A Spanish Proverb says that it is the belly that rules the mind. Yes, as and when you are hungry or crave for some delicious foods, the only thing that will occupy your mind at that time is food and more food.
Every individual right from fitness enthusiasts to those with jaded palates, loves to pamper his/her taste buds with tickling flavors.
Earlier, people had no other options other than waiting for wedding parties to taste their favorite foods. But, nowadays, they can relish their favorite food on any day, just by visiting their favorite restaurants.
Cooking was seen as a daily chore or activity some years ago, but this trend is changing nowadays. Yes, it is now considered an art and many youngsters show interest towards mastering this art.
Earlier, the jobs of chefs were not considered a job of high esteem. But, now with the growth and development of hotel and restaurant industry, there is an unmatched demand for people with expertise in cooking.
Nowadays, chefs are evolving as glamorous personalities and money churners as well. They are earning respect in the society as well.
There was a period when graduates in this culinary and hotel management were seeking jobs in gulf countries like Dubai and Saudi Arabia, just because of the great demand and high pay.
But, now this trend is changing and with the development of hotel management and hospitality industry in India, chefs are in great demand. Furthermore, these experts are earning well in India.
Scope and career prospects for chefs in India:
As most of us know and accept, ambition is the key for any successful career. An individual may get many opportunities, but the suitable thing he will have to do is to identify the right one at the right time to shine well.
When you are determined in a particular career, you are sure to cover miles with your skills, patience and hard work.
In India, an unprecedented growth is experienced in the culinary industry and this has brought about an increase in the demand for professional chefs.
If you get professional competence and education as a chef, you can multiply your employment prospects in different verticals in a catering establishment. Some of the positions in which you can find job in India include:
- Recipe book writer
- Base kitchen caterer
- Cookery show host
- Cuisine ship caterer/Railways/Airlines caterer
- Event caterer
- Wedding caterer
- Restaurant manager
- Deputy chef
- Chief chef
- Pub manager
What can you earn as a chef?
As far as salary is concerned, it relies on various aspects like confidence, specialization, experience, expertise and personal skills. Another variable that determines your pay is the place in which you work. However, trainee chefs can make somewhere between Rs.10,000 to Rs.15,000 per month.
Once you gain some experience of about 10 years or so, you can expect to take home somewhere between Rs.40,000 and Rs.50,000. Even, executive chefs are making somewhere between Rs.1 to Rs.2 lakhs per month.
In the case of luxury and deluxe hotels, the take-home will still be more. In addition to hotels and restaurants, you can also find jobs in bars and night clubs, food service sector or you can also open your own food service store.
Personality traits needed:
Now, you are aware of the fact that becoming a chef is really a good career choice in India, but you will have to check whether you possess the following personality traits to shine as a chef:
- You will have to adapt yourself to the different food habits and cultures of others. So, you should possess this skill.
- You should keep updating your knowledge on a regular basis and you should have the desire to try cooking different new dishes.
- You should also keep yourself updated about the new cooking technologies and methods if any introduced in the market then and there.
- Other pre-requisites include, love and passion for cooking, calmness and service mentality.
- You should also possess the ability to work as a team with other cooks.
Educational qualification needed:
To become a chef and particularly if you are interested in finding jobs in star hotels, it is important that you should obtain a degree in hotel management and catering technology from a good institution. There are also diploma and certificate courses in this field as well. There are good many institutions in India to take up these courses.
Your idea of becoming a chef is something great. So, work towards it and enjoy a great career.
