In recognition of his contributions to Belgian gastronomy, Pierre Romeyer was honored with the title of [[Baron]] by the Belgian [[monarchy]] in 2002.<ref name=”:6″>[https://www.bruzz.be/samenleving/meesterkok-pierre-romeyer-overleden-2018-07-12 Meesterkok Pierre Romeyer Overleden].” [[Bruzz|BRUZZ]], 12 July 2018. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
In recognition of his contributions to Belgian gastronomy, Pierre Romeyer was honored with the title of [[Baron]] by the Belgian [[monarchy]] in 2002.<ref name=”:6″>[https://www.bruzz.be/samenleving/meesterkok-pierre-romeyer-overleden-2018-07-12 Meesterkok Pierre Romeyer Overleden].” [[Bruzz|BRUZZ]], 12 July 2018. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
</ref><ref name=”:7″>Bidaine, Philippe. ”“[https://www.dhnet.be/archives-journal/2001/07/20/la-consecration-de-pierre-romeyer-WK2GBWJO6FBBNLC2OLIWBTITMM/ La consécration de Pierre Romeyer].”” [[La Dernière Heure|DHnet]], 20 July 2001.</ref> The Mastercooks of Belgium celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2020.<ref name=”:11″ /> Throughout its history, the association has had a succession of presidents, including Pierrot Fonteyne, [[:nl:Guy_Van_Cauteren|Guy Van Cauteren]], Alain Deluc, Robert Van Duüren, Frank Fol, and Cédric Poncelet.<ref name=”:11″>Horeca Magazine. ”“[https://horecamagazine.be/fr/cedric-poncelet-nouveau-president-the-mastercooks-of-belgium/ Cédric Poncelet, nouveau Président The Mastercooks of Belgium].”” ”Horeca Magazine”, 27 May 2021.</ref> The association’s leadership structure, noted during the 2021 election of Cédric Poncelet, included three Vice-Presidents representing the regional bodies (Brussels, Wallonia, and Flanders) and a single Treasurer/Secretary General.<ref name=”:11″ /> Philippe Vanheule has held the position of chairman since 2024.<ref name=”:5″ /> The association unites Belgian culinary leaders around the professional values of craftsmanship and creativity.<ref>”[https://worldchefs.org/magazine/worldchefs-magazine-issue-31/ The Mastercooks of Belgium].” ”Worldchefs Magazine”, Issue 31, 2025. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
</ref><ref name=”:7″>Bidaine, Philippe. ”“[https://www.dhnet.be/archives-journal/2001/07/20/la-consecration-de-pierre-romeyer-WK2GBWJO6FBBNLC2OLIWBTITMM/ La consécration de Pierre Romeyer].”” [[La Dernière Heure|DHnet]], 20 July 2001.</ref> The Mastercooks of Belgium celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2020.<ref name=”:11″ /> Throughout its history, the association has had a succession of presidents, including Pierrot Fonteyne, [[:nl:Guy_Van_Cauteren|Guy Van Cauteren]], Alain Deluc, Robert Van Duüren, Frank Fol, and Cédric Poncelet.<ref name=”:11″>Horeca Magazine. ”“[https://horecamagazine.be/fr/cedric-poncelet-nouveau-president-the-mastercooks-of-belgium/ Cédric Poncelet, nouveau Président The Mastercooks of Belgium].”” ”Horeca Magazine”, 27 May 2021.</ref> The association’s leadership structure, noted during the 2021 election of Cédric Poncelet, included three Vice-Presidents representing the regional bodies (Brussels, Wallonia, and Flanders) and a single Treasurer/Secretary General.<ref name=”:11″ /> Philippe Vanheule has held the position of chairman since 2024.<ref name=”:5″ /> The association unites Belgian culinary leaders around the professional values of craftsmanship and creativity.<ref>”[https://worldchefs.org/magazine/worldchefs-magazine-issue-31/ The Mastercooks of Belgium].” ”Worldchefs Magazine”, Issue 31, 2025. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
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Belgian Cuisine Master Chefs
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| Formation | 1980 (1980) |
|---|---|
| Founder | Pierre Romeyer |
|
Chairman |
Philippe Vanheule |
| Website | Official site |
The Mastercooks of Belgium (Les Maîtres Cuisiniers de Belgique) constitutes a professional culinary association in Belgium, established in 1980 by Pierre Romeyer. The organization serves as a unifying body for chefs recognized for their achievements in Belgian gastronomy, including many who have attained Michelin stars or have been acknowledged in prominent restaurant guides. They promote Belgian culinary arts through the publication of an annual guide, the organization of culinary competitions such as the biennial Pierre Wynants Trophy, and dedicated professional development programs for young chefs. The current leadership of the association is under the direction of Philippe Vanheule.
