How would you like to enjoy a meal created by the world’s smallest chef? At just 6cm tall, according to legend, he was born in April 2015 in Marseille, France.
Le Petit Chef is a fully immersive 3D dining experience where a tiny, animated chef is projected directly onto your table, cooking your meal right in front of your eyes. It’s playful, it’s cinematic, and it’s genuinely unlike anything you’ve experienced at a dinner table before — and he has officially taken up residence in The Hague for the very first time.
The concept was created by Belgian artist collective Skullmapping — Antoon Verbeeck and Filip Sterckx. Previously focused on projections onto house walls and streets, and participants in light festivals worldwide, the duo decided to try it out on tabletops. The premiere took place on Antoon Verbeeck’s terrace, where both artists cooked for their friends. Le Petit Chef himself is a 3D scan of Verbeeck’s son, and the inspiration for the entire show.
Le Petit Chef was previously only available in Amsterdam — however, voco The Hague, the quintessential hotel with Dutch design, wanted to bring this truly one-of-a-kind experience to our beach city. It’s an extraordinary dining concept, one that goes far beyond a traditional dinner, and they felt The Hague deserved its own piece of that magic.
Le Petit Chef offers different show editions globally, and The Hague is currently running Show 1. The menu is a set five-course offering, and what makes this version special is that the hotel has incorporated locally sourced ingredients from regional suppliers, keeping it rooted in local identity. A curated wine pairing option is also available to complement each course.
Each course begins with a show projected directly onto your table, right before your meal is served. From the chef dealing with a mischievous mole in the garden to sailing the sea in search of seafood, it’s charming and sweet — and right up your alley if you’re looking for something genuinely different.
So the show is the highlight, but what about the actual food? I tried both the classic and vegetarian menus, which were freshly made and satisfying. From a caprese salad with gorgeous burrata, beautifully plated, to a vegetarian main of rich and creamy mushroom ravioli and a classic main of beef sirloin paired with broccoli — the menu delivers lovely ingredients and flavours you may not expect.
Le Petit Chef is an evening that will surprise you, and a wonderful way to mark a special occasion. Click here to read about the concept and to make a booking: https://lepetitchef.com/the-hague/
Do you have a story about your own café, restaurant or bar in the city? Reach out to sherika@thehagueonline.com to possibly be featured.
Sherika Rooplal-Clappers is a contributing writer for The Hague Online, covering culture, lifestyle, and local events. With a passion for storytelling and international perspectives, she highlights the people, places, and experiences that make The Hague a dynamic city.
Images: voco The Hague and Sherika Rooplal-Clappers
Beautifica is a multi-sensory 360° journey through worlds real and imagined, designed to be a celebration of life. This family-friendly seated experience is a feast for the senses which will leave your spirit refreshed and your face grinning ear to ear.
Beautifica 360 follows the #1 fastest selling planetarium music experience of all time, Mesmerica 360. Behind both, is the inspiration of visionary composer James Hood in conjunction with some of the world’s finest motion animators. Comprising a 360° journey through worlds real and imagined, the show is designed to promote joy with fantastic imagery in a planetarium experience.
The last few years have been an extremely challenging and fearful time for humankind and following the success of Mesmerica, which had truly captivated and delighted its audiences, it was time for James to go deeper as both an artist and composer. What could assist humanity in recovering from the profound effects of a global pandemic and lockdown? His answer was Beautifica.
“I would like to invite you to join me on this adventure. Come celebrate the Beautifica of being alive!” – James Hood.
Beautifica 360 is the perfect night out and family event (ages 6+). Running time of 60 minutes
James Hood James Hood is a renowned versatile musical pioneer. A drummer and percussionist, he has played with the British-American rock band The Pretenders and for more than two decades, masterminded the visionary ambient/electronica act Moodswings, and created an expansive array of soundtrack projects. James’ albums Ceremony and Pure Ceremony, reached #1 on World and New Age charts in the US, Canada, Australia and the UK. The story continued with the release of Mesmerica, the global smash-hit that gave rise to the now record-breaking immersive 360°experience. During the pandemic and as a response to it, James created the album and sister show Beautifica, an evolution of his sound and a euphoric celebration of life also now showing in select cities.
Venue provided complimentary food and drinks during Sherika’s visit for this feature. The Hague Online retained editorial control, and the views expressed are the writer’s own
It was while living in Australia, in a tiny mining town, that Clo Darras met her Dutch partner Ziggy Douw. It was there that they heard locals share the story of the Green Birdflower plant — small and unassuming, you most likely wouldn’t even notice it, and that would be a shame, as its leaves are uniquely shaped like a bird. A wonderful reminder to stop and take a moment to look around you, as beauty surrounds us all the time. Ziggy gifted the plant to Clo on a date, so it holds a special place for the couple, and it felt only natural that it would become the name of their now beloved café, Birdflower, located at Professor Kaiserstraat 55.
