Redefine Your Culinary Journey

Michelin Internships
Professional Training
Culinary Recruitment
Gastronomy Tours

About The Culinary Artist

The Culinary Artist is dedicated to cultivating culinary excellence in the Asia-Pacific

Our purpose is to nurture talents of all ages and backgrounds through our prestigious chef schools and internship programmes at Michelin starred restaurants in Europe and provide unique employment opportunities through our network of elite partnerships across the hospitality industry.

Whether emerging from our alumni community or as seasoned professionals seeking new ventures, our goal is to seamlessly connect and elevate all manner of culinary talent. We also design immersive gastronomical study tours that delve deep into the classical and contemporary world of food and drink, the sources of premium produce and cutting-edge methods of sustainable agricultural and livestock farming.

We’d love to help you on your culinary journey whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, just out of high school or looking for a new career, want to meet like-minded gastronomes on a gourmet’s short course or go for the prestige of a bachelor’s degree from the Ivy League of culinary schools.

Our Services

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Michelin Experience:
Training & Internships in Europe

The Culinary Artist works exclusively with Italy's most prestigious culinary arts school, ALMA.

Italy is globally renowned for its distinct culinary tradition and rich history. Learn the fundamental techniques for professional cooking, pastries, baking and chocolate from the world's best culinary teachers at ALMA, and having mastered these, let us organise your internship for first-hand experience at Michelin-starred and fine dining establishments across Italy.

The Culinary Artist, together with ALMA provides a launchpad for culinary careers under the tutelage of Italy's most acclaimed restaurants and innovative chefs, empowering you to take your passion and talents to the next level. With The Culinary Artist's assistance from start to finish, students can sharpen their skills and discover new frontiers of Italian cuisine.

Come with us on a journey to Italy to train and intern under celebrated chefs. Immerse yourself fully, then return home full of confidence, creativity and world-class skills.

  • Courses start from 2-week short courses to 11.5 month full immersion and include optional internship opportunities.

Contact us for a free consultation.

Educational Gastronomy Tours

Our bespoke tours are curated for culinary schools, professional development and food enthusiasts

Be immersed in the art of gastronomy through our personalised study tours. Led by a team of industry insiders, tour idyllic vineyards, family-run farms and artisanal producers across Europe.

Explore organic and biodynamic farms to observe traditional and modern practices in sustainable agriculture. Meet farmers pioneering regenerative techniques to cultivate heirloom varieties. Learn about local initiatives promoting seasonal produce and the latest innovations in farm-to-table supply chain systems.

Dine at the world’s finest restaurants, marvel at innovative tasting menus specially paired with expert guided discussions on ingredients, culinary techniques and the philosophy behind each creation.

Beyond exclusive backstage access, gain privileged introductions to Europe’s most renowned food artisans and restauranteurs, and absorb their heritage crafts and commitment to sustainable practices.

Through a journey of bespoke visits, private tutorials and world-class dining immersions, The Culinary Artist gastronomical study tours offer discerning food lovers a truly authentic and educational experience to better understand food and drink.

* Bespoke study tours require a minimum 10 people.

Meet Our Founder

Jim So
Founder & CEO

The Culinary Artist began when Jim So, Founder and CEO, was born and raised in the UK, where he honed many lifelong skills working in family restaurants and catering businesses. In 2023, he was selected to participate in an exclusive UNESCO-UNEVOC Leadership Programme. As part of the programme, he developed an ‘Action Plan for Change’ focussed on “Developing International Training and Employment Pathways for Culinary, Baking and Pastry Chef Trainees in the Asia-Pacific. Highly motivated by this recognition, he decided to “walk the talk” and launch the company.

Passionate about education and providing pathways to meaningful and fulfilling careers, Jim has over 20 years’ experience working in education, including senior leadership roles in world class companies such as Cambridge English (part of the University of Cambridge) and Pearson. He has worked on vocational development projects with the Asia Development Bank (ADB) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) and is the founder of the APAC TVET Forum opened by former New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.

Jim graduated with a master’s from the University of Leeds and a master’s from the University of Cambridge, and achieved a Distinction from the UNESCO-UNEVOC TVET Leadership Programme which laid the foundations for establishing The Culinary Artist.

Jim now resides in Hong Kong and Malaysia with his partner and dog. He loves food from across the world and has a particularly sweet tooth.