By: Ethan Lee

Are you a chef or sommelier looking for chef-led food tour jobs? We are already in Paris, Berlin, Seville, and Mexico City, but expanding worldwide? The Chef Tours is actively hiring passionate culinary professionals to lead authentic small-group experiences, and we’re outshining traditional operators.

At The Chef Tours, every tour is led by real chefs and sommeliers who live the city’s food culture. No scripted guides. No clipboard tours. Just genuine, intimate experiences that connect guests directly with the heart of each destination.

In this exclusive interview, founder Karl Wilder reveals why The Chef Tours is expanding its global chef team, what makes us different from Secret Food Tours and other big operators, and exactly what it means to “work with us” as a chef.

Interviewer: Karl, what inspired you to create The Chef Tours instead of another restaurant?

Karl Wilder: I started The Chef Tours because I wanted to show people why food matters, not just where to eat. After years in kitchens around the world, I realised the most powerful meals are the shared, storied, deeply local ones. Tourists were walking past hidden gems and grandmother’s recipes without ever understanding the history or the people behind them. That’s why I built chef-led food tours in Paris, Berlin, Seville, and Mexico City that connect guests to the genuine soul of a city.

Interviewer: You helped grow Secret Food Tours from 4 cities to 50 and turned Paris into a powerhouse for Eating Europe. Why launch your own company?

Karl Wilder: Those experiences taught me everything about scaling food tours internationally. But something was missing: real chefs. The large food tour companies rely on guides reading scripts. At The Chef Tours, every experience is led by working chefs and sommeliers who know the hidden producers, family-run spots, techniques, and stories that no guide can imitate. That authenticity is why guests keep choosing us over Secret Food Tours. We started small in Paris, stayed personal, kept groups small, and focused purely on storytelling, along with great food, and it worked.

Interviewer: Who are you looking for right now?

Karl Wilder: Chefs and sommeliers only, no traditional tour guides. If you live and breathe your city’s food scene in Istanbul, New York, Tokyo, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Budapest, or anywhere else, we want you. Whether you know the secret producers, understand regional wine pairings, or can explain how migration shaped a dish, this is your chance to lead the best chef-led food tours in your city.

Interviewer: What does joining The Chef Tours actually feel like day-to-day?

Karl Wilder: It’s a true partnership. We don’t hand you a script; we build every tour around your expertise. Groups stay small (max 6 guests) so you can have actual conversations and genuine storytelling. All food and drinks are included (gratuities only extra), so you focus on delivering unforgettable experiences instead of upselling. We offer fair percentages, autonomy, and respect because culinary professionals deserve better than the standard food tour model.

Interviewer: Are the opportunities only walking food tours?

Karl Wilder: Absolutely not. We run chef-led food tours, wine tours, and we are open to private cooking classes, wine tastings, and bespoke corporate experiences. In Paris, our restaurant Le Petit Moulin even has a dedicated second-floor space for private dinners and events. If you have a unique idea that showcases your city, we’ll make it happen.

Interviewer: What qualities make someone the perfect fit?

Karl Wilder: Curiosity, storytelling, and pride in your craft. You must love explaining why a dish exists, how local ingredients and history shaped it, and why it still matters today. Our tours involve about two hours of walking (rain or shine) and direct guest interaction. If you value authenticity over trends and genuinely love sharing your city’s food culture, you’ll thrive here.

Interviewer: How do operations work for chefs on the team?

Karl Wilder: Everything is professional and seamless. Bookings run through our secure online platform with automatic confirmations. We have clear 24-hour (standard) and 14-day (private) cancellation policies. Dietary needs (allergies) are handled transparently. Tours need a minimum of two guests, but we welcome solo travellers. You step into a well-oiled system so you can focus 100% on the experience.

Interviewer: Where is The Chef Tours heading next?

Karl Wilder: Thoughtful global expansion. We’re already strong in Paris, Berlin, Seville, and Mexico City, but we’re looking for the right chefs in new cities worldwide. If you believe your city’s food story deserves to be told properly, better than anything the big companies offer, email us. This is a genuine global opportunity for chefs who want more than just a job.

How to Apply for Chef-Led Food Tours Positions

Chefs and sommeliers who are ready to lead authentic experiences in your city worldwide: email Operations@thecheftours.com today.

The Chef Tours is hiring now for chef-led food tours in Paris, chef-led food tours in Istanbul and beyond. This is more than a job — it’s your chance to become the face of genuine culinary travel and help guests experience cities the way locals do.

Karl Wilder’s vision is simple: “Food isn’t just consumed, it connects us.”

For the right chef or sommelier, the next chapter starts with one email.

More details & current tour schedules: https://www.thecheftours.com/