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
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. 🧡
