Portrait of Thomas Nerlich
i. Biography
Thomas Nerlich has led HYGGE Brasserie & Bar in Hamburg as Head Chef / Culinary Director since 2021.
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Coming Up
The line work behind Thomas Nerlich’s career is mapped through classic brigade roles: Chef de Partie at Witzigmann Bajazzo (2006), Chef de Partie (saucier) at Le Canard (2007–2010), Chef de Partie at Tschebull (2010–2011), and Sous Chef at DIE BANK - Brasserie & Bar (2011–2012). He later returned to Sous Chef service at Hofa Akademie Heidelberg (2015), then moved into Head Chef responsibility at Landhaus Flottbek in Hamburg (from 2015). Today, Thomas is Head Chef / Gastronomischer Leiter of HYGGE Brasserie und Bar and Executive Chef of Gulu Gulu.
Where They Are Now
In Hamburg, the role combines kitchen leadership with culinary direction. In Taichung, Gulu Gulu places the cooking in a fire-driven frame built around Indigenous Taiwanese Paiwan flavors, charcoal grilling, millet wine, and live performance.
FAQ
Asked of Thomas
What is Thomas Nerlich's current role?
As of 2026, Thomas Nerlich is Head Chef / Culinary Director.
Where did Thomas Nerlich work before?
Thomas Nerlich's earlier career included Witzigmann Bajazzo, Le Canard, and Tschebull.
The Sunday email
Read about chefs like Thomas Nerlich in the Sunday email.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
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