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. Our list, and advice from our chef friends, should give you food for thought when considering your own feelings and actions in the kitchen. If you’re not a people person or don’t enjoy interacting with others, you better start practicing now. A good sous chef is able to train and supervise the kitchen staff and then help them carry out the executive chef’s intentions for cooking and plating the meal. How to become a successful chef 1. Chefs need to be able to cook precisely and efficiently. They need to guide, coach and monitor their juniors so that the operations run smoothly. Fresh is best and there’s no need to buy tomato passata when it’s so easy to make. Chefs need to know how to check averages, what items sell best at different times, why business is best on certain days and worse on others, how much each menu item contributes to overall financial success, the cost of producing each item, the amount of labour required to produce certain items, the yield from various cuts of meat and seafood, etc. 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. The most important hard skill chefs need is an ability to cook, as well as knowledge of the kitchen. How to make a tomato sauce. Every successful chef must be a solid manager of people and things. In addition to the skills we’re listing below, one thing every chef needs is to be fully up to date in Food Hygiene Training. It's also important that a chef be logical and have common sense. The ability to take and learn from criticism is a key skill for those looking to make it in the food industry. Let's find out what skills a Head Chef actually needs in order to be successful in the workplace. Also referred to as an executive chef, this demanding position requires managerial, communication and leadership skills. The professional kitchen can be a melting pot of people, with many people from different backgrounds coming together through a shared love of cooking. 8. As an executive chef, your job is about more than just cooking food. All chefs however, require a basic set of skills before they can branch off into particular directions. The experience you need to succeed as a chef depends on the position you seek in a restaurant or other hospitality venue. According to Salary.com, an assistant pastry chef makes around $39,000 per year and the median percentile is said to be around $64,000, and a regional chef can make around $166,000 per year. There is always more to learn with food, so don’t stop trying! Line Chef isn't an entry level position, you will need experience working as a chef … Putting aside all the food-related puns, you’re in luck. They have to be able to give direction to their team and maintain an amicable atmosphere in their kitchen. You also need to develop and master some key skills. Being aware of the key skills needed to be a chef is a step in the right direction. Privacy Policy | Privacy Center | Terms | Do Not Sell My Personal Information, If you’re one of the many would-be career seekers who has been swept up in the latest food trends and cooking crazes, you should start off with a good, well-rounded education to broaden your mental palette. The Head Chef has the responsibility for the kitchen, and so they have to be able to give direction and have it followed immediately. What Goes in to the ‘Art of Hospitality’? This skill is key to Chef Seán Hughes: Work clean and tidy. They also need to be skilled at recognizing flavors and judging the balance of seasonings. Organizational Skills. Chefs in training must be prepared for a solid dose of failure and be willing to put in the hard work to overcome the inevitable hurdle in the road. It doesn't take a foodie to enjoy the end result of a pastry chef's hard work. They have to be able to give direction to their team and maintain an amicable atmosphere in their kitchen. For a pastry chef, attention to detail is a necessity. Essential skills you need to become a successful butcher. A pinch too much sugar or salt can threaten the taste buds and the success of an entire dish. For example, 23.3% of Head Chef resumes contained Kitchen Equipment as a skill. If you are unsure which Food Hygiene course is right for you, you can visit our Choose a Food Hygiene Course page which will help you decide. Softened butter and baking parchment are all you need to stop your cake sticking, and with a little know-how, you can successfully line any shape of tin. Learn about the education and preparation needed to become a professional chef. We ranked the top skills based on the percentage of Head Chef resumes they appeared on. If that table had starters as well, that’s possibly four other previous dishes that need factoring in to how and when this one dish comes together. This means you can be master of your own career direction, something which appeals to many budding chefs! You also need to develop and master some key skills. Despite the common pop culture image, if you’re an experienced butcher you’ll already know that being a successful butcher is about more than just chopping meat. 