3 answers
Anthony
Student
Whitmore Lake, Michigan
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What is required to become a chef?
I like being a chef. #cooking
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3 answers
Magdalin Robinson
Customer Service
7
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Magdalin’s Answer
Undergraduate certification and degree programs are the most common education qualifications for being a chef but apart from them the Skills required to become a Chef are
1. Willingness to Learn
Becoming a chef can be a hands-on learning experience, and like they say, practice does make perfect. You must master flavors and techniques of different dishes which can take time and a lot of energy. You will need to be open to constant learning.
2. Genuine Passion
The life of a chef is demanding as the busiest working days are often those when other people are out celebrating – Christmas, Valentine’s Day or Mothering Sunday to name a few. Protecting and encouraging your passion for all things culinary will keep your artistic flair alive, and help you enjoy your work.
3. Organization
We know that kitchens can be a very busy environment to work it, and so it is essential that you have the ability to always work clean and tidy. Stay organized to stay in control.
4. Ability to Skillfully Multitask
There can be many elements of food on one plate to make up a complete dish. Now think, that plate belongs on a table with three other mains, plus sides. A Head Chef will be able to do this very well, they will also understand and know what the customers are experiencing, and what the front of house team are doing at any point during service.
5. Creativity
Becoming a chef involves more than just following a recipe. A chef will be creative in terms of putting a menu together, how the dish looks on the plate, and how it tastes to the customers. They will also be creative in planning how the kitchen works. Some chefs will even take charge of décor, tableware and seating arrangements in the restaurant. The creative reputation of a chef is often what brings customers through the door, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your creativity!
6. Time Management
The ability to accurately plan your work effectively while planning for contingencies and efficient time management.
7. Teamwork
The professional kitchen can be a melting pot of people, with many people from different backgrounds coming together through a shared love of cooking. Being able to both work and get on well with your team is an essential skill for a smooth chef career. Being a chef in a kitchen is like being a cog in a machine, every person has a role to play for the success of the service. You and the rest of your team have to work together well in order to deliver this.
8. Leadership Skills
Apart from being a team player, experienced chefs should know how to lead the team, and get the best out of them. The Head Chef has the responsibility for the kitchen, and so they have to be able to give direction and have it followed immediately.
9. Resilience
Chefs will frequently receive feedback from other chefs, colleagues and customers on the food they produce, and not all of the feedback will be positive. You need to be able to handle criticism, look at it honestly and decide whether or not it is valid.
10. Stamina
This skill might surprise you but chefs need to have an excellent level of physical and mental fitness. Working in a kitchen can be very physically demanding – working long shifts on your feet in hot temperatures and without many breaks – is tough. On top of that, the mental energy required to cope with the pressure and be on top of your game, your section and your kitchen, can be huge. An experienced chef will have excellent stamina to remain focused and consistently produce dishes for customers
1. Willingness to Learn
Becoming a chef can be a hands-on learning experience, and like they say, practice does make perfect. You must master flavors and techniques of different dishes which can take time and a lot of energy. You will need to be open to constant learning.
2. Genuine Passion
The life of a chef is demanding as the busiest working days are often those when other people are out celebrating – Christmas, Valentine’s Day or Mothering Sunday to name a few. Protecting and encouraging your passion for all things culinary will keep your artistic flair alive, and help you enjoy your work.
3. Organization
We know that kitchens can be a very busy environment to work it, and so it is essential that you have the ability to always work clean and tidy. Stay organized to stay in control.
4. Ability to Skillfully Multitask
There can be many elements of food on one plate to make up a complete dish. Now think, that plate belongs on a table with three other mains, plus sides. A Head Chef will be able to do this very well, they will also understand and know what the customers are experiencing, and what the front of house team are doing at any point during service.
5. Creativity
Becoming a chef involves more than just following a recipe. A chef will be creative in terms of putting a menu together, how the dish looks on the plate, and how it tastes to the customers. They will also be creative in planning how the kitchen works. Some chefs will even take charge of décor, tableware and seating arrangements in the restaurant. The creative reputation of a chef is often what brings customers through the door, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your creativity!
6. Time Management
The ability to accurately plan your work effectively while planning for contingencies and efficient time management.
7. Teamwork
The professional kitchen can be a melting pot of people, with many people from different backgrounds coming together through a shared love of cooking. Being able to both work and get on well with your team is an essential skill for a smooth chef career. Being a chef in a kitchen is like being a cog in a machine, every person has a role to play for the success of the service. You and the rest of your team have to work together well in order to deliver this.
8. Leadership Skills
Apart from being a team player, experienced chefs should know how to lead the team, and get the best out of them. The Head Chef has the responsibility for the kitchen, and so they have to be able to give direction and have it followed immediately.
9. Resilience
Chefs will frequently receive feedback from other chefs, colleagues and customers on the food they produce, and not all of the feedback will be positive. You need to be able to handle criticism, look at it honestly and decide whether or not it is valid.
10. Stamina
This skill might surprise you but chefs need to have an excellent level of physical and mental fitness. Working in a kitchen can be very physically demanding – working long shifts on your feet in hot temperatures and without many breaks – is tough. On top of that, the mental energy required to cope with the pressure and be on top of your game, your section and your kitchen, can be huge. An experienced chef will have excellent stamina to remain focused and consistently produce dishes for customers
Doug Pini
Executive Chef
2
Answers
Updated
Doug’s Answer
Culinary School can help you learn the basics and get a credential to get started into certain jobs (as a cook) but it truly is hard work and commitment to excellence that makes a “Chef”.
You need to love what you do and be willing to laser focus on learning and growing in the kitchen to achieve that growth.
Yes it is about knowing how to cook (and clean) but also so much more. Teamwork, Leadership, Creativity, Problem Solving, Stress Management, Dedication, Organization, Generosity, Writing, Cost Management, People Management, and on and on
You need to love what you do and be willing to laser focus on learning and growing in the kitchen to achieve that growth.
Yes it is about knowing how to cook (and clean) but also so much more. Teamwork, Leadership, Creativity, Problem Solving, Stress Management, Dedication, Organization, Generosity, Writing, Cost Management, People Management, and on and on
Michael Druker
Director of Food and Beverage/ Executive Chef
2
Answers
Vineland, New Jersey
Updated
Michael’s Answer
A Chef is the person that manages a kitchen, the people on the line are cooks. Sometime the Chef is also on the line especially in smaller operations.
Not to discourage you but (to be honest) it takes years of hard work and sacrifice. You don’t go to Culinary School and come out making great money. You work nights, weekends, holidays, birthdays etc, and normally start somewhere around minimum wageish.
What I can promise you, is in the right environment with a good leaders, you will never have a better time in your life. It’s like being on a sports team with one goal, all while having a second family that you love and hate. Once you are hooked nothing compares.
Not to discourage you but (to be honest) it takes years of hard work and sacrifice. You don’t go to Culinary School and come out making great money. You work nights, weekends, holidays, birthdays etc, and normally start somewhere around minimum wageish.
What I can promise you, is in the right environment with a good leaders, you will never have a better time in your life. It’s like being on a sports team with one goal, all while having a second family that you love and hate. Once you are hooked nothing compares.