Syrco Bakker is a Dutch chef who spent more than a decade as head chef of Pure C in Cadzand, the two-Michelin-star restaurant he ran alongside his mentor Sergio Herman. Rising from dishwasher to one of the Netherlands’ most respected chefs, he built a reputation for refined, coastal cooking rooted in the produce of Zeeland.
Trained in some of Europe’s finest kitchens, Bakker helped make Pure C a benchmark of Dutch fine dining before setting out on new ventures of his own.
TL;DR
- Dutch chef, long-time head chef of Pure C in Cadzand
- Ran Pure C alongside mentor Sergio Herman
- Earned Pure C its first Michelin star, then a second in 2018
- Trained at Sergio Herman’s three-star Oud Sluis
- Left Pure C after 12 years to pursue new projects
Syrco Bakker key facts
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Known for | Pure C, Cadzand (2 Michelin stars) |
| Mentor | Sergio Herman |
| Second star | 2018 |
| Style | Refined coastal cuisine, Zeeland produce |
From dishwasher to chef
Syrco Bakker began his career as a dishwasher before working his way up, earning a degree in hotel and hospitality management and becoming a chef. Early experience with leading names including Jonnie Boer and Gordon Ramsay led him to Sergio Herman’s three-Michelin-star Oud Sluis, a defining chapter in his development.
Pure C
When Herman opened Pure C in Cadzand in 2010, Bakker became head chef. Within about eighteen months the restaurant earned its first Michelin star, and in 2018 a second followed, along with a high Gault Millau score. For twelve years Bakker led the kitchen, making Pure C one of the most admired restaurants in the Netherlands.
A new chapter
After more than a decade at the helm, and over fifteen years working with Herman, Bakker parted ways with his mentor to pursue new challenges in entrepreneurship, including plans for restaurants in the Netherlands and beyond. It marked the start of an independent chapter in his career.
Signature style
Bakker’s cooking is refined, precise and deeply connected to the coast of Zeeland. He builds his dishes around superb local seafood and produce, reflecting the aesthetic and sense of place he absorbed working with Sergio Herman. It is elegant, contemporary Dutch fine dining at the highest level.
Syrco Bakker in context
Bakker is one of the leading Dutch chefs featured on Pickup Table 4, part of the Sergio Herman school alongside other North Sea and Low Countries chefs such as Nick Bril.
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Syrco Bakker FAQ
Who is Syrco Bakker?
A Dutch chef, long-time head chef of Pure C in Cadzand.
Who is his mentor?
Sergio Herman, with whom he worked for over 15 years.
How many Michelin stars did Pure C have?
Two, the second earned in 2018.
Where did he train?
At Sergio Herman’s three-star Oud Sluis, among others.
What is his style?
Refined coastal cuisine built on Zeeland produce.
