Chef

A Chef is a trained professional cook, typically the chief cook, who is proficient in all aspects of food preparation, often focusing on a particular cuisine. They oversee a kitchen by managing other members of the food preparation team.

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Education

Though there are two ways to become a chef – through formal training/education or through an apprenticeship with an experienced chef, the former is recommended as it provides the individual with more exposure, guidance and more opportunities. Formal education involves taking a reputed or recognised culinary arts, catering, or hotel management course. In India, there are three forms of courses available -

Bachelor's degree
Diploma course
Certificate course

Among these three, the Bachelor's degree and the Diploma courses are the most reputed Most candidates start off as trainees in this profession, rising through the ranks with time. The minimum aggregate marks secured in +2 need to be 60%. The candidate also needs to pass an entrance exam that tests English, General Knowledge, Reasoning, and General Science.

Knowledge and Tasks

An individual in this career field should possess knowledge about the various different foods and cuisines not only of one's own country but globally. They must possess the ability to cook and present the food, as well as knowledge of the kitchen. This includes skills like a knife and tasting skills, as well as good communication, management, and organisational skills. They must also possess the knowledge of caring for and using the equipment in the kitchen, nutrition, menu planning, inventory, etc. Individuals in this profession also require in-depth knowledge of food science. Through the interaction of different temperatures, humidity, and chemicals, food takes on different characteristics.

Tasks:

- Planning and creating the menu
- Preparing food
- Ensuring inter-departmental coordination
- Procuring materials required for cooking
- Interacting with patrons and clients
- Supervising food preparation
- Staff management
- Innovate/experiment with dishes

Personality

Individuals in this career tend to be organised. If you can stay on top of things, then you will find juggling the demands and requirements of a culinary profession easier to handle. Not only does this help in preparing great food, but also helps one stay passionate and interested in cooking. Chefs also need to be good team players and possess great interpersonal and leadership skills. They need to be able to handle criticism and high stress environments. They also need to be capable of multitasking.

Salary

The average salary of an executive chef ranges from Rs 3,00,000-24,00,000 per year or even more depending on the place of employment and experience. Executive chefs working at 5-star restaurants receive the most money. While an executive chef earns around Rs 1,00,000- 3,00,000 a month, a kitchen management trainee makes around Rs 15,000-20,000 a month. A sous chef in a leading hotel can draw Rs 30,000-70,000 a month.

Pros

A career as a chef is a creatively fulfilling, challenging, and adventurous job. Individuals in this profession receive the freedom to innovate, explore, and experiment. There are multiple job opportunities present, as well as self-employment opportunities.

Cons

This career requires long working hours and is physically and mentally demanding. It is not a desk job and requires one to constantly be on their toes. The work environment can also be physically uncomfortable as kitchens tend to be hot and stuffy.

Top Institutes

India

Culinary Academy of India
Institute of Hotel Management
Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development
International Institute of Culinary Arts
Institute of Hotel Management

Abroad

Culinary Institute of America
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Academia Barilla
École Lenôtre
Tante Marie Culinary Academy

Famous People

Sanjeev Kapoor

Sanjeev Kapoor is an Indian celebrity chef, entrepreneur, writer, and television personality. He launched his own Food Food channel in January 2011. He is an author of bestselling cookbooks and is a restaurant consultant as well as the winner of several culinary awards. He has also been a judge on MasterChef India.

Gordon Ramsay

Gordon Ramsay is a British chef, restaurateur, and television personality. The restaurants have been awarded 26 Michelin stars since 2001. He is also known for presenting TV programmes about competitive cookery and food such as MasterChef, MasterChef Junior, and Kitchen Nightmares.