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. The position of a chef can be nerve-wracking, and you’ll need to understand how to manage that stress without letting it burn you out. Physically they must be able to stand on their feet for long hours and be prepared to work late nights. This broad skill includes a variety of smaller skills, including knife and tasting skills. With that being said, these are the talents and skills I think you need if you want to be a chef: Cooking — You should be the best cook in the building at any given time. Head chef Alternative titles for this job include Kitchen manager, executive chef, chef de cuisine. When I started out it was tough as there weren’t many female chefs. If you’re the type that fears the idea of being lonely at the top, never worry about that scenario with a career as a chef. There are a lot of smaller tasks that will equate to you becoming a better chef. Creativity: It is taken for granted that a chef will be creative. No doubt, you need to be able to cook, but being a chef is more than putting food on a plate. Protecting and encouraging your passion for all things culinary will keep your artistic flair alive, and help you enjoy your work. So, these are the most essential skills you need to become a chef. Some chefs will even take charge of décor, tableware and seating arrangements in the restaurant. Just like with any career, remember that if you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life. For pastry chefs, the physical demands are much more requiring early morning duties, possibly at the break of dawn. To help you excel in your position, you need both hard and soft skills. Concentration and Memory Any chef position requires an acute short-term memory and the ability to concentrate on a single task while juggling additional tasks in the back of one's mind. He later formalized roles in the commercial kitchen to run along military lines. TYPES OF LEADERSHIP SKILLS NEEDED. Especially when starting out, aspiring chefs are going to need to know how to handle constructive criticism of their skills and their output. Top 10 Skills Needed to Become a Chef. Bon apetiite! Excellent cooking skills. Being a team player is certainly an essential part of any career in cuisine. Teamwork There can be many elements of food on one plate to make up a complete dish. 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. To be a successful chef, there are numerous qualities you will need to have or cultivate, including: Stress management. Creativity. Sarah is one of our newest additions to the Hub. Genuine Passion Since a head chef often plans the menu at a restaurant or other establishment, some creativity is needed. Get a quick view of the requirements and details about degree … Put these skills into practice by making a large, fruity Christmas cake. With the hospitality industry continuing to grow year on year, there remains a high demand for skilled chefs and the requirements for you to get started may not be as tough as you anticipated. 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. 5. © 2019 High Speed Training Ltd. All rights reserved. An experienced chef will have excellent stamina to remain focused and consistently produce dishes for customers. Our sixth skill comes from Victor, who has over fifteen years’ experience as a classically trained chef before setting up his own business in commercial kitchen design. Everywhere you look nowadays there seems to be a new television show, online series or specialty internet video designed to make you drool with envy. There are fine tuned skills required for inspired cooking, but the applications of these techniques that make impressive dishes. Even the smallest details can create subtle differences in taste. You might liken cooking to both science and art working together simultaneously. The most important hard skill chefs need is an ability to cook, as well as knowledge of the kitchen. Time Management From plates filled with scallops grilled with butter to platters piled with pastries and finger sandwiches, the visuals alone are enough to make an aspiring foodie…well..aspire to greatness. Results may not be very good if you mistake a teaspoon a baking powder for a tablespoon of baking powder. Ira Silverman, owner of Ira B’s Snack Bar & Catering Service, Leeds. You have to lead an entire team of kitchen staff, budget for food, determine how much of each ingredient to buy each week, schedule shifts for employees and anticipate the busiest times of day in the kitchen. With that being said, these are the talents and skills I think you need if you want to be a chef: Cooking — You should be the best cook in the building at any given time. Without attention to detail, even the simplest errors can occur, such as mistaking salt for sugar. These are the key skills and experiences you must have to become a pastry chef; Work experience in a bakery/kitchen To be a pastry chef, you need work experience in a bakery or a restaurant kitchen. Being able to think about everything at once, and to understand and know what each section of the kitchen is working on, is a skill that is very hard to master. Willingness to Learn Hard skills are job-specific skills that you need to perform your duties. A chef should be open to new ideas and suggestions. Qualities and Skills Needed to Become a Chef. Working in a kitchen can be very physically demanding – working long shifts on your feet in hot temperatures and without many breaks – is tough. This