Know more about us
Founded in 2013, the Asian Institute of Culinary Medicine stands as the pioneering accredited culinary medicine school in Asia, uniquely positioned to blend culinary skills with medical education. In collaboration with the Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine and the Asian Lifestyle Medicine Council, the institute offers comprehensive training that empowers healthcare professionals and aspiring culinary medicine chefs alike. Through innovative programs launched in 2016, students learn how to harness the power of food as a tool for promoting health, preventing disease, and enhancing overall well-being and health outcomes. The institute's commitment to excellence in culinary medicine not only elevates the standard of education in the region but also paves the way for a healthier future, where nutrition and culinary skills play a vital role in lifestyle practices.
Our mission
To educate healthcare professionals, culinary experts, and the public on the principles of Culinary Medicine, equipping them with practical skills to integrate nutritious, delicious, and culturally sensitive meals into everyday life.
Our vision
The leading center of excellence in Culinary Medicine in Asia, bridging the art of cooking and the science of medicine to promote health, prevent disease, and empower communities to thrive through sustainable, evidence-based dietary practices.
Our team
The Asian Institute of Culinary Medicine Team is a dynamic group of passionate professionals dedicated to revolutionizing health through the power of food. Comprising healthcare experts, nutritionists, chefs, researchers, and educators, the team blends culinary artistry with evidence-based science to promote health, prevent disease, and transform lives. Guided by a shared commitment to innovation, cultural diversity, and sustainability, they work collaboratively to empower individuals and communities to embrace food as medicine. Together, they are shaping the future of holistic health and wellness across Asia.
Dr. Mechelle Palma
Founder
Dr. Belenda Varona
nutritionist dietician
Dr. Monalisa Xavier
teaching kitchen coach
Chef Winnie
Recipe developer
Chef Small
Teaching kitchen coach
Dr. Carissa Losanta
Teaching kitchen coach
Dr. Bysshe Fernan
clinical instructor
Dr. Vigilanda Solijon
clinical instructor
Our Objectives
Transform Lives
To inspire individuals and communities to embrace food as medicine, fostering holistic well-being, reducing the burden of lifestyle-related diseases, and creating a ripple effect of health across Asia.
Celebrate Diversity
To honor and integrate Asia’s rich culinary heritage with modern nutritional science, creating a unique approach that respects tradition while promoting health and sustainability.
Innovate and Lead
To advance the field of Culinary Medicine through cutting-edge research, culinary innovation, and collaboration with experts across healthcare, nutrition, and gastronomy.
Collaborate for Impact
To partner with educational institutions, healthcare systems, government agencies, and private organizations to make Culinary Medicine accessible, impactful, and scalable throughout Asia.
ACCREDITATION & AFFILIATION
The Asian Institute of Culinary Medicine is proud to be accredited by the Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine (PCLM), a leading institution in advancing the principles and practice of Lifestyle Medicine in the Philippines. This accreditation underscores the institute's commitment to delivering evidence-based programs that align with the highest standards of healthcare education and culinary innovation, emphasizing the transformative role of food in preventing and managing chronic diseases.
In addition, the institute is affiliated with the Asian Lifestyle Medicine Council (ALMC), a premier regional organization dedicated to fostering collaboration among Lifestyle Medicine professionals across Asia. This affiliation strengthens the institute's mission by connecting it to a wider network of experts, resources, and best practices, ensuring its initiatives are at the forefront of Lifestyle Medicine advancements.
Through these partnerships, the Asian Institute of Culinary Medicine continues to lead in integrating culinary excellence with science-based nutrition, creating impactful solutions for the health and wellness of communities across the region.