Career in Food Critic

A food critic is someone who visits restaurants and analyzes food or restaurants and then publishes the report of their findings. In other words, he/she is a review writer who either works independently or for any corporation. Moreover, a food critic also shares opinions in food columns in various newspapers, magazines or in their blog.

How to become a Food Critic?

Food Critics should require in-depth knowledge of two different basic elements that can be acquired by two different modes. One is good writing & editing skills and the other is professional knowledge of food industry. It is not an easy job to do because one has to be creative and need to play with words in describing the food and reviewing dishes. So one need to carry solid writing skills

Food Critic Eligibility

Minimum eligibility to become food critic to require a bachelor’s degree in journalism or mass communication is 10+2 class pass or equivalent. Eligible candidates can appear for entrance test conducted by various institutes and universities to get admission in the bachelor’s in mass communication course. However some institutes provide admission on the basis of percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying examination. For getting in depth professional knowledge about food industry the aspiring candidates can look for hotel management degree/ diploma or attend culinary courses.

Besides basic qualification, food critic should also carry certain skills including:

• Understanding of the culinary business and food in general
• Relevant training and experience in restaurants and food industry
• Strong and effective writing skills along with unbiased and constructive criticism

Food Critic Job Options

With rapid growth in the tourism and hospitality industry and opening up of chains of world class food courts and restaurants has created a huge demand for food critics in virtually all kinds of mass media industries. Good food critics can get job opportunities in print media such daily newspapers, weekly newspapers, food magazines, regional guidebooks, trade publications as well as electronic mass media like radio, TV stations and the Internet. Writing one’s own cook book or publication of newsletter can be another good option for Food critics.

Other related job options are

• Food Editor
• Freelance food writer
• Restaurant reviewer
• Staff food writer
• Syndicated food columnist

Food Critic Salary

Salary of a Food Critic entirely depends upon one ability and experience in the field. Good food critic with incredible skills and understanding of foods and need to keep a tab on every new food items and even restaurants coming up. However to start with a well educated food critic can expect an average salary in the range of Rs.12,000 to Rs.18,000/- pm. Moreover, one can also start his/her own blog or site to get views and can earn benefits through monetary basis.