memorable events
professional chefs
culinary consultancy
Identity
Culinary Moments™ was founded by internationally recognised hospitality professional Stephan Benkendorff, whose career spans more than two decades across award-winning hotels and restaurant concepts in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Established as a consultancy, catering and event partner operating between Switzerland and the Philippines, Culinary Moments™ specialises in culinary concept development, hospitality consulting and bespoke, memorable dining experiences.
The company combines international culinary expertise with strong operational know-how, delivering projects driven by quality ingredients, cultural diversity and exceptional guest satisfaction.
Building on the founders background within Michelin-starred and Gault Millau-recognized kitchens, as well as leadership roles with luxury hospitality groups including Four Seasons, Kempinski and Marriott International, the company supports restaurant openings, culinary repositioning projects and high-level event experiences across multiple markets.
Culinary Moments™ developed a reputation for creative culinary concepts, operational excellence and personalised hospitality solutions.
After guiding the organisation through its founding and growth phase, Benkendorff transitioned out of ownership following the company’s sale while remaining involved in an advisory role, ensuring continuity and strategic development.
Reviews
2016 October
2017 March
2017 July
2017 July
2017 August
2017 August
2017 November
2017 December
2018 May
2018 November
"Chef de cuisine Stephan Benkendorff has assembled a fine team of chefs in the kitchen who certainly have put meaning behind the word 'contemporary'. Their subtle variations on certain dishes show a deft balance between respecting tradition and innovation."
"...but I still couldn’t resist the master Kobe “AA9” tenderloin from “The Cuts” menu. The manageable
cylinder of meat was predictably tender. The real boon, however, was my choice of spiced date jus, which added an excellent Middle Eastern touch."
"For not only is the food wonderful, but the mixology and interactivity help to add to Chef Stephan’s distinct vision. One that understands food can be emotive and tries to seek a connection between the dish and its imaginative presentation."
"I really enjoyed meeting Chef Stephan and chatting to him about his concept, his creativity and imagination for his craft is oozing from his every pore. I recommend you try this culinary journey for yourself..."
"This whole evening has been about confounding expectations, about taking the guest on a journey and just when the guest thinks he or she has it figured out, a surprise comes."
"What a night! The food was sensational, the company even better and the passion of the man behind the steak, Maurice Kettyle, was inspiring. We learnt so much!"
"A truly creative menu. I love the unexpected! Certainly, while dining at a steakhouse, I wouldn’t expect to find an eight-course Chef’s Menu, and yet here one is. I don’t want to give away too many surprises. However, I will say that you should expect a ‘journey’ of some kind (and yes, that journey does include delicious beef)."
Awards
2001 - 2004
Guide Michelin
2007
Gault Millau
2005 - 2007
14/20
2007
2007
18/20
14/20
2008
13/20
2008 - 2010
14/20
2012 - 2013
14/20
2020 - 2022
14/20
(first entry)
2015 - 2016
Time Out MENA
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Best South East Asian Restaurant
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Restaurant of the year
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Best Bar Concept
2016 - 2018
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Best Steakhouse of the year
FACT Magazine
2017 & 2018
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Favorite Steakhouse of the year
2017
ZOMATO MENA
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Best Steakhouse of the year
-
User choice award
BBC Good Food
2017
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Best Fine Dining Restaurant of the year
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