“Chefs in Town” 2025 Breaks Records
02 October 2025
Düsseldorf, 2 October 2025. The second edition of the gastronomy festival “Chefs in Town,” held from 26 to 28 September 2025, was a resounding success. With thousands of visitors, over 200 culinary experiences, 60 top chefs, and more than 100 participating businesses, it far surpassed the inaugural event from the previous year. From fine dining and street food to wine bar concepts, “Chefs in Town” once again showcased the full spectrum of gastronomic creativity. The aim of the event was to ignite enthusiasm for culinary diversity—not only as a sensory experience but also as a professional opportunity. It was designed to appeal to all social groups, attract new talent to the industry, and highlight the challenges faced by restaurateurs and hoteliers today.
Dr Steffen Greubel, CEO of METRO AG, the organisation behind the festival, commented: “In 2024, Düsseldorf made a strong statement with ‘Chefs in Town.’ This year, it’s clear that the concept has gained traction far beyond the city’s borders. I spent the entire weekend visiting as many events as possible. My personal takeaway: what the participants achieved was simply incredible. To further promote recognition within the industry, it’s crucial for various stakeholders to come together and support such innovative approaches.”
Strong Response and Broad Participation
Thousands of guests attended events spread across the city. The local gastronomy community was well-represented, alongside renowned industry stars from further afield. “The vibe at ‘Chefs in Town’ is truly special,” said Selim Varol of What’s Beef, who hosted two events with the support of prominent chefs Philipp Vogel and Tim Mälzer. “The sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm is unmatched. For three days, Düsseldorf’s gastronomy scene felt like one big family, and everyone who participated could feel it.” From hotel bars and vocational colleges to children’s aid centres, the diversity of the HoReCa sector was on full display. Initiatives such as “Kids Cook with Alina Meissner-Bebrout” and the panel discussion by the Women’s Foodservice Network highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent and promoting women in the industry. Michelin-starred chef Stefan Marquard teamed up with award-winning bartender Linh Nguyen and apprentices from the Albrecht-Dürer Vocational College. “It’s inspiring to see young talent engaging directly with professionals on an equal footing—that’s what makes ‘Chefs in Town’ so unique. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to promote our craft. Gastronomy is all about teamwork, creativity, and, above all, having a lot of fun,” said Stefan Marquard.
A Platform for Creativity and Enjoyment
Düsseldorf’s businesses seized the weekend to captivate guests with creative events and surprising experiences. Collaborations with external star chefs were a highlight, but local establishments without celebrity backing also impressed with a variety of exceptional special events. For instance, the Georgian restaurant So Re in Flingern hosted a Georgian grill party. Munich-based three-Michelin-star chef Tohru Nakamura and Berlin dance icon Frans Zimmer, better known as Alle Farben, brought their unique blend of good vibes, great music, and soulful food to the Tonhallenufer in a food truck. “We had an absolutely amazing time at the city beach, and the people of Düsseldorf were such a fantastic, laid-back audience! ‘Chefs in Town’ was the perfect stage to try something completely different. Frans and I had been wanting to launch our food truck concept for a while, and the timing, weather, and location at the city beach couldn’t have been better! The best part is that we raised a significant amount for a good cause. Our proceeds will go to the ‘Gutenachtbus’ initiative, which provides mobile support for homeless women in Düsseldorf.”
Positive Results and Looking Ahead
The partners – including METRO, the City of Düsseldorf, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), DEHOGA Nordrhein, and Coca-Cola – have drawn an entirely positive conclusion: “Chefs in Town” has established itself as a successful model and a blueprint for modern gastronomy support. It could also serve as an inspiration for other cities. Dr Stephan Keller, Mayor of the City of Düsseldorf, commented: “‘Chefs in Town’ has once again impressively demonstrated the central role gastronomy plays in the quality of life in our city. With its dedication, creativity, and openness, the industry contributes to making our city particularly attractive for both residents and visitors from near and far. Düsseldorf proves that gastronomy is far more than just an economic factor – it is a part of urban culture. I am convinced that with this successful format, we are setting a positive example and can inspire other cities as well.”
Further information is available at www.chefsintown.de
Chefs in Town - Impressions 2025
