Jaakko Sorsa

Background

About Jaakko Sorsa

Some of Chef Jaakko Sorsa’s most pleasant memories go back to his grandparents’ island, located on one of Finland’s 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 three 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. Jaakko is currently Executive Chef at Ocean Table, a private performing arts and culinary space owned and operated by Tasting Kitchen (TK) Media Group. Set the on the edge of Ap Lei Chau with stunning sea views, Ocean Table serves as a hub for TK’s collaborations with luxury brands, VIPs, international chefs, design partners, hospitality industry leaders and media, providing a base for private events as well as filmmaking.