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JAAKKO SORSA

-Global Chef-

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JAAKKO SORSA

Ocean Table Executive Chef

Founding President, Disciples Escoffier Hong Kong

Some of Chef Jaakko Sorsa’s most pleasant memories go back to his grandparents’ island, located on one of Finland’s 187,888 lakes. Growing up watching his grandmother transform freshwater fish, wild mushrooms, wild berries and game into delicious dishes, Jaakko was inspired to begin his journey into the culinary arts.

 

Jaakko started his culinary career 27 years ago. He first apprenticed with Finnish and Swedish master chefs, where he gained a solid foundation in classical cooking techniques. For years, he was part of the culinary team assigned to the Presidential Palace of Finland. Preparing dinners for official state visits, his guests have included François Mitterrand, Bill Clinton, and Vladimir Putin among other world leaders.

Jaakko was one of the keys in the success of the two Michelin-starred Chez Dominique in Helsinki. His resume also includes cooking in the luxury hotels and resorts of Bermuda and the Fiji Islands, as well as a stint in the United Nations peacekeeping/crisis management forces in South Lebanon.

 

In 2004, Jaakko arrived in Hong Kong to open FINDS with the goal of introducing true Nordic flavors to the Asian palate. The kitchen at FINDS is closely attuned to the seasons of the north and many of its ingredients are personally sourced from the waters around Scandinavia. Also highlighted are the unique preserving techniques of Finland, which include multiple methods of smoking, drying, curing, and pickling.

 

In 2011, Jaakko was invited to Tokyo to plan and prepare a modern Finnish dinner for Princess Takamado of Japan. To help craft this gastronomic delight, he drew upon his experience in preparing private dinners for the Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark, the Princess of Sweden, and the House of Saud.

 

Jaakko was recently hired by Frantzén Group—the group behind the three Michelin-starred Restaurant Frantzén in Stockholm and the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Zen in Singapore—to bring Studio Frantzén to Shanghai. Jaakko worked with Chef Björn Frantzén and his team in Sweden in finalizing the menu. Unfortunately, the project was put on hold due to the pandemic.

 

At present, Jaakko is in charge of the culinary experiences you will enjoy at Ocean Table.

Ocean Table is a performing arts and culinary space, where guests enjoy 2,000 sq. ft of privacy that includes a music salon, movie theater, bar and sommelier area—all with stunning sea views. Ocean Table is fully owned and operated by TK Media Group.

About
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LATEST NEWS
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Nordic Café Hjem opens
its doors this summer
Hong Kong Living Influencers Awards
2020

Jaakko has been awarded

with a Hong Kong Living Influencer Awards 2020 by Hong Kong Living...

Read the full story

Arctic Blue Gin wins it all
in San Fransisco

Finland’s Arctic Brands Group’s new Arctic Blue Navy Strength Gin has won Double Gold and Best in Show at the World Spirits Awards 2019 in San Francisco...

Read the full story

JAAKKO IN MEDIA

Jaakko is widely known in Asia for his professional culinary skills and his passionate love for Nordic ingredients. Jaakko is a popular speaker at industry events and programs.

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South China Morning Post (2017)

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Kauppalehti-Optio (2019)

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Financial Times Weekend (2016)

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The Foodie Forks Winners (2015)

Media
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GALLERY

GET IN ToUCH!

contact

In any inquiries, please send me an email.

I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Cheers,

Jaakko

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