eGigHow to become a cook / chef
A cook or chef prepares food in restaurants, hotels, canteens or homes: planning menus, cooking dishes, keeping the kitchen clean and controlling stock and waste.
Steps to become a cook / chef
- Learn the basics
A hotel management diploma or culinary course helps, but many chefs start as kitchen helpers.
- Train in a professional kitchen
Work as a commis or helper to learn speed, prep and hygiene.
- Pick a speciality
North Indian, Chinese, continental, bakery or tandoor.
- Learn food safety
A food safety certificate is valued by hotels and big restaurants.
- Grow through the kitchen ranks
Commis, then chef de partie, sous chef and head chef.
Skills that raise your pay
- Hotel management or a culinary course
- Tandoor, Chinese or continental specialities
- Hotels, cloud kitchens and cruise jobs
Prove your skills with a free eGig skill test; the certificate shows on your profile.
Career path
Get ready to apply
Common questions
Do I need hotel management to become a chef?
No, but it speeds up your growth in hotels. Many great chefs learned on the job.
Can chefs work abroad?
Yes. Cruise lines, hotels and restaurants abroad hire experienced cooks, especially with speciality skills.
How long does it take to become a cook / chef?
Usually 6 months to 2 years, depending on your starting point and how much time you put in.
How much does a cook / chef earn?
Typical pay is ₹12,000–₹18,000 a month for freshers, ₹18,000–₹30,000 with 2–5 years’ experience and ₹30,000–₹55,000 for senior staff.