Chef David Belt

My name is David, from the Netherlands. At age of fifteen, I discovered a passion that would change my life forever: cooking. It began in a café, with simple ingredients and a heart full of curiosity. I had no idea that this spark would lead me across continents, through bustling markets and quiet kitchens, all in search of one thing; creating my own unique culinary style.

The first years I spent in the culinary scene of my hometown, Leiden. I worked in cafés, hotels, and bistros, eventually finding my place in some of the best fine dining restaurants the city had to offer. Each restaurant taught me something different—how to balance flavors, the importance of presentation, and, most importantly, the power of food to bring people together.

But I knew there was so much more to discover beyond the borders of my city. I longed for a deeper understanding of different cuisines, for the stories behind the dishes I loved to create. So, I packed my knives and set off for Zakynthos, Greece. There, I immersed myself in the heart of Mediterranean cuisine. I learned the art of simplicity, allowing the quality of ingredients to shine. Six months flew by in a whirlwind of fresh herbs, sun-ripened tomatoes, and the salty breeze of the Ionian Sea.

The journey didn’t stop there. The call of the Caribbean beckoned, leading me to spend eight remarkable months on the tropical island of Aruba. I dove into a world full of intense, vibrant flavors that were as colorful and energetic as the people who lived there. I got to know spices and herbs in a new way, discovering the art of flavorful marinades and spicy peppers. The versatility of island cuisine inspired me to further develop and refine my own style. It was a journey of discovery filled with new tastes and techniques that I would carry in my heart and cooking forever.

But the world still had so much more to offer. My travels took me further, from the bustling streets of Bangkok, where the aroma of Tom Yam soup filled the air, to the colorful streets of Cartagena, where I tasted arepas that seemed to contain the soul of Colombia in every bite. I enjoyed the refined balance of flavors in Peruvian fine dining and the humble yet extraordinary street food of Malaysia.

With each dish and every new ingredient, I felt myself growing—not just as a chef, but as a person. Cooking was no longer just a skill; it became a language, a way to connect with people from all corners of the world. My journey has been one of constant learning and adapting, taking the best of what I’ve seen and tasted and making it my own.

Today, I bring all these experiences with me into the kitchen here in Spain. Each plate I serve is a story, a testament to the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met. From Leiden to Zakynthos, from Aruba to the streets of Cartagena, I’ve discovered that food is more than just sustenance. It’s a bridge, a shared experience that transcends borders and speaks to something universal in all of us.

And so, my journey continues. There are still so many flavors to discover, so many stories to tell. I am not just a chef; I am an adventurer, a storyteller, crafting my own unique narrative.