Richard Ekkebus

CHEF AMBASSADOR

Where culinary excellence meets culture, creativity and refined taste

As Culinary Director and Director of Food & Beverage at Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong, Richard Ekkebus has cemented his reputation as one of the most innovative, ethically-driven chefs of his generation. He oversees the hotel’s gastronomic offerings, including its flagship Amber, a restaurant that has not only held two Michelin stars for 16 consecutive years, but achieved three stars in 2025 and 2026. Since 2022, Amber has also proudly borne the Michelin Green Star, a testament to Chef Ekkebus’ relentless drive to blend fine dining with future-conscious values.

Having called Hong Kong home for more than 20 years, Chef Ekkebus’ approach to cooking is inspired by the city’s dynamics and diverse culinary traditions. For him, the region offers endless inspiration and is the perfect backdrop for his ever-evolving culinary exploration. Born into a hospitality family in the Netherlands, Chef Ekkebus’ path into the world of gastronomy began with an apprenticeship under chefs of Michelin-starred restaurants, Hans Snijders and Robert Kranenborg.

After earning the prestigious Golden Chef’s Hat for “Young Chef of the Year,” he honed his skills in France, working alongside culinary giants like Pierre Gagnaire, Alain Passard and Guy Savoy. From there, Chef Ekkebus’ journey took him around the world, including the Royal Palm in Mauritius and Sandy Lane in Barbados, before landing in Hong Kong in 2005, where he took on the role of Executive Chef at Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong.

As much as Chef Ekkebus’ dishes are celebrated for their creativity and precision, his contributions to a more ethical and transparent hospitality industry are of equal note. Early in his tenure at Amber, he led the charge to eliminate single-use plastics across all areas of hotel operations — from the kitchen to guest services — efforts that have since been adopted across the Mandarin Oriental. Further initiatives like the introduction of the Nordaq FRESH water filtration system, which provides high-quality water while reducing waste, reflect both his practical approach to the environment and his alignment with the Group’s ethos of luxury with responsibility — setting an example that has influenced industry practices well beyond Hong Kong.