The association was established in 1980 by Pierre Romeyer, along with Pierre Wynants and Jacques Deluc.[1][2] This founding came after Romeyer’s rejection from the French association of master chefs, which at the time did not allow foreigners or women, leading him to create an independent Belgian professional body.[3] They were later joined by Claude Dupont, Robert Van Duüren, and Pierrot Fonteyne, collectively founding what is now known as Les Maîtres Cuisiniers de Belgique.[1]
In recognition of his contributions to Belgian gastronomy, Pierre Romeyer was honored with the title of Baron by the Belgian monarchy in 2002.[4][5] The Mastercooks of Belgium celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2020.[6] Throughout its history, the association has had a succession of presidents, including Pierrot Fonteyne, Guy Van Cauteren, Alain Deluc, Robert Van Duüren, Frank Fol, and Cédric Poncelet.[6] The association’s leadership structure, noted during the 2021 election of Cédric Poncelet, included three Vice-Presidents representing the regional bodies (Brussels, Wallonia, and Flanders) and a single Treasurer/Secretary General.[6] Philippe Vanheule has held the position of chairman since 2024.[1] The association unites Belgian culinary leaders around the professional values of craftsmanship and creativity.[7]
Many members of the Mastercooks of Belgium have achieved recognition through Michelin stars or have been included in notable restaurant guides.[8] Three mastercooks were listed among the world’s “Top 100 chefs” by Le Chef magazine.[9][10] Gert De Mangeleer was named ‘European Chef of the Year’ at the Madrid Fusion culinary festival.[11] Annually, the organization formally announces its newest members to journalists.[12]
The association categorizes its membership into six distinct classifications: Restaurant, Brasserie/Bistro, Catering (which encompasses home cooking), Specialist, Honorary, and Candidate Master Cook.[13]
The association publishes an annual guide that features profiles of over 140 members, including ambassadors in France, Spain, and the United States.[14][15] This detailed 158-page guide provides information into members’ restaurants, events, and professional activities.[14][13] In 2022, a ceremony presided over by Princess Léa of Belgium recognized the association with a special jury prize for its publication The Mastercooks of Belgium: L’excellence gastronomique belge. The book profiles 120 chefs, includes a selection of recipes, and provides an overview of Belgian culinary history.[16]
The Mastercooks of Belgium organize the biennial Pierre Wynants Trophy, also known as The Belgian Star, a competition that promotes emerging talent among Belgian chefs and is open to professional cooks who either hold Belgian nationality or have at least five years of experience working in Belgian restaurants; finalists showcase their skills in Ghent, and the winner represents Belgium on the international stage.[17][18][19][20] They have also held a competition in Brussels called the “Best Artisan Chef” competition.[21][22]
The association collaborates with Carrefour Belgium to evaluate products based on criteria such as taste, texture, consistency, and appearance.[23] Additionally, the Mastercooks of Belgium have held a back-to-school event, attended by notable figures including HRH Princess Léa, representatives of the Belgian Red Cross, football legend Michel Preud’homme, and chef Pierre Wynants, highlighting the association’s key projects, collaborations, and commitment to culinary excellence.[24]
Youth & Professional Development
[edit]
In 2021, the association launched La Quinzaine des Jeunes, an initiative that provides reduced-price menus to diners under 25, with the goal of fostering interest in Belgian gastronomy.[25] Additionally, their Young Masters program offers early-career chefs opportunities for professional development and visibility within the culinary sector.[26]
- Peter Goossens — A three‑Michelin‑star chef at Hof van Cleve, Goossens has been a member of the Mastercooks since 2000.
- Lionel Rigolet — Chef of the iconic Comme chez Soi in Brussels; he is profiled on the Mastercooks website.
- Pierre Wynants — One of the founding members of the association and former head chef of Comme chez Soi.
- Gert De Mangeleer — Chef of the former three‑Michelin‑star restaurant Hertog Jan; in 2014, he was named European Chef of the Year at the Madrid Fusion culinary festival.
- Arabelle Meirlaen — A female chef, with a Michelin star, and a Mastercook.
