New book release: Culinary excellence from around the world

The world's chefs as guests at Ikarus - Volume 10
Cover photo by Helge Kirchberger Photography
Cover photo by Helge Kirchberger Photography
Alexandra-Embacher-c-Martin-Guggenberger-Photography-web
13. January 2025 | 
Alexandra Embacher
13. January 2025
|
Alexandra Embacher

For the tenth time, “Ikarus” Executive Chef Martin Klein is providing insights behind the scenes of the restaurant with a book. However, the anniversary edition of “Die Weltköche zu Gast im Ikarus” not only offers a look back at the culinary highlights of the last year and a half, but also a deep insight into the world of 17 top guest chefs from all over the world.

Gourmet temple in Salzburg

Since its opening at the end of 2003, the “Ikarus” restaurant in Salzburg's Hangar-7 has stood for the highest culinary standards and a variety of taste experiences. With currently two Michelin stars, five toques and 19 points in Gault&Millau, it is one of the most renowned gourmet addresses in Austria - not least because of its globally unique concept. Every month, an internationally acclaimed culinary virtuoso takes over the stove to create an unparalleled menu together with Executive Chef Martin Klein and the “Ikarus” team. In December and before the renovation-related move, it was Thitid Tassanakajohn, “Chef Ton”, currently number one on the list of Asia's 50 best chefs.

Culinary world tour

Take-off in Salzburg, destination is the whole world: the “Ikarus” guest chefs featured in the anniversary edition come from the most diverse regions of the world - from the USA and South Africa to various European countries and Thailand. In addition to the typical national influences of their cuisine, they also bring their own personal culinary signatures with them.

In the portraits in the anniversary edition, readers can find out what drives the top chefs, how their culinary philosophy came about and what formative experiences have influenced their work. Big names such as Gareth Ward (“Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms”, Machynlleth) and Wolfgang Puck (“Spago”, Los Angeles) are representative of the class of the guest chefs. Their award-winning restaurants are known all over the world, and their expertise and creativity continue to set new standards in the international gourmet world. The 2024 guest chefs also included:

  • Christian Kuchler - “Taverne zum Schäfli” (Wigoltingen, Switzerland)
  • Wassim Hallal - Restaurant “Frederikshøj” (Aarhus, Denmark)
  • James Gaag - “La Colombe” (Cape Town, South Africa)
  • Viki Geunes - “Zilte” (Antwerp, Belgium)
  • Javier Olleros - “Culler de pau” (O Grove, Spain)
  • Matthias Diether - “180° by Matthias Diether” (Tallinn, Estonia)
  • Thomas Schanz - “schanz. restaurant.” (Piesport, Germany)
  • Franck Putelat - “La Table de Franck Putelat” (Carcassonne, France)
  • Thitid Tassanakajohn - “Le Du” (Bangkok, Thailand)

The world of cuisine in an anniversary volume

The guest chef concept is now celebrating a milestone birthday, with Executive Chef Martin Klein looking to the future: “After 20 years, it is still our declared aim to bring the best chefs in the world to Salzburg and to keep inviting guest chefs from countries that have never been represented at Hangar-7 before.” 266 “stars” of the industry from more than 30 countries have already been welcomed and thousands of dishes cooked together. And culinary stories, kitchen philosophies, formative impressions and recipes have been recorded in “Die Weltköche zu Gast im Ikarus”, which will be published for the tenth time on January 23, 2025.

 

Publisher: Pantauro
ISBN: 978-3-7105-0096-1
Pages: approx. 480
Dimensions: 248 mm x 335 mm
Retail price: 89.95 euros (114.00 CHF)

International concept as an enrichment

The concept of the “Ikarus” restaurant not only brings world-class cuisine to Salzburg, but also makes the city itself an international hotspot for gourmets and foodies - other excellent establishments do the rest. However, the collaboration with top chefs from all over the world creates a cultural exchange that goes far beyond the culinary realm. With “Ikarus”, Salzburg has a stage on which modern, global cuisine takes center stage every month.

Our conclusion

The tenth volume of “Die Weltköche zu Gast im Ikarus” is more than just a collection of recipes: it is a tribute to the diversity of international cuisine and the creative power that arises when different culinary worlds come together. The personal stories and insights of the guest chefs make the book a richly illustrated journey through the world of top cuisine - for professionals, gourmets and passionate amateur chefs alike.

A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît!
Copyright for the featured images used:
Cover photo by Helge Kirchberger Photography

Taste of Tomorrow 2026 in Salzburg

Young chefs’ competition brings Michelin-starred chefs, social media stars, and young talents to Klessheim

Following its successful debut last year, Taste of Tomorrow 2026 enters its next round, once again making Salzburg the stage for the future of gastronomy. With a prominent jury featuring Mike Süsser, Martin Klein, and Vroni Lutz, strong partners, and young culinary talents from all over Austria, the competition becomes a hotspot for creativity, sustainability, and culinary innovation.

Guest Chef at Hangar-7 Salzburg

Jurgen van der Zalm brings his 2-star cuisine from Amsterdam to Austria

How the Executive Chef of Vinkeles reinterprets classic French haute cuisine with modern precision: At Restaurant Ikarus in Hangar-7 in Salzburg, world-class cuisine meets one of Europe’s most exciting culinary styles: Jurgen van der Zalm, Executive Chef of the 2-star restaurant Vinkeles in Amsterdam, presents a menu characterized by a focus on ingredients, precision in sauces, and uncompromising quality – demonstrating how modern haute cuisine is conceived today.

Jurgen van der Zalm will be a guest chef at Restaurant Ikarus in Hangar-7 in May 2026, showcasing his cuisine, which at first glance appears understated and reveals its greatest strength precisely in that. It is a precise, well-thought-out, and self-assured form of haute cuisine that does not rely on spectacle to impress.

Van der Zalm brings not just a menu to Salzburg, but an attitude. An attitude that has developed from years of consistency, culinary discipline, and a deep trust in the product. His motto: Less but better.

Experience Tampa

The City's Best Leisure, Cultural, and Hidden Gems

Tampa is a city defined not by headlines, but by experiences. Nestled between water, history, design, and a surprising depth of culture, it unfolds as a destination that offers far more than just beaches and sunshine. Look closer, and you’ll discover an urban energy that’s thoughtfully curated yet leaves room for genuine, unplanned moments. This guide takes you through precisely these facets: well-researched, tried-and-true, and with an eye for details you don’t Google – you experience.

quick & dirty
Restaurant “Ikarus” in Salzburg's Hangar-7 © Helge Kirchberger Photography
New book release: Culinary excellence from around the world

For the tenth time, “Ikarus” Executive Chef Martin Klein is providing insights behind the scenes of the restaurant with a book. However, the anniversary edition of “Die Weltköche zu Gast im Ikarus” not only offers a look back at the culinary highlights of the last year and a half, but also a deep insight into the world of 17 top guest chefs from all over the world.