Debutant Pontus Lindqvist wins Chef of the Year 2025
Pontus Lindqvist, a 33-year-old chef from Malmö, has won the prestigious Chef of the Year 2025 award on his first attempt. The competition, held in Stockholm, celebrates innovative and sustainable cuisine. Lindqvist described the victory as feeling completely unreal.
Pontus Lindqvist, 33 years old and head chef at Solhem & Fiket in Malmö, has won the title of Chef of the Year 2025. It marks his debut in the competition, where he competed against nine other finalists. The event took place in Stockholm and emphasizes creativity, sustainability, and vegetarian dishes, areas in which Lindqvist excelled with innovative plant-based creations.
According to the jury, Lindqvist impressed with his ability to craft exciting flavors from vegetables and local ingredients. 'It feels completely unreal,' Lindqvist told Aftonbladet after the win. He has previously worked at restaurants in Skåne and stresses the importance of sustainable cooking in his philosophy.
Chef of the Year is an annual competition organized by the industry organization Visita since 1983. It aims to highlight Sweden's top chefs and inspire development in gastronomy. Lindqvist's victory as a debutant underscores the potential for new talents in the field. His restaurant Solhem & Fiket is known for its vegetarian menu focusing on locally sourced ingredients.
The win will bring Lindqvist greater visibility and opportunities to influence the industry. He plans to continue developing his cuisine with an emphasis on environmental considerations. The competition's jury consisted of experienced chefs and food journalists who evaluated the finalists based on creativity, technique, and taste.