- Christophe Hardiquest — Michelin-starred chef (Bon Bon) and publicly listed as a Mastercook.
- Michael Katz — Israeli chef and culinary teacher, Ambassador for the Mastercooks of Belgium.
- Félix Alen — A veteran Flemish chef, known for his work at Hof te Rhode in Schaffen and for promoting Belgian regional cuisine.
- ^ a b c Horeca Webzine. “« The Mastercooks of Belgium » accueillent 13 nouveaux grands chefs.” Horeca Webzine, 29 May 2025.
- ^ “Les sauces de la vie : The Mastercooks of Belgium, les véritables maîtres du goût de notre pays.” DHnet, 9 Jan. 2022.
- ^ Le Soir. “Pierre Romeyer, ‘le Bocuse belge’, est mort.” Le Soir, 12 July 2018.
- ^ Meesterkok Pierre Romeyer Overleden.” BRUZZ, 12 July 2018. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
- ^ Bidaine, Philippe. “La consécration de Pierre Romeyer.” DHnet, 20 July 2001.
- ^ a b c Horeca Magazine. “Cédric Poncelet, nouveau Président The Mastercooks of Belgium.” Horeca Magazine, 27 May 2021.
- ^ “The Mastercooks of Belgium.” Worldchefs Magazine, Issue 31, 2025, p. 9. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
- ^ Banks, Martin. “The Finest Chefs in the Kingdom: Mastercooks of Belgium.” Brussels Express, 10 Nov. 2018.
- ^ Fine Dining Lovers. “Le Chef Lists 100 of The Best Chefs in the World.” Fine Dining Lovers, 30 Jan. 2015.
- ^ Le Vif / Weekend. “Trois chefs belges dans le Top 100 des meilleurs chefs du monde.” Weekend Le Vif, 28 Nov. 2018.
- ^ La Libre. “Aux fourneaux avec Gert de Mangeleer.” 28 janvier 2023.
- ^ “Les maîtres cuisiniers nouveaux sont arrivés.” DHnet, 2 May 2010.
- ^ a b The Brussels Magazine. “The Mastercooks of Belgium.” No. 373, Oct./Nov. 2017, p. 6–7, The Brussels Magazine.
- ^ a b Horeca Magazine. “Mastercooks of Belgium: The Guide 2018.” Horeca Magazine, 12 Sept. 2017.
- ^ Rochette, Joëlle. “Un nouveau guide réunit les Maîtres Cuisiniers de Belgique.” Fifty & Me Magazine, 8 Jan. 2018.
- ^ Fontaine, Nicolas. “Remise du Prix Littéraire Princesse Léa de Belgique 2022 (Gastronomie).” Histoires Royales, 29 Nov. 2022.
- ^ “Les espoirs de la cuisine belge.” La Libre, 23 Sept. 2014.
- ^ “Simon Denis est la nouvelle «Étoile de la cuisine belge’.” Le Soir, 4 Nov. 2014.
- ^ “The Mastercooks launch the first edition of the “Pierre Wynants Trophy – The Belgian Star” (SUDINFO), 2024.
- ^ DHnet. “Le Wavrien Curtis Mulpas et son équipe qualifiée pour le concours culinaire Pierre Wynants Trophy 2022.” DHnet, 28 Sept. 2022.
- ^ Le « Meilleur Artisan‑Cuisinier de Belgique » …Les 7 Fontaines d’Awenne (Saint‑Hubert) à l’honneur à Bruxelles !. Ardenne Web, 12 Oct. 2008, Nov. 2025.
- ^ O Accindinus, Meilleur Artisan‑Cuisinier, La Dernière Heure (DHnet), 12 October 2008.
- ^ Carrefour Belgique. “Carrefour célèbre 10 ans de collaboration avec The Mastercooks of Belgium en faveur du goût et de la qualité de ses produits.” Carrefour Newsroom, 15 July 2024.
- ^ Rentrée de l’association The Mastercooks of Belgium sous la présidence de Frank Fol.” CCI Mag, Wallonia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 13 Sept. 2021. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
- ^ Kerzmann, Régine. “Michel Preud’homme, Parrain de la nouvelle ‘Quinzaine des Jeunes’ des Mastercooks.” L‑Post, 9 Nov. 2021.
- ^ La Libre. “Nouvelle génération en cuisine : voici 16 jeunes chefs belges à connaître.” La Libre, 25 May 2018.
