I’m Mariann, a professional chef with over 25 years of experience.
Starting from a rural farm in Bugacpuszta, in the heart of the Hungarian Great Plain, my unique culinary journey has taken me all the way to New York. Growing up in a farming and hospitality-oriented family, I was immersed in the world of gastronomy from an early age, learning everything from animal husbandry to the secrets of medicinal herbs. These early experiences laid the foundation for the knowledge and expertise that would later place me among the best in the world.
Although I originally studied marketing and communication at Corvinus University and even launched my own advertising and marketing company, my passion for hospitality eventually called me back to the kitchen. I completed an accelerated culinary program and gained experience in prestigious establishments such as the Kempinski and Marriott. My thirst for knowledge led me abroad, where I attended masterclasses in Switzerland and honed my skills across Europe, from Bordeaux and Athens to Italy. I also mastered butchery and seafood preparation, learning directly from local experts through hands-on practice.
In New York, as the chef of the Hungarian Consulate and the United Nations, I had the privilege of serving a diverse international clientele, including diplomats and celebrities, adapting my craft to meet various cultural and dietary requirements.
Despite being referred to as a “celebrity chef,” she does not favor this title; instead, she sees her true calling in sharing culinary knowledge and passion. While in Budapest, when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were filming in Hungary, Mariann served as their private chef, personally overseeing their meals. During their stay, she provided them with a discreet yet extraordinary culinary experience.
Beyond this, she has also prepared dishes for numerous world-renowned actors and celebrities across the globe, including Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Deneuve, and Jeremy Irons.
Her work has always been defined by the highest standards and absolute trust, as reflected in her strict confidentiality agreements. Throughout her career, she has worked with the finest ingredients the world has to offer, from artisanal European cheeses to the rarest finds at New York’s seafood markets. She believes that modernizing and authentically representing Hungarian cuisine presents a significant opportunity, particularly on the international stage.
Her career is a unique example of how rural roots and world-class expertise can be combined to reach the pinnacle of gastronomy.
“I draw inspiration from the timeless values of our grandparents’ era and the endless possibilities nature provides, preserving traditions while adapting to modern needs.”
Mariann Kiss
Where You May Have Read About Me
