Interview with Viki Geunes: "I strive for perfection"

A self-taught chef who has set new standards in high-end gastronomy, Viki Geunes is a vanguard of Belgian Michelin-starred cuisine, pushing the boundaries of culinary sophistication at his Restaurant Zilte in Antwerp. His path to success was an unusual one: Geunes studied engineering before following his passion for cooking. Without any formal training, he taught himself, applying his analytical skills to the creation of dishes. In 1996, he opened Restaurant Zilte in Mol with his wife Viviane Plaquet, receiving his first Michelin star in 2004, and a second one in 2008. In 2011, Geunes moved to Antwerp's Museum aan de Stroom, where he continues to promote his philosophy – a puristic application use of high-quality ingredients. In 2019, he finally received his third Michelin star, cementing his status as an exceptional chef.