthens Nordic gastronomy’s international profile, where Denmark’s fine-dining scene has remained highly visible for its innovation and sustainability.
Alchemist’s model: immersive fine dining and research
Founded in 2015, Alchemist holds two Michelin stars and earlier this year ranked No. 5 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list. A dinner typically spans four to six hours and up to 50 courses (“impressions”), combining edible and experiential elements in a choreographed sequence under a dome on Refshaleøen in Copenhagen. The restaurant presents optional wine or alcohol‑free pairings.
According to the restaurant’s information and Danish media reports, prices at Alchemist start from 5,400 kroner (approx. €725) for the 50‑course experience. Demand remains high, and reservations are generally released in batches months in advance.
More attention on Nordic cuisine
Munk’s consecutive win is likely to amplify attention on Nordic cuisine and on cross‑disciplinary dining that integrates art, science and social themes. For the Nordics and the wider EU food scene, the recognition may accelerate collaborations, residencies and research projects linking culinary innovation with sustainability, design and health.
The next edition of The Best Chef will show whether this immersive model continues to shape the global fine‑dining agenda.
