General Santos City — Seasoned Dabawenya chef and culinary educator Bambi Lim is expanding her skills-focused culinary school, Le Culinaire, to General Santos City. The school emphasizes hands-on training and industry readiness, aiming to elevate culinary education in Mindanao.
Vision for Culinary Education
Lim's vision for the school goes beyond teaching cooking techniques. She hopes to showcase Mindanao's rich culture and ingredients while preparing students for professional kitchens. “My mission is to proliferate culinary education around Mindanao. We are rich in ingredients, culture and history, and culinary arts allow us to share that richness with the world,” Lim said.
Hands-On Curriculum
The curriculum focuses on practical learning, with students spending most of their time in the kitchen rather than in lectures. “I believe in the power of muscle memory. In the kitchen, it's the skills that matter,” she explained. The three-month program covers knife skills, cooking methods, baking, and food preparation, with students cooking from day one.
“On the first day of class, we don't spend hours on orientation. We cook right away. That's how learning begins,” Lim emphasized.
Industry Pathways
Students also gain access to internships and job opportunities through partnerships with hospitality establishments. The training model is designed to make graduates job-ready quickly while maintaining industry standards. Lim added that culinary education should develop practical competencies for immediate application in professional kitchens.
Cultural Appreciation
Beyond technical skills, Lim hopes students will appreciate the cultural significance of food and its role in preserving heritage. Understanding local ingredients and traditions is key to becoming a well-rounded chef. “I believe we will be producing world-class chefs here,” she said.
Le Culinaire's General Santos branch is the school's third location. Lim is optimistic about its future in the city and aims to develop the next generation of culinary professionals in the region.