After travelling the world for 10 years, cooking in different restaurants and learning as much as they could about food and flavour, the couple decided to make The Hague home — where Ziggy is originally from. Clo, being French, made the city her own and felt at home here from day one. With the large expat community, it was easy to make connections, and Clo loved that nature was always around the corner — from the beach to the dunes, greenery can easily be found here.
The couple experimented with a pop-up during Covid, which was a success, and then decided to turn it into a café. This July, they will celebrate the café’s 4th birthday. The menu changes every three months — everything homemade — and they only cook and bake with ingredients that are in season, staying true to nature. This means everything on the menu is fresh and the produce is at its most delicious. Clo is extremely passionate about locally sourced ingredients and supporting the suppliers who care for them, including miso sourced from a Japanese supplier in the city, made from buckwheat rather than soy. She lights up talking about it, and that passion also comes through in the food itself — the pastries are beautifully crafted works of art that tell a story when you eat them.
The menu is made up mainly of pastries and a handful of other items, including some Asian-inspired dishes such as kimchi toast. The kimchi is punchy and bursting with complex, savoury flavour, paired with nutty Comté cheese and sandwiched between soft sourdough toasted to golden perfection, served with a dollop of rich, tangy mayo — all proudly made by Clo and Ziggy. They also offer seasonal drinks like juices and iced teas, and rotate their coffee beans throughout the year — fruitier blends for spring and summer, shifting to deeper, warmer roasts in the colder months.
I tried the vegan pistachio and raspberry cookies — indulgent and chewy, and more than satisfying for any vegan. The chocolate torte, made with hazelnut mascarpone, olive oil and sea salt, was rich, moreish, and my personal favourite. The vanilla cheesecake — gluten-free, with chocolate crémeux and fresh berries — is a decadent, artisanal dessert that combines a velvety, dense texture with rich contrasting layers and vibrant toppings. And Clo’s personal pick? The pain au chocolat, one of the best in the city — it will transport you straight to Paris.
An honourable mention goes to the iced chai latte. As someone of South Asian descent, chai is often botched in Western cafés, so I was thoroughly satisfied with this one and would happily return for it.
Clo is clearly passionate about the hard work that goes into the café, and supporting the local community is what drives her — she wins when they win, a shared joy all round.
Earlier this year, the couple opened a second location — a takeaway spot at Azaleaplein 1K — and for their sit down café, they have plans for some small renovations and a more streamlined menu in the coming months, allowing them to focus on what is truly working: the coffee, pastries and sandwiches.
No visit to The Hague is complete without stopping into Birdflower. And as a reminder — I hope you take a moment to pause during your busy day and look out for the beauty that surrounds you. It’s probably closer than you think.
Do you have a story about your own café, restaurant or bar in the city? Reach out to sherika@thehagueonline.com to possibly be featured.
Sherika Rooplal-Clappers is a contributing writer for The Hague Online, covering culture, lifestyle, and local events. With a passion for storytelling and international perspectives, she highlights the people, places, and experiences that make The Hague a dynamic city.
Images: Sherika Rooplal-Clappers and Sheryl Holliday
Belgian Stephan Vanfleteren (1969), one of the most acclaimed photographers of the moment, has been commissioned by the Mauritshuis to create new work. This will be on display from April 23 in the exhibition Pentimenti – Stephan Vanfleteren among the Masters. Sixteen photographs, fifteen of which are new, are inspired by 17th-century paintings from the museum collection and are shown among the masterpieces. Vanfleteren was previously involved with the Mauritshuis during the anniversary exhibition FLASH | BACK (2022). The impressive photograph he took at the time, inspired by Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp (1632), is now also on display again.
Pentimenti is an Italian word which literally translated means “repentance” or ‘’mistakes’’. Vanfleteren observes that nowadays there is little room for regret or revisiting one’s decisions. Coincidentally, the word is used in the world of art to describe when a painting has been altered, reworked or over-painted. Vanfleteren places pentimenti in a broader perspective, highlighting regrettable periods or incidents in human history. He says, “It is a pity that pentimenti is so rarely seen on the political or military stage,” perhaps demonstrating that history is always written by the victors. He continues, “Whether it’s a cold-hearted Tsar pushing young Russians into the trenches, or a Zionist keeping a war grinding on just to save his own skin . . . no one regrets their misdeeds.” So how does this manifest itself at Mauritshuis?
Martine Gosselink, Director of the Mauritshuis, asked Vanfleteren to re-examine the museum collection with the aim of establishing a visual dialogue between the present and the past. Together, they walked through the museum’s 16 galleries, searching for the hidden meanings, lessons, and messages that paintings from four centuries ago can convey to us. What intentions lay behind these masterpieces at the time? What remains of the ideas and visions the artists wished to capture back then? And what significance do these paintings hold for the world today? Vanfleteren’s photographs engage in a conversation with the paintings, offering a 21st-century interpretation of 17th-century icons. This creates a fascinating contrast for visitors.
