Tamás Széll was born in 1982. Working as a sous-chef together with his partner Szabina Szulló, he has been a major influence in shaping Hungarian gourmet cuisine: in 2011, the two earned the first Michelin star for the Onyx restaurant. After his breakthrough at the Bocuse d’Or in Lyon, where he won the European preliminary round in 2016, he opened Stand25 Bistro in 2017 and the fine-dining restaurant Stand in Budapest in 2018, which was awarded its first Michelin star just eight months later and its second in 2022. As coach, he led the Hungarian team all the way to the podium at the Bocuse d’Or in Lyon in 2023. Széll, also known for his TV show "Főmenü", is an advocate of Hungarian cuisine, regional ingredients and the fishing industry. His restaurants, Stand25 and Stand, are a celebration of this ancient imperial cuisine, which he prepares in a sustainable and innovative way: "You never forget the flavours of your grandma’s cooking!" Szell’s craft combines traditional Hungarian ingredients with modern gastronomy, creating taste experiences that marry indulgence with comfort.