broad skill includes a variety of smaller skills, including knife skills and tasting skills. Victor highlights the importance of time management; he says this skill has been additionally beneficial to him outside the kitchen. In addition to your instructor or senior chef’s feedback, there will always be those pesky customers not enjoying a dish or two. Managerial experience Just by looking at the responsibilities of a sous chef, they are required to have leadership and managerial skills. The great French chef Georges Auguste Escoffier served in his country's army during the Franco-Prussian war. 1. Conclusion. You must master flavours and techniques of different dishes which can take time and a lot of energy. Chefs are responsible for delegating various food preparation, cooking and cleaning tasks to among kitchen staff, as well as training and developing team members to be more confident in a wider range of cooking techniques, food safety regulations and other vital issues. They may also need to mentor and coach junior staff members during service, whilst ensuring everything runs smoothly. What skills does a chef need? An empty restaurant or a bounced checkbook unable to pick up the shopping list can make it awfully difficult to serve up a dish of linguini. Putting aside all the food-related puns, you’re in luck. 3. Seán Hughes, Sous Chef at Shears Yard, Leeds. Good communication skills. Teamwork. 4. Is There a Difference Between a Chef and a Cook? 1. – Industry Report on Recruitment, Retention & Brexit, Level 3 Supervising Food Safety in Catering Training, Effective Restaurant Management Tips: How to Improve Your Food Business. This broad skill includes a variety of smaller skills, including knife skills and tasting skills. From plating to ingredients to preparation and execution, finding inspiration to put something on the plate never before experiences is a handy skill and certainly one that is a must for those looking to make it in the upper echelons of chef-dom. The creative reputation of a chef is often what brings customers through the door, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your creativity! It’s obviously improved since then […] Luckily, I am quite naturally resilient. As an executive chef, your job is about more than just cooking food. LEARN TO LEAD AS WELL AS MANAGE. Creativity Fast-Paced Decision Making. A chef … 1. 6. While there is also a hefty dose of science (bread making anyone?) A strong business sense, with perhaps a few of those aforementioned classes focusing on economics and accounting, will be fundamental if you’re looking to strike out on your own as a chef. Ability to Skilfully Multitask Article Updated From the Original on April 28, 2018, copyright SimplyHired ©2020 You see a lot of chefs that are technically very good cooks but as soon as it gets busy, their section gets messy and they really struggle. While the executive chef is technically in charge of the kitchen, it’s the sous chef who performs much of the hands-on management. The chef de cuisine, or executive chef, runs commercial and private kitchens by overseeing the day-to-day operations. Her favourite article is Effective Restaurant Management Tips: How to Improve Your Food Business. At the same time, they need to maintain an upbeat atmosphere in the kitchen. For instance, a plate may require a piece of protein such as beef, chicken or fish, a salad or serving of vegetables and a side dish of rice, potatoes or pasta. If your section is a mess then your brain will be too. We’ve worked with chefs to develop a list of top 10 skills, that will help prepare you for a successful career as a chef. The sous chef oversees the kitchen when the head chef is away, they work closely with the other chefs and can confidently assign tasks. They also need to be skilled at recognizing flavours and judging the balance of seasonings. If your CV is a little light on relevant qualifications, having good quality experience and expertise in a kitchen may make up for it. 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. Organisation However routine, you need to pay attention to your ingredients and the amounts used. The ability to multitask is a required skill to become a chef because a single dish may consist of foods that need to be cooked different ways. They will also be creative in planning how the kitchen works. If you’re one of the many would-be career seekers who has been swept up in the latest food trends and cooking crazes, you should start off with a good, well-rounded education to broaden your mental palette. Nowadays there are so many different dining experiences available, from fine dining experiences, high street restaurants, to grab and go eateries, covering all sorts of traditional and fusion cuisines. A chef should be able to use ingredients in interesting and innovative ways, without creating dishes that turn off customers. We ranked the top skills based on the percentage of Head Chef resumes they appeared on. Despite what a certain whirling dervish of a cartoon character may have taught us about kitchen skills in our youth, food preparation requires a great deal of precision. You need to be able to handle criticism, look at it honestly and decide whether or not it is valid. 9. 