i. Biography
Vilhjalmur Sigurdarson is the Icelandic chef of Souvenir in Ghent, Belgium, where his role runs from 2014 to the present. In 2020, the restaurant earned One Michelin Star in the Michelin Guide Belgium & Luxembourg, marking a clear recognition of how his cooking had settled into Flemish soil without losing its restraint.
The Path
The career line here is one of movement by way of kitchens: from intern at London to chef at Iceland, then on to In de Wulf in Dranouter, Hertog Jan in Zedelgem, and La Buvette in Belgium. That sequence shows a working progression through different houses and regional contexts, with each step adding another layer to a practice built on ingredients, discipline, and control rather than display. In 2014, he became Head Chef at Souvenir in Ghent. From that point on, the restaurant and the chef became closely linked, with the appointment setting the terms for the long run that followed.
The Work Today
Since 2014, Sigurdarson has worked at Souvenir with a focus on what can be drawn from place. His own framing is direct: “I aim to demonstrate to my guests how rich the Flemish soil is.” That puts the emphasis on provenance, seasonality, and the practical work of translating local product into a defined kitchen language. The resulting style reads as measured rather than loud. The dishes are built to show texture, balance, and contrast, with enough variation to move between fruit, roots, seafood, sweetness, and aromatic lift without losing coherence.
Signature
Vilhjalmur's signature dishes include Roasted Apple Cream, Monkfish | Carrot | Black Garlic, Carrot Marigold, and Beet Ice Cream | White Chocolate | Rosemary. Taken together, these plates map the range of the kitchen: Roasted Apple Cream points to softness and restraint; Monkfish | Carrot | Black Garlic places marine character alongside sweetness and depth; Carrot Marigold brings a brighter register; and Beet Ice Cream | White Chocolate | Rosemary shows a willingness to work contrast across earth, sweetness, and herbs.
Acclaim
Vilhjalmur's honors include One Michelin Star, Michelin Guide Belgium & Luxembourg (2020).
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Vilhjalmur
Where did Vilhjalmur Sigurdarson work before?
Vilhjalmur Sigurdarson's earlier career included London, Iceland, and In de Wulf.
What recognition has Vilhjalmur Sigurdarson received?
One Michelin Star, Michelin Guide Belgium & Luxembourg (2020).
