#culinarycareer

Turn your passion for food into a global career

India’s culinary landscape is flourishing like never before. From fine dining restaurants and boutique cafés to cloud kitchens and international hotel chains, the demand for skilled chefs is rapidly increasing. In 2025, the profession of a chef