Food Critic

Who is a Food Critic?

A food critic also referred to as a food writer, which although an off-beat career is an increasingly popular career in India. Although the career is in its infancy unlike medical and engineering streams, a food critic has a strong understanding of good food.

What does a Food Critic do?

Also known as a restaurant critic, a food critic is well-acquainted with reviewing and writing about food in the food industry, including restaurants, and hotels. Typically, any food critic has a strong passion for food and knows how to distinguish good food from not so good ones.

What are the skills required?

• The candidate has to be outgoing and social

• Should have a strong taste of sense

• Should be capable of making contacts, as well as, know how to create a network and influence others

• Should have objective and critical thinking skills

• Should be passionate about travelling

• Should be unbiased and have an objective attitude

• Should have effective communication skills

• Should be proficient in knowing about the foodservice sector and the nitty-gritty of dishes

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What is the Career Scope for a Food critic in India?

A food critic has an integral role to play in the world of Gastronomy. There are enormous career prospects and scope for a food critic in the country at present.

• Publishing: A food critic can be recruited as an in-house editor, writer, or contributor or a columnist of a newspaper’s food & culture division or for a web portal. However, one should have a minimum experience of 5 years in the relevant industry or field to be considered for such a role.

• Television: Food critics have tremendous prospects in the field of TV journalists, especially in food and cookery shows. Once they create a niche for themselves, food critics can also be a part of the lifestyle and travel shows on TV.

• Internet: Thanks to the massive advancement in the world of the Internet, food critics can create their own channels on social media sites like YouTube, start a blog or a vlog of their own, or can even be an influencer on networking sites like Instagram.

How much does a Food Critic make?

In the beginning, a food reviewer or critic can expect a salary between INR 15,000 and 20,000 every month. However, there will be a bump with an increase in their popularity, exposure, and experience.

Major recruiters

• TripAdvisor

• Zomato

• OpenTable

• Google

• Yelp

Where to study?

It is imperative to point out that there is no particular course for becoming a food critic. However, interested candidates should earn a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Mass Media, Communications, or English to get the perfect base to make their career as food critics in India.

Another good educational route to take is to pursue a bachelor’s degree, a certificate program, or a diploma in the foodservice industry or culinary art. It will help them to have valuable insights into the culinary world.

The third path one can take to become a food critic is to get a degree in hospitality management or hotel management. The degree will serve as a fantastic training ground to imbibe the etiquette and essence of the foodservice sector.

Following are some of the best colleges in India where interested candidates can enroll:

• Indian Institute of Mass Communication (New Delhi)

• The Asian College of Journalism (Chennai)

• Mass Communication Research Centre (New Delhi)

• MIT College of Food Technology (Maharashtra)

• Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (Thanjavur- TN)

• Times School of Journalism (New Delhi)

What are the Books and study material available?

• Resource Guide for Food Writers Paperback by Garry Allen

• Nose to Tail Eating: A Kind of British Cooking by Fergus Henderson

• Real Cooking by Nigel Slater

• The River Cottage Meat Book by Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall

Interesting facts

Some of the country’s top food critics include Himanshu Sehgal, Roxanne Bomboat, and Kalyan Karmakar.