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A culinary portfolio should be a representation of your journey as a chef, baker or food artist. It’s not just a collection of recipes or dishes it’s a personal brand statement that communicates your talent, passion and unique approach to food.

In this guide, you’ll learn step by step how to make a culinary portfolio that highlights your expertise, inspires confidence in potential employers or clients and reflects your signature culinary style.

Whether you’re a student at a culinary school, an aspiring private chef, or a seasoned professional expanding your brand, a professional online portfolio can help you stand out in a competitive industry.

How to make a culinary portfolio in 5 steps

Your culinary portfolio is more than a visual menu it’s a curated story about your growth, creativity and artistry. Follow these five steps to understand how to build a portfolio that leaves a lasting impression on potential employers, investors, or collaborators.

1. Collect together your best culinary work

2. Write a strong chef bio

3. Build and design your online culinary portfolio

4. Add your credentials and achievements

5. Keep your portfolio updated

01. Collect together your best culinary work

Start by selecting the pieces that best showcase your range and skill. Think of this as your culinary highlight reel, the dishes, menus and presentations that truly reflect your creativity and mastery as a chef.

Include:

• Dish photography: Professionally styled, high-resolution photos that capture your plating, color, and texture.

• Recipe samples: A few signature recipes or menu highlights that represent your culinary identity.

• Event catering or restaurant projects: Include images and descriptions of pop-ups, collaborations or seasonal menus you’ve developed.

• Process shots: Photos of you in the kitchen, plating food, or working with ingredients add authenticity and personality.

If you’re still in culinary school or early in your career, focus on showcasing improvement and learning. A mix of simple dishes and advanced techniques shows range and growth.

02. Write a strong chef bio

Your chef bio sets the tone for your entire portfolio. It introduces who you are, what inspires you and how your background shapes your culinary philosophy.

Start with your culinary journey, where you trained, mentors you’ve worked with, and the types of cuisines you specialize in. Then, express your personal values: sustainability, innovation, tradition, or artistry.

For example:“I’m a plant-based chef passionate about creating sustainable, flavor-forward dishes that challenge the boundaries of modern cuisine. Trained at Le Cordon Bleu, I combine classical techniques with fresh, seasonal ingredients to craft experiences that nourish and inspire.”

Keep your tone authentic and concise throughout. You can also include a short mission statement or quote that reflects your approach to cooking, such as “Food is storytelling — each dish is a chapter in the experience.”

03. Build and design your online culinary portfolio

Your portfolio’s design should be as refined and intentional as your food presentation.

Wix is an all-in-one portfolio builder that makes creating a professional culinary portfolio simple and visually stunning. With hundreds of customizable portfolio templates designed for chefs, bakers and food creators, you can easily showcase your dishes, recipes and achievements.

Wix includes reliable web hosting, a custom domain name option and intuitive drag-and-drop design tools. Its built-in SEO features, media galleries and mobile-optimized layouts help your culinary work stand out and attract clients, employers or collaborators worldwide.

Be inspired:

• Food truck website examples

Key sections to include in your culinary portfolio

• Home page: Feature your signature dish or a short video of you in action. Add a tagline that encapsulates your culinary identity.

• About me: Share your background, training, and philosophy. Include a professional portrait.

• Gallery or menu: Showcase your dishes, menus, and themed collections (e.g., desserts, seasonal, plated art).

• Recipes or creations: Include a few recipes or behind-the-scenes insights into your creative process.

• Achievements: Awards, media features, collaborations, or certifications.

• Contact: A simple form for bookings, collaborations, or media inquiries.

  
  

Use color palettes that reflect your cuisine’s style — earthy tones for rustic chefs, monochrome elegance for fine dining, or bright accents for creative or pastry-focused chefs. Avoid clutter and let your imagery speak for itself.

Be inspired by this selection of best portfolio websites.

04. Add credentials and achievements

Culinary professionals are often defined by their training and accomplishments. Use this section to highlight your education, experience, and recognition.

Include:

• Education and training: Culinary schools, apprenticeships or workshops.

• Certifications: Food safety, nutrition or advanced cooking techniques.

• Awards and accolades: Competitions, culinary festivals or magazine features.

• Professional experience: Notable restaurants, events or collaborations you’ve contributed to.

Add press mentions or reviews if available, quotes from critics or testimonials from clients help build trust and authority.

If you’ve appeared in culinary media (TV shows, online tutorials, cookbooks), embed video clips or links to highlight your exposure and personality on camera.

05. Keep your portfolio updated

Your culinary career evolves constantly, and your portfolio should evolve with it. Update your site regularly with:

• New seasonal menus or dishes

• Photos of recent events or pop-ups

• Updated bios, headshots, and media mentions

• Testimonials from satisfied clients or collaborators

You might also consider adding a blog or journal section where you share recipes, kitchen techniques or stories behind your creations. This not only helps your audience connect with you but also improves your SEO by keeping your site active and content-rich.

An up-to-date portfolio demonstrates professionalism, passion, and consistency all qualities valued in the culinary industry.

Be inspired: How to make a winery website

How to make a culinary portfolio FAQ

What are the absolute must's to include in a culinary portfolio?

• High-quality food photography

• Menus

• Recipes

• Bio

• Testimonials

• Videos of you cooking

Should I use a professional photographer for my images?

While smartphone cameras can work in natural light, investing in professional food photography can elevate your portfolio’s visual quality and credibility especially if you’re aiming for fine dining or media exposure.

Should I included recipes in my portfolio?

Yes but selectively. Share signature dishes that represent your culinary style, without giving away proprietary recipes you plan to sell or publish elsewhere.

How often should I update my culinary portfolio?

Update your portfolio every few months or whenever you launch a new menu, win an award, or complete a noteworthy collaboration. Consistent updates show ongoing creativity and growth.