Rasmus Munk named World’s Best Chef for second year at 2025 Best Chef Awards in Milan

Danish chef Rasmus Munk has been named World’s Best Chef for the second consecutive year at the 2025 Best Chef Awards in Milan. Since 2015, the organisation has annually recognised culinary stars who exhibit creativity, innovation and excellence in gastronomy, and Munk, who leads Copenhagen-based restaurant Alchemist, is the first Nordic representative to win the title more than once. Only two chefs have previously done so: Joan Roca of Girona’s El Celler de Can Roca in 2017 and 2018, and Dabiz Muñoz of Madrid’s DiverXO from 2021 to 2023.

The 2025 jury consisted of 972 voters across six continents, including 572 chefs and 400 professionals such as food journalists and gastronomy experts, with a selection process that aims to reflect a broad spectrum of culinary perspectives from around the globe. Cristian Gadau, co-founder and CEO of the Best Chef Awards, commented: “Winning for the second year in a row is proof of Rasmus Munk’s extraordinary vision. With Alchemist, he continues to push the boundaries of creativity and science, opening new dialogues that reach far beyond the kitchen. What makes Rasmus truly remarkable is the way he balances this pioneering spirit with humility, no ego, just a relentless drive to inspire and create change. For us, he perfectly represents what it means to be The Best.”

Beyond his culinary work, Munk is involved in industry innovation through Spora, a research centre he founded. It is currently participating in the Acetate to Food project – a global initiative funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Gates Foundation, which aims to convert carbon dioxide into protein, with the goal of producing sustainable nourishment capable of feeding over a billion people annually.

On receiving the accolade, Munk emphasised the role of restaurants in shaping the future of food: “My hope is to inspire young chefs to move in a more holistic direction, showing them that gastronomy can be more than a craft, and that communication through food can be a meaningful artistic language. Food has the power to spark conversations, raise questions, and inspire change.” He went on to explain, “I am very proud that so many people in the restaurant industry have voted for me. But this is not only my award – it is a tribute to the entire Alchemist team, and their dedication to creating the best possible experience for our guests every night”.

Food Desk

For further information about the Best Chef Awards, visit the organisation’s website here.

For further information about Rasmus Munk, visit his Instagram here.