A Swift Ascent to Culinary Stardom
Copenhagen's vibrant dining scene has witnessed a remarkable achievement as Udtryk, a restaurant helmed by Hong Kong-born chef Edward Lee, secured a coveted Michelin star just 41 days after opening its doors. The restaurant, located in the Danish capital, commenced operations on May 7, 2025, and received the prestigious accolade on June 16, 2025, during the Michelin Guide Nordic Countries ceremony. This rapid recognition is considered one of the quickest in the history of the Nordic region's Michelin Guide.
Chef Edward Lee's Vision and Background
Chef Edward Lee, 38, expressed his surprise and pride at the swift success. 'It was an absolute shock to the system on the night,' Lee stated, adding, 'It's absolutely wonderful. To go from zero to one star so quickly without a big-name chef or anything, that's something to be proud of.' Born in Hong Kong and raised in Australia, Lee moved to Copenhagen eleven years ago, bringing a diverse culinary background to his new venture. His previous experience includes a stint as assistant head chef at the three-starred restaurant Jordnær and running his own izakaya-style restaurant, Gaijin, which closed in 2024.
The 'Expression' of Udtryk's Cuisine
The name 'Udtryk,' meaning 'expression' in Danish, perfectly encapsulates the restaurant's culinary philosophy. Lee's menu is a personal articulation of his gastronomic journey, drawing heavily on his Hong Kong heritage while seamlessly blending Chinese, Nordic, French, and Japanese culinary techniques and flavors. The restaurant offers an omakase menu, allowing Lee to showcase his unrestrained creativity and a 'varied and well-balanced menu that reflects his life experiences.'
Partnership and Future Outlook
Udtryk is a collaborative effort, with Chef Lee partnering with restaurant manager Regitze Maria Jense and Bjarke Just Nielsen of the Norrlyst Group. The Norrlyst Group operates 14 other restaurants across Copenhagen, and this Michelin star adds to their growing list of recognized establishments. The Michelin star is not seen as a culmination but rather 'a starting shot' for Udtryk, signaling a commitment to continued development and storytelling in Copenhagen's dynamic culinary landscape.
7 Comments
Muchacha
While Udtryk's rapid success is impressive and highlights a chef's clear talent, one can't help but wonder if the established Norrlyst Group partnership provided an unfair advantage compared to independent ventures.
Comandante
This is what innovation looks like in fine dining.
Muchacha
Too much hype, not enough time to prove consistency.
Mariposa
It's fantastic that a chef embracing Chinese, Nordic, and Japanese flavors is getting global recognition so quickly. However, this speed might inadvertently overshadow the hard work of other equally talented, less-publicized chefs.
Africa
Unbelievable! Chef Lee is a culinary prodigy.
Habibi
Chef Lee's background at a three-star restaurant clearly prepared him for this level of excellence, making the quick star understandable. Still, the long-term consistency will be the real test.
Coccinella
Copenhagen continues to lead the culinary world!