Foodies are captivated by Joris Bijdendijk’s inventive approach to both traditional and modern dining, and his name is synonymous with the development of modern Dutch cuisine. In the culinary world, Bijdendijk has made waves as the executive chef of RIJKS®, which is housed within the famous Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. His guiding principle is to highlight the finest Dutch produce while incorporating global flavors to create a menu that is both firmly anchored in the region’s past and utterly innovative. With a Michelin star and a solid reputation as one of Amsterdam’s must-visit dining destinations, RIJKS® has thrived under his direction.
Bijdendijk’s skills are not limited to RIJKS®, where his inventive cooking has elevated the eatery to a gourmet sanctuary for those in search of outstanding Dutch flavors. His unbridled inventiveness and reverence for culinary customs are evident in his work at Wils, a small eatery devoted to the primordial element of fire. As Bijdendijk and his team use charcoal grills and traditional ovens to prepare sophisticated dishes, Wils’s charm is found in the unadulterated, elemental power of fire. Wils emphasizes Bijdendijk’s ability to create elegant dining experiences using the most basic ingredients, as evidenced by the restaurant receiving a Michelin star just a year after opening.
Bio and Career Information
| Name | Joris Bijdendijk |
|---|---|
| Position | Executive Chef at RIJKS® and Wils |
| Career Highlights | Michelin Star Chef, Gault & Millau’s Chef of the Year 2025 |
| Education | Self-taught, worked in top Dutch kitchens |
| Culinary Style | Modern Dutch cuisine with global influences |
| Restaurants | RIJKS® (Amsterdam) and Wils (Amsterdam) |
| Notable Achievements | Michelin star for RIJKS®, awarded Chef of the Year 2025 |
| Social Media | |
| Guest Chefs | Regularly collaborates with international chefs |
The Creative Force Behind Amsterdam’s Culinary Renaissance: From RIJKS® to Wils
Joris Bijdendijk’s culinary career is proof that excellence is a product of years of hard work and is not achieved overnight. His adventure started in Amsterdam, where he was raised with a strong passion for food by a family that valued both Dutch cuisine and the influences from around the world. His early experience in kitchens in Amsterdam and other places helped him hone his abilities and expand his passion for cooking, which ultimately led to his position as the chef behind RIJKS®.
Since its debut in 2014, RIJKS® has emerged as a representation of creativity in the Dutch food industry. The restaurant soon received a Michelin star in 2016 thanks to Bijdendijk’s inventiveness. In addition to the intricate, multi-layered methods Bijdendijk acquired via years of experience, the “Cuisine of the Low Countries,” which celebrates the unadulterated, pure flavors of Dutch produce, is the foundation of the RIJKS® concept. Every plate showcases the depth of Dutch culinary heritage and the beauty of simplicity, whether it’s the hearty red beetroot mille-feuille or the delicate pickled herring dish.
The ambiance of the restaurant is just as remarkable as its cuisine. Located inside the Rijksmuseum, diners are rewarded with a visual feast that is as good as the cuisine they are served. The decor, which emphasizes minimalist elegance, is both modern and considerate of the historic surroundings. A meal that is not just about eating but also about experiencing culinary art at its best is made possible by the dining room’s simple lines and art-inspired atmosphere.
Wils: A Fusion of Fine Dining and Fire
Following RIJKS®’s tremendous success, Bijdendijk focused on Wils, a restaurant that pushes the limits of fire-based cooking. Located in the MOVE mobility center in Amsterdam, Wils elevates the conventional idea of fire to a remarkable level. Bijdendijk’s team emphasizes the innate beauty of cooking food over flames by using fire as a literal and symbolic tool to cook intensely. The outcome is a menu that displays the chef’s extraordinary versatility and is incredibly flavorful and sophisticated.
The idea behind Wils is straightforward but profound: fire enhances the flavor of ingredients and brings out their true essence, something that traditional cooking techniques are unable to accomplish. From the succulent meats that are slow-cooked to perfection to the wood-fired vegetables, every dish reflects this philosophy. In just one year, Wils was awarded a Michelin star, a testament to Bijdendijk’s skill and his capacity to produce remarkable dining experiences that transcend the plate.
With its cozy decor and open kitchen, the restaurant’s cozy ambiance invites patrons to experience the magic of cooking up close. Visitors can observe chefs at work as they meticulously and passionately add fire to their dishes. Additionally, the area has a bakery where freshly baked bread is prepared every day, which enhances the experience’s coziness and genuineness.
A Culinary Perspective Based on Innovation and Tradition
More than just exquisite dining, Joris Bijdendijk’s restaurants are an investigation of Dutch culinary customs, contemporary methods, and the beauty of regional ingredients. He has received praise from both foodies and culinary critics for his commitment to producing a top-notch dining experience. But his tale doesn’t end in the kitchen. Additionally, Bijdendijk has a strong commitment to the people who work behind the scenes because he thinks that excellent teamwork is the foundation of great food. He has established a reputation as a mentor as well as a chef by encouraging teamwork and mutual respect in his kitchens.
Bijdendijk stands out from many of his contemporaries due to his ability to blend innovation and tradition. Even though he has a strong connection to the Netherlands’ rich culinary past, he never hesitates to try out novel methods and concepts. His restaurants continue to attract both local and foreign guests because of this balance, which also makes his cooking so amazing.
Looking Ahead: Joris Bijdendijk’s Future Plans?
Joris Bijdendijk isn’t showing any signs of slowing down as he continues to guide Wils and RIJKS® to new heights. He has a strong desire to push the limits of Dutch cooking while staying committed to giving his guests experiences they won’t soon forget. You can anticipate more ground-breaking projects, inventive recipes, and Michelin-starred achievements as Bijdendijk’s career progresses. His love of cooking, coupled with his innate ability and commitment to quality, guarantees that his impact on the culinary industry will only increase.
