Who I am

My name is Julian van Brakel. I am a chef, born and raised in Rotterdam, driven by one clear ambition: to keep developing my craft until I earn my place on the international culinary stage.

My development as a chef has been shaped by the kitchens I have worked in. From my early years in Rotterdam to working in Austria, every kitchen has taught me something different. Not only about ingredients, technique and flavour, but also about discipline, responsibility and performing under pressure.

I believe that as a chef, you are never finished learning. There is always a technique to refine, an ingredient to understand on a deeper level and another standard to reach. That mindset drives me. I do not simply want to be good at what I do. I want to keep pushing myself to become sharper, more consistent and better every day.

Working in Austria has played an important role in that journey. A different environment, a different food culture and long, demanding days in the kitchen taught me to work independently, make decisions quickly and take responsibility. It also reinforced something I strongly believe in: great cooking does not have to be unnecessarily complicated. A dish has to make sense in flavour, technique, product and execution.

I carry my Rotterdam roots with me wherever I go. Direct, grounded and never afraid of hard work. I respect classical techniques and true craftsmanship, but I do not want to limit myself to one cuisine or one way of cooking. I want to experience different countries, kitchens and cultures, learn from them and ultimately develop a style of my own.

My ambition goes beyond one restaurant or one position.

I want to establish myself internationally as a chef.

Not by looking for the fastest way to the top, but by building experience, taking risks, stepping outside my comfort zone and constantly raising my own standards.

My career is only just beginning.

And that is exactly what drives me.