• Chef Job Description

    A chef is a person whose job is to prepare and cook food. Chefs are responsible for planning and organizing the preparation and cooking of food in food establishments such as restaurants.

    A chef should be well organized, enthusiastic, creative and careful, and have the ability to think and act quickly. They should be passionate about cooking and learning new cooking methods and techniques. They should also be able to cope with several tasks at once and stay calm under pressure.

    Pursue a career as a chef if you are very creative and have strong passion for food and cooking. You should be someone who can cook and who enjoys the whole process of cooking.
  • What does a Chef do?

    Chefs may do some or all of the following:

    • create new recipes and produce menus
    • disassemble, assemble and operate kitchen equipment
    • prepare and cook food according to recipes and safety standards
    • prepare, measure, weigh and mix ingredients
    • test foods to determine if they have been cooked properly
    • arrange foods on plates and properly serve them to clients
    • train, supervise and coordinate activities of cooks and other food preparation workers
    • clean or supervise cleaning activities
    • perform physical activities such as lifting, carrying or placing heavy objects
  • Where does a Chef work?

    Just to give you an idea, some of the classes that you’ll be taking in college to obtain a culinary arts degree may include:

    • Culinary Fundamentals
    • Meat, Fish, and Poultry
    • Dry-Heat Cooking Methods
    • Moist-Heat Cooking Methods
    • Pastry & Baking Essentials
    • Hors d’oeuvres, Charcuterie & Buffets
    • Contemporary Desserts
    • Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch
    • Local and international cuisines
  • Working Conditions

    Chefs may work long or irregular hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays. They work in restaurants, private households, and in other food service establishments. They may stand, sit or walk for long periods and work in conditions that are hot or noisy.

  • What is Required to Become a Chef ?

    To become a chef, you will need to obtain a degree or diploma in culinary arts, professional cookery or a similar discipline, or complete an apprenticeship with a skilled chef.

    The career path for a chef is:

    Commis chef --> Chef de partie --> Sous chef --> Head chef --> Executive chef

    Having a formal education will get you to the top faster.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Chefs need to have:

    • patience
    • determination
    • confidence
    • adaptability and versatility
    • creativity and imagination
    • integrity and dependability
    • manual dexterity
    • sense of taste and smell
    • good hand-eye coordination
    • good personal hygiene and appearance
    • good listening and communication skills
    • good judgment and decision making skills
    • analytical and problem solving skills
    • time management and organizational skills
    • food presentation skills
    • multitasking skills
    • customer service skills
    • the ability to work well under pressure
    • the ability to smile, and be courteous
    • the ability to concentrate for long periods
    • the ability to accept and respond well to criticism
    • the ability to maintain a professional demeanor in stressful situations
    • the ability to follow instructions accurately
    • the ability to manage people and resources
    • knowledge of nutrition and diet
    • knowledge of cooking methods
    • knowledge of food handling procedures
    • knowledge of knife handling procedures
    • knowledge of relevant health and safety regulations

References

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Alternative Careers
  • Bartender
  • Waiter
  • Concierge
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