Karen Keygnaert

Karen Keygnaert
Born	Flanders, Belgium
Occupation	Chef
Known for	Michelin star at Restaurant A'Qi; founder of Cantine Copine

Karen Keygnaert is a chef from Belgium who achieved a Michelin star at Restaurant A'Qi prior to founding Cantine Copine, where she intentionally chose not to seek Michelin distinction.

Career

Originating from Flanders, Belgium, Keygnaert partnered with Arnold Hanbuckers in 2009 to establish Restaurant A'Qi. The establishment was awarded a Michelin star in 2012, which she maintained independently following Hanbuckers' departure in 2013 until 2016. During this period, she stood as the sole female chef in Flanders to hold such an honor. In 2013, she collaborated on a cookbook inspired by the dishes served at A'Qi. Two years later, in 2015, she featured seafood specialties aboard the Taste Boat as part of Taste Week.

When she opened Cantine Copine, Keygnaert consciously opted out of pursuing Michelin stars, citing the exclusivity and changed expectations that come with such accolades. This philosophy is shared by other Belgian culinary figures like Jo Bussels and Christophe Van den Berghe, who also declined Michelin recognition. Cantine Copine is staffed entirely by women—chosen for their expertise rather than intent—with several having previously worked at A'Qi. The menu represents a development from her earlier offerings, designed to make dining more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.