Tim Raue, one of the most renowned chefs in Germany, is celebrated for his fusion cuisine that blends Asian influences—particularly Japanese, Chinese, and Thai—with Western techniques. His eponymous restaurant, Restaurant Tim Raue, located in Berlin's Kreuzberg district, holds two Michelin stars and has received numerous international accolades.
The Biography
Born in 1974 in Berlin, Tim Raue grew up in a tough environment in East Berlin, in a poor neighborhood marked by crime. Despite a tumultuous childhood, Raue found his path through cooking, working as an apprentice in various Berlin restaurants. After an apprenticeship at Chalet Suisse in the Grunewald district, he became chef de cuisine at Rosenbaum at just 23 years old and later took on the same role at Kaiserstuben. In 1998, Raue was named Newcomer of the Year by Der Feinschmecker.
In 2002, Raue moved to Restaurant 44 at the Berlin Swissôtel, where he was named Chef of the Year by Gault-Millau in 2007. His work at Restaurant 44 earned a Michelin star and 18 Gault-Millau points. In 2008, he published a cookbook titled Aromen(r)evolution (Aroma (R)evolution). His experiences led him to explore the culinary world beyond Germany, especially in Asia, where he developed a deep passion for Japanese, Chinese, and Thai cuisine.
In 2010, Raue opened Restaurant Tim Raue in Berlin, near Checkpoint Charlie. There, he created a unique culinary experience reflecting his love for Japanese precision, the bold flavors of Thailand, and the philosophy of Chinese cuisine. The restaurant quickly earned a Michelin star in 2012, followed by a second star in 2013, maintaining a consistently high level of excellence throughout the years.
Raue also gained international attention thanks to his appearance on Netflix’s Chef's Table, where he shared his journey from a difficult upbringing to a successful culinary career. Beyond his flagship restaurant, he has opened other venues in Berlin, such as Sra Bua by Tim Raue, and continues to collaborate on international culinary projects.
In 2016, Restaurant Tim Raue was included in the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, reaching the 37th spot in 2018, a recognition that solidifies the global impact of his cuisine. Raue has become an ambassador of Asian cuisine in Europe, promoting a fusion style that highlights bold flavors and balanced contrasts.
