Zineb Hattab is revolutionizing Swiss gastronomy with her bold, plant-based cuisine. The chef of Moroccan origin earned Switzerland's first Michelin star for a 100% vegan restaurant, KLE in Zurich. Honored with the Swiss Culinary Merit, she embodies a new generation of chefs where flavor meets ethics. A new name is making waves in Switzerland's culinary scene: Zineb «Zizi» Hattab. Originally from Spain and of Moroccan descent, this innovative chef has won over Zurich's food lovers with her inventive vegan cuisine, deeply rooted in her cultural heritage and a strong commitment to sustainability. Born to Moroccan parents and raised on the Costa Brava, Hattab first pursued a career in computer engineering. However, her passion for gastronomy led her to change course. She trained under renowned chefs such as Andreas Caminada in Switzerland and at the acclaimed Cosme restaurant in New York. Armed with these experiences, she opened KLE in Zurich in 2020, offering modern vegan cuisine with Moroccan and Mexican influences. From the start, the restaurant received critical acclaim, earning 14 points from Gault Millau and securing Hattab the title of «Discovery of the Year». Building on this success, she opened her second restaurant, DAR, in Zurich in October 2021. With a stronger Moroccan influence, it further cemented her reputation for high-quality vegan cuisine. A Trailblazer in Gastronomy In 2022, KLE became the first vegan restaurant in Switzerland to receive a MICHELIN star, recognizing the finesse and creativity of its cuisine. This honor was accompanied by a MICHELIN Green Star, highlighting her dedication to sustainability and her use of local, organic ingredients. That same year, Hattab was named one of the «Hospitality Pioneers» by the 50 Next list, which celebrates emerging leaders in global gastronomy. Most recently, in March 2025, she was awarded the Swiss Culinary Merit, an honor given to seven outstanding professionals in the field. As the only woman among the laureates that year, she was recognized for her innovative approach to vegan cuisine and her growing influence on Switzerland's gastronomic scene. Restaurant Dar in Zurich / DR Where Flavor Meets Ethics Beyond the awards, Hattab is widely respected for her commitment to ethical and sustainable dining. She collaborates closely with local producers to source organic ingredients, staying true to her philosophy of environmentally conscious, tradition-inspired cuisine. Her rapid rise reflects a major shift in haute cuisine, where vegan gastronomy is increasingly recognized and celebrated. By blending tradition with innovation, Zineb Hattab is not only redefining culinary norms but also paving the way for a new generation of chefs who prioritize both taste and sustainability.
