This year, Mandarin Oriental, Prague celebrates the 20th anniversary of its opening. To mark this significant milestone, the hotel is hosting an extraordinary gastronomic evening that pays tribute to two decades of culinary creativity and exceptional dining experiences. Titled „20 Years of Exceptional Flavours,” the event will bring together the chefs who have shaped the culinary identity of the hotel and its restaurants over the years.
For one evening only, renowned chefs associated with Essensia, Spices, and Monastiq will return to the hotel. Together, they will create an exclusive five-course menu, with each chef presenting one of their signature dishes alongside a personal interpretation of the flavours that defined Mandarin Oriental, Prague during their respective tenure.
„We wanted to create a celebration that is not only about the hotel’s history, but above all about the people who helped shape it. Gastronomy has been an integral part of our story since day one, and this evening offers guests the opportunity to experience once again the dishes and personalities that have left a lasting mark on our first twenty years,” says Executive Chef Michal Horváth.
The evening, subtitled „Michal Horváth & Friends,” will bring together Executive Chef Michal Horváth, Jiří Štift (Sia, Mexická, Brambora), Zdeněk Křížek (Private chef and culinary instructor), Ari Munandar (The Piano Bar Prague), and Stephen Senewiratne (STÝF PRIVATE | DINING, gastronomic consultant and instructor). Each chef will showcase a signature creation while revisiting the chapter they helped write during their time at Mandarin Oriental, Prague.
The culinary experience will be complemented by a carefully curated selection of wines and non-alcoholic beverages chosen specifically for the occasion.
Guests can look forward to an exceptional gastronomic journey that blends Asian and local influences, innovative techniques, and the unforgettable flavours that have made the hotel’s restaurants an integral part of the Mandarin Oriental, Prague experience for the past two decades.
The anniversary dinner will take place on 11 September 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Seating is limited.
CHEF PROFILES
Michal Horváth, Executive Chef, Mandarin Oriental, Prague
He gained experience in five-star hotels, including Grandhotel Pupp, and through internships in Scotland, Sweden, and England. He spent several years in London at Oblix at The Shard and later at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. Since 2018, he has been part of Mandarin Oriental, Prague, where he develops cuisine rooted in authentic flavors, creativity, and quality ingredients.
Ari Munandar, Former Executive Chef of Mandarin Oriental, Prague, Essensia Restaurant; now Head Chef at The Piano Bar Prague
A respected chef originally from Indonesia, he gained experience in London, South Africa, and the Czech Republic. Throughout his career, he has worked in a number of prestigious establishments, including the Hilton hotels and Prague’s renowned Sasazu restaurant. Today, he leads the culinary concept of The Piano Bar Prague.
Jiří Štift, Former Executive Chef of Mandarin Oriental, Prague, Essensia Restaurant; now Chef and Co-owner of Sia, Mexická & Brambora
Considered one of the most prominent figures on the contemporary Czech gastronomic scene. During his career, he worked aboard the legendary Queen Elizabeth II and led the award-winning Alcron restaurant. Today, he is behind the successful Prague restaurants Sia, Mexická and Brambora.
Zdeněk Křížek, Former Executive Chef of Mandarin Oriental, Prague, Essensia and Spices restaurants; now a Private Chef and Culinary Arts Instructor.
He began his career at the Jalta Hotel and gained experience in a number of prestigious establishments around the world, including the Michelin-starred restaurants Bar Boulud and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Later de served as Executive Culinary Chef for the OREA Hotels & Resorts and founded Sensa Fine Food Bistro. Today, he focuses on private dining and culinary education.
Stephen Senewiratne, Former Executive Chef of Mandarin Oriental, Prague’s Essensia and Spices restaurants; owner of STÝF PRIVATE | DINING, gastronomic consultant and instructor at the Prague Culinary Institute.
Born in Sri Lanka, he gained experience in luxury hotel restaurants around the world as well as aboard Carnival Cruise ships. In previous years, he served as Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage at Villa Richter. Today, he focuses primarily on private catering and works as an instructor at the Prague Culinary Institute.