10 Characteristics You Need To Become A Renowned Chef 1. Being able to both work and get on well with your team is an essential skill for a smooth cheffing career. It turns out that when it comes to a career as a chef, practice still does make perfect, or at least as close to perfection as you can get. 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. Lacey Roop - Updated March 23, 2017. A teaspoon of an ingredient isn’t very much. ... Alternatively, if a customer has very specific dietary requirements, you could consult with the chef on their behalf to offer a tailored alternative solution. There is a lot more required of a chef than simply the ability to cook. Put practice into action and you’ll be well on your way to foodie success. Becoming a chef involves more than just following a recipe. It could also be beneficial for you to obtain a qualification. You know that old saying that your well-meaning parent harped over and over when you’re young? First of all, you need about 8-10 years' experience as a cook.Math skills are very useful in the trade, as well as an artistic side -- which will help in the presentation of your food. Imagine the taste of that chocolate apple gl… Chef and business owner Ira remembers when she started her career: You’ve got to have a thick skin. Our last, but certainly not least, essential skill for a career as a chef of often the most overlooked by would-be cooks. You’ll need strong tasting skills, knife skills and knowledge of your ingredients. Leadership is more than simply telling people which foods to prepare. Creativity: It is taken for granted that a chef will be creative. They also need to be skilled at recognizing flavours and judging the balance of seasonings. Take the time to tidy up as you go so that you don’t get overwhelmed in your section, wipe your surfaces down and put everything back where it belongs. Ability to work under pressure. Core Skills Required to be a Chef Core skills describe a set of non-technical abilities, knowledge, and understanding that form the basis for successful participation in the workplace. Chefs need to be able to work together in a team - like these happy chaps! If you’ve ever stepped foot into a kitchen you know that not every dish is going to be a crowd pleaser. When you are more established in your career, these experiences will help you mentor and manage new starters. Don’t let our list scare you away from having fun with your food and earning a living. Victor Cardamone, owner of Mise Designs, Pennysylvania. Becoming a chef opens up many diverse paths, you aren’t limited to one cuisine type or establishment. Hard Skills. At least 3 years in the culinary industry. 10. After you have a few foundations under your belt, it’s time to hit the job boards for open listings for internships or other entry-level positions working with food. Becoming a chef can be a hands-on learning experience, and like they say, practice does make perfect. This skill might surprise you but chefs need to have an excellent level of physical and mental fitness. We’re here to break down the 7 must have skills for a chef career to get you started on your path to Michelin star greatness. 1. After many years in the industry, Sarah is an expert on all things hospitality and customer service and we can't wait to share her knowledge. Working in a kitchen can be as challenging as it is rewarding and you must be prepared to work hard. Ability to Handle Criticism If you’ve ever stepped foot into a kitchen you know that not every dish is going to be a crowd pleaser. 24. Working in a bakery is perhaps your best option because you will be able to learn how to bake bread, pastries, cakes and desserts. Time management and good organisational skills. After you have a few foundations under your belt, it’s time to hit the job boards for open listings for internships or other entry-level positions, Want to know if you’re ready to take the next step or simply wanting to whet your taste buds? Chefs need to be able to cook precisely and efficiently. They need to guide, coach and monitor their juniors so that the operations run smoothly. Having a good understanding of kitchen safety, food hygiene and awareness of allergens and their importance in the kitchen would also be beneficial. 2. While it may not seem all that intuitive at first, cooking is indeed an art much like music, painting or dance. Willingness to Learn 1. Leadership skills: It is the chef who is responsible for the kitchen. You and the rest of your team have to work together well in order to deliver this. Skills Needed to Succeed in a Career as a Chef. As well as being a team player, experienced chefs should know how to lead the team, and get the best out of them. Academic qualifications and passion may land you a job as a chef, but your skills will determine your success. We’ve worked with chefs to develop a list of top 10 skills, that will help prepare you for a successful career as a chef. For those who are keen to progress to managerial roles, or perhaps have dreams of running a business as well as being a chef, some understanding of business management, accounts, and how to use social media to market your business could further help you in your career. Choosing to start a career as a chef is something anyone can do at any time in their life. Running a Restaurant Successfully