Vanfleteren has taken a unique photograph for each room of the museum that captures the essence of one specific painting or theme. This gives the visitor the opportunity to view the old paintings through the eyes of the photographer and gain new insights. Within the context of painting, he refers to corrections that artists made to their paintings during the painting process. Vanfleteren takes the word pentimenti literally as well: what mistakes have become visible throughout the history of humanity, on both the micro and macro levels? In this way, he challenges the classic works and captures them anew in a way that brings them back to life. In his photographs, he plays with reflection, contrast, and symbolism, which deepens the meaning of the original artwork.
The exhibition is accompanied by a remarkable book: Vanfleteren and Gosselink corresponded with each other during the creative process. This exchange of letters has been compiled into a book of letters. They wrote to each other about the Mauritshuis collection, art in general, and the value and significance of artworks – but also about the world around them. The book is an intimate account of their exchange of thoughts on the artworks, their significance in the contemporary world, and the hidden stories concealed within the paintings. The letters reveal their views on art and their views on life, differing as man and woman, as Fleming and Dutchman, and as creator versus administrator. And so, a book of letters has been created that serves not only as an account of the Mauritshuis collection and history, but also as a personal exchange between two people operating in very different fields within the art world.
Stephan Vanfleteren, known for his raw and honest photography, has always captured the vulnerability and beauty of humanity and life. His work touches upon themes such as life, death, the power of nature, and the reciprocity of our existence. Vanfleteren is internationally recognized, and with this exhibition, he adds a new layer to the rich history of the Mauritshuis through his own deeply personal vision of 17th-century painting.
The exhibition is not for the sensitive – there are pictures of a severed hand, a dead dog and horse so some may find this difficult to view.
Pentimenti – Stephan Vanfleteren among the masters 23 April 2026 – 23 August 2026
Sherika Rooplal-Clappers is a contributing writer for The Hague Online, covering culture, lifestyle, and local events. With a passion for storytelling and international perspectives, she highlights the people, places, and experiences that make The Hague a dynamic city.
The tradition of celebrating the Dutch monarch’s birthday dates back to 1885, when Princess Wilhelmina’s fifth birthday was marked with national festivities. It was originally called Prinsessedag, then became Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day) as the Netherlands was ruled by queens for much of the 20th century — first Wilhelmina, then Juliana, then Beatrix. Queen’s Day was famously celebrated on 30 April. When King Willem-Alexander took the throne in 2013, the holiday was renamed Koningsdag and the date shifted to his actual birthday: 27 April. The House of Orange-Nassau connection also explains the sea of orange — the colour has long been a symbol of the Dutch royal family.
King’s Day in The Hague
The Hague has a particularly special relationship with the day, given its status as the royal city.
The vrijmarkt (free market) is the heart of it all — markets scatter across the city, with everyone from kids to grandparents selling old treasures, performing, or just soaking up the atmosphere.
Find bargains at the free market
Some of the best spots:
Belgisch Park
Belgisch Plein & Stevinstraat — neighbourhood charm, good mix of sellers
Frederik Hendriklaan
Statenkwartier — lively, popular with families and young crowds
Noordeinde
Near the palace — a bit of royal atmosphere alongside the stalls
Keizerstraat, Scheveningen
Beach vibes, more relaxed pace — good if you want sea air with your bargain hunting
The Life I Live Festival
King’s Night takes place the night before, on 26 April. The centre will once again be transformed into one huge festival site. This free city festival brings together local pride and top national acts for a night full of energy and musical discovery. This year, Lange Voorhout will feature two stages with energetic and moving performances, with a Silent Disco (in collaboration with PAARD) at the centre, whilst Kerkplein (in collaboration with PIP) is the place for electronic beats. At the Hofvijver and at Popdistrict on the Grote Markt (Sniesterstage), the party kicks off with live music in all styles — from hypnotic soundscapes to raw guitars.
King’s Fair
Currently on until 27 April, Malieveld will once again be transformed into a grand Royal Fair with attractions for young and old — something for everyone at an affordable price.
Hollands Live Festival
Billed as the largest Dutch-language festival in South Holland, Hollands Live is held at Zuiderpark. The vibe is distinctly Dutch — think sing-along pop and schlager music with a very orange, very gezellig crowd. The line-up features artists like Gerard Joling, Mart Hoogkamer, Monique Smit, and Django Wagner — all big names in mainstream Dutch pop and Nederlandstalige (Dutch-language) music.
Fancy a unique King’s Night? Come aboard the Willemsvaart and celebrate on The Hague’s canals. You can book a boat trip for up to 23 people — for more information or to book, email info@willemsvaart.nl.
So what do you need to make the most of the celebrations?
Dress in orange. Stores like Hema will have everything you need to get kitted out — including accessories for your furry friend too.
Bring cash to the vrijmarkt if you plan on shopping, and get there early to find the good stuff.
King’s Night is one of the rare occasions when you are allowed to walk the streets with your own drinks, so grab a cooler or backpack if you’re looking for a more affordable option. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase throughout the night.
Eat a tompouce. Several bakeries make them orange to mark the occasion, and no King’s Day is complete without one.
There’s your King’s Day survival guide — enjoy it. Living in The Hague for this one is genuinely special. 🧡
