How to become a Chef in India

By : Swati Sharma |
Chef in India

Nowadays dining out has become a trend. The food industry over the world, including India, is continually registering a decent growth rate, especially in metro cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Mumbai. When it comes to the success of a restaurant or hotel, it mostly depends on the chef and its team. For this reason, the hospitality industry put a lot of importance on the position of a chef and is recruiting them by offering extraordinary perks. If you find yourself passionate about cooking and think of preparing food as an art, you can think about seeking a career in this profession. To become a Chef in India, candidates should set their culinary skills which can be achieved through professional courses. So in this article, we will discuss how to become a chef in India and Food Industry Jobs.

How to Become a Chef?

To become a chef you must possess a bachelor’s degree or diploma course. To enrol for the bachelor’s degree or diploma courses, you must pass in 10+2. The duration of the course varies from one institute to another which includes practical and theoretical sessions. While pursuing a course, a candidate will also learn about other related skills such as housekeeping and general management and hospitality. You will get extra benefits when you choose specialization courses such as baking or any other. After the bachelor’s degree, candidates can also go for a master’s degree. To become a chef, a candidate should have an essential love for food besides an innovative mind. If one adds nutritional diploma certificate to regular chef course it will add extra weightage to profile. The course related to the nutritional value of a dish/ingredient is known as the Nutritional Dietician Diploma.

Chef Courses in India

There is a wide range of courses offered by many hotel management institutes across the country. Some institutes even offer collaboration courses with hotels. Here are some best chef courses that include a bachelor’s degree or diploma i.e Bachelor’s Degree in Catering Technology, B.A. Culinary Arts, Post Graduate Diploma in Culinary Arts, Diploma in Food & Beverage Service, Diploma in Bakery & Confectionery, Diploma in Kitchen Management, Diploma in Bakery & Patisserie, Diploma in Culinary Arts, etc.

Chef Job Prospects

After completing a course from an institute, candidates can join any hotel as an intern. There are many opportunities in hotels and restaurants for trained chefs. Candidates also get employment in the air catering industry, food processing companies, catering in confectioneries, cruise, clubs and corporate companies. You can also think about establishing your own business related to food and catering like restaurant, hotel and clubs. You can also work as a Cook in Indian Railways, Chef in Air India and many more opportunities are there, all you need to do is keep checking Job Prospects in Government Sector and Private Jobs.

Chef Ranks

The executive chef will be a team lead to a group of chefs in the kitchen. The job role of the executive chef includes the making of the menu and personnel management. The expeditor ranks at the third position and its responsibility are for plating the food in time for customers which will be served by waiters. The last position in the hierarchy is a group of chefs, that can be appointed for any specific section such as Chinese, French, continental, dessert and pastry.

Chef Salary in India

The salary of the chef completely depends on their experience and skills. A fresher chef can earn more than 2.5 lakhs per annum in any 3-star hotel. The chef with skills and experience can earn more than 6 lakhs per annum.

I hope this article and information is helpful for you to become a chef in India.