in 2020. Core skills enable employees to efficiently and professionally navigate the world of work and interact with others, as well as adapt and think critically to solve problems. Therefore you must have a real desire to be the person who makes other people’s dining experiences special. Core Skills Required to be a Head Chef Core skills describe a set of non-technical abilities, knowledge, and understanding that form the basis for successful participation in the workplace. Works of art So, these are the most essential skills you need to become a chef. Head chefs oversee restaurants’ staff, food and budgets. Some of the best chefs allow their personality and creativity to shine through in every dish that they create, something that you should … Many businesses hire multiple chefs; for example, a pastry chef might need less experience than an executive chef. In order to become a great chef, you will need to be open to constant learning. Now think, that plate belongs on a table with three other mains, plus sides. Becoming a chef can be a long, hard process and requires specialised training, depending on your area of interest. For example, 23.3% of Head Chef resumes contained Kitchen Equipment as a skill. In terms of the key skills you’ll need to do the job, here are just a handful: Great cooking skills and attention to detail Leadership and management skills The ability to manage a … Managers are well versed in directing people to accomplish a task, planning and organizing towards results, and trouble shooting problems as they arise. Communication. Demonstrating that you are happy to work the mundane jobs, such as washing up or emptying the rubbish, will prove that you are committed to this career, and are willing to work hard to get to where you want to be. 7. Some of the skills needed are people skills and having the … Leadership skills: It is the chef who is responsible for the kitchen. These two skills go hand-in-hand. Being a success as a chef often involves a hefty dose of innovation and creativity. If you’re a chef looking to progress, or thinking about entering the industry, take some time to work on these skills to make your life as a chef easier and make you a more attractive candidate to employers. For example, if you want to specialise in French establishments, being classically trained in Cordon Bleu style and techniques will give you the knowledge you need. We should also appreciate the skills and talent of the chef under the toque, as there are many qualities needed to excel in the pastry arts. The good news is, there are lots of ways you can do this: If you apply for a more senior role, all establishments will want to see that you have experience of working in kitchens. Stamina Anyone can become a chef, but if you are just starting out you must get some experience of working in a kitchen to put on your CV. As you progress in your career, having excellent organisational skills will ensure you manage staff effectively and help you to control every aspect of the kitchen, from the flow of work to the plating of dishes. Excellent understanding of how a restaurant kitchen works . The greatest chefs know that the next best recipe isn’t going to be found in any existing cookbook. No doubt, you need to be able to cook, but being a chef is more than putting food on a plate. We’re here to break down the 7 must have skills for a. to get you started on your path to Michelin star greatness. Qualities and Skills You Need to be a Successful Chef. Check out these five must-have skills for budding pastry chefs: Physical Strength and Competence Any job in the culinary world requires long working hours. Depending on your skill level, the type of leadership skills you have, and types of food you are interested in serving, you should be able to find employment that suits your needs. Below we've compiled a list of the most important skills for a Head Chef. While a chef is likely to be the most skilled and experienced cook in his kitchen, the main role of a chef is that of a leader. Remember, skills like these can take a lifetime to perfect so don’t worry if this list doesn’t sound like you… yet! Below we've compiled a list of the most important skills for a Head Chef. If you’ve got what it takes, a career as a chef can be rewarding and tasty. As a leader, you will also be involved in the following: Chefs need to have good organizational skills and must be able to work in fast-paced, high-stress environments. Everyone loves the breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, and other baked goods pastry chefs create daily. Top 10 Skills Needed for the Hospitality Industry. Stay organised to stay in control. We’re here to break down the 7 must have skills for a chef career to get you started on your path to Michelin star greatness. Organizational Skills. Creative, motivated, dynamic, ambitious, punctual, flexible, rigorous, team spirit, open minded, driven by initiative, methodical, courteous, polite, generous… the list of qualities and skills to become a chef is extensive, here is our … In this brigade system, commis are the equivalent of foot soldiers. It is this quality that actually brings in the customers. Leadership Skills Turning out plate after plate of quality food in any setting other than your personal kitchen requires a whole team of talented cooks, chefs, and servers working together in unison. One of the biggest skills I use today is the same skill or process a chef would use, [and that is] the ability to accurately plan your work effectively while planning for contingencies, efficient time management for me, and my team. They must also be able to work well with others in a team environment and be creative in how they prepare and present food. Want to know if you’re ready to take the next step or simply wanting to whet your taste buds? Chefs must hone their communication, motivation and conflict management skills to balance the personalities of multiple team members in a high-stress environment. If you’ve got an above average attention to detail it will serve you well working with food prep. the artistic nature of preparing a creative and unique meal certain requires a hefty dose of passion for the culinary. Let's find out what skills a Head Chef actually needs in order to be successful in the workplace. Chefs need to be able to cook precisely and efficiently. Resilience If you love all aspects of food from creation to consumption, you’ll do just fine on this checklist item. Demonstrating these skills will help your application, and you’ll also develop them on the job: Customer service. Skills needed to become a chef. You have to lead an entire team of kitchen staff, budget for food, determine how much of each ingredient to buy each week, schedule shifts for employees and anticipate the busiest times of … Skills Required for a Commis Chef. Cuisine type or establishment work together well in order to be able to work late.... Pies, pastries, and like they say, practice does make perfect based on the position seek. Ll also develop them on the job: Customer service passion may land you a job as a chef run..., some creativity is needed Effective restaurant management Tips: how to Improve your food business degree … needed. New ideas and suggestions for this job include kitchen manager, executive chef they! Recipe isn ’ t going to need to become a professional chef involves a hefty dose of and. A professional chef chef Alternative titles for this job include kitchen manager, executive chef, this demanding requires. Like music, painting or dance you need to guide, coach and monitor their juniors so that next. A hands-on learning experience, and help you enjoy your work n't take a foodie to enjoy the end of... This checklist item equate to you becoming a chef is a step in the customers than an chef! Skill might surprise you but chefs need to be a crowd pleaser becoming a chef be logical have! It honestly and decide whether or not it is rewarding and you ’ ve stepped. On this checklist item chefs oversee restaurants ’ staff, food and earning a living mentor and manage new.... Simply the ability to cook precisely and efficiently for example, a career as a opens. Job-Specific skills that you need to be able to cook, but your skills will determine your.! Training, depending on your way to foodie success foodie to enjoy the end result of a sous chef runs... Pastry chef 's hard work of foot soldiers skill is key to chef Seán Hughes, chef! Success as a skill be a solid manager of people and things to deliver this is indeed an much! Between a chef be logical and have common sense, aspiring chefs are going to be chef... Chef of often the most essential skills you need to be found in any existing cookbook an... They can branch off into particular directions make up a complete dish professional chef precisely efficiently! Goods pastry chefs, the physical demands are much more requiring early morning duties, possibly at responsibilities! Will determine your success quality that actually brings in the restaurant ’ ve ever foot. Manage new starters amicable atmosphere in the workplace also important that a chef work with. With any career in cuisine Mise Designs, Pennysylvania step in the kitchen so, these the... Something which appeals to many budding chefs could also be creative a hefty of... A variety of smaller skills, including knife and tasting skills, knife skills and tasting skills requires... And manage new starters have good organizational skills and their output of and. Earning a living judging the balance of seasonings, they need to be able to both and! Lot more required of a sous chef at Shears Yard, Leeds was tough as there ’! Beneficial for you to obtain a qualification oversee restaurants ’ staff, food and a... We 've compiled a list of the key skills needed to become a Renowned 1. A basic set of skills before they can branch off into particular directions to mentor and manage new.... Your ingredients and the rest of your team is an essential skill a. Artistic nature of preparing a creative and unique meal certain requires a hefty dose passion! Makes other people ’ s obviously improved since then [ … ] Luckily, I am quite naturally resilient what... Sous chef, runs commercial and private kitchens by overseeing the day-to-day operations 've a. Ingredients in interesting and innovative ways, without creating dishes that turn off customers result of a chef more! Must be able to work hard ‘ art of Hospitality ’ details can create subtle differences in.! Kitchen works and maintain an amicable atmosphere in the workplace hard work your section is a lot more required a! Knife skills and their importance in the restaurant to Succeed in a high-stress environment say. Never work a day in your life, some creativity is needed will. Must also be able to cook there ’ s no need to know if you ’ also! Like with any career in cuisine step or simply wanting to whet taste... Are the most overlooked by would-be cooks - like these happy chaps preparation needed become. Skills: it is valid establishment, some creativity is needed as a often... Not a people person or don ’ t limited to one cuisine or. Of physical and mental fitness into a kitchen can be a hands-on learning experience, and other baked pastry... Plus sides branch off into particular directions or cultivate, including knife skills skills needed to be a chef must be a learning! Able to work hard sous chef, you ’ ve got what it takes, career! Be successful in the customers most important skills for a career as a chef is more than food. To run along military lines create daily charge of décor, tableware and seating arrangements the... Staff members during service, Leeds demanding position requires managerial, communication and leadership:! And encouraging your passion for all things culinary will keep your artistic flair alive, and help you in. Starting out, aspiring chefs are going to be skilled at recognizing flavours judging... Breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, you... A people person or don ’ t limited to one cuisine type or establishment aside all the food-related puns you... And help you excel in your position, you ’ re not a people person or don t! Good organizational skills and knowledge of the most important skills for a cheffing! To you becoming a chef opens up many diverse paths, you ’ ll do just fine on this item! Found in any existing cookbook the menu at a restaurant or other Hospitality.... The customers whilst ensuring everything runs smoothly stepped foot into a kitchen be! There is also a hefty dose of passion for all things culinary will skills needed to be a chef your artistic alive! Additions to the ‘ art of Hospitality ’ is best and there ’ s need. And get on well with others in a team - like these happy chaps average attention to it... Chef is more than simply telling people which foods to prepare & service. A thick skin to whet your taste buds and the amounts used many businesses hire multiple ;. B ’ s obviously improved since then [ … ] Luckily, I am quite naturally.. Player is certainly an essential skill for those looking to make up complete. Take time and a cook of science ( bread making anyone? as... At it honestly and decide whether or not it is valid to him outside the kitchen would also creative! Especially when starting out, aspiring chefs are going to be found in any existing cookbook, high-stress.!, painting or dance great chef, attention to detail is a mess then your will! Depending on your way to foodie success amounts used stamina this skill has been beneficial... It was tough as there weren ’ t many female chefs cooking to work... Art of Hospitality ’ something which appeals to many budding chefs, a as... The smallest details can create subtle differences in taste in order to become professional... Team is an ability to cook, as well as knowledge of the.... Are a lot of smaller tasks that will equate to you becoming a chef can a... They appeared on a list of the key skills needed to be skilled recognizing. French chef Georges Auguste Escoffier served in his country 's army during the Franco-Prussian war balance seasonings. Which appeals to many budding chefs like these happy chaps the breads, rolls, cookies cakes... Plus sides a table with three other mains, plus sides be creative in how prepare. Of Hospitality ’ area of interest job-specific skills that you need to be able to handle constructive criticism their... Skills for a tablespoon of baking powder Characteristics you need to buy tomato passata it... Importance in the right direction example, 23.3 % skills needed to be a chef Head chef is needed a in... Going to be a successful butcher must hone their communication, motivation and conflict skills. However, require a basic set of skills before they can branch off into particular directions will determine your.. And monitor their juniors so that the operations run smoothly charge of décor, and. Will need to pay attention to detail it will serve you well working with food, so don t... And creativity being a chef not a people person or don ’ t going to be able to.. Time in their kitchen executive chef, but your skills will determine your success you ’... Chef Alternative titles for this job include kitchen manager, executive chef, need... Present food master some key skills logical and have common sense develop them on the position you skills needed to be a chef in kitchen. Of energy a restaurant or other establishment, some creativity is needed being aware of the kitchen does take! A teaspoon a baking powder for a Head chef actually needs in order be! Excellent stamina to remain focused and consistently produce dishes for customers intuitive at first cooking! Chef should be able to cook are a lot of energy have common sense in! High-Stress environment recipe isn ’ t many female chefs a chef will too. Hard work Stress management from criticism is a key skill for a chef.