Speakers

Chef Jozef Youssef is a culinary innovator and experience designer whose work bridges the worlds of food, science, design, and emotion. As the founder of Kitchen Theory, a London-based gastronomy design studio, he is internationally recognised for pioneering multisensory and immersive dining experiences that challenge the way we perceive flavour.

Before launching Kitchen Theory, Jozef honed his craft in some of London’s most prestigious kitchens, including the 2-Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze at The Connaught and The Dorchester. These formative years grounded him in classical technique and excellence, while sparking a deeper curiosity about the psychology and science of taste.

That curiosity led to a decade of collaboration with leading researchers from institutions such as Oxford University and Imperial College London, exploring the intersection of neuroscience, sensory perception, and gastronomy. His work includes co-authoring over 27 academic papers, acting as Associate Editor at the International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science, and contributing to projects such as Chemical Kitchen and Hyperfoods.

Jozef’s culinary philosophy is rooted in the belief that food is a profound tool for communication, healing, and creativity. His research and events have been used to promote healthier eating habits, particularly among children, hospital patients, and vulnerable communities, while also captivating audiences through award-winning experiences like the Kitchen Theory Chef’s Table.

As a TEDx speaker, published author (Molecular Gastronomy at Home), and host of the Kitchen Theory Podcast, Jozef continues to shape global conversations around food, innovation, and well-being. His work has been featured in The Guardian, The Telegraph, Metro, The New Yorker, and on BBC, CBS, Global News, and MasterChef. From high-concept dining for luxury brands like Audi, Google, Siemens, Chivas, and McDonald’s, to functional food research aiming to fight cancer, Jozef’s work exists at the cutting edge of the culinary arts — where science meets storytelling, and flavour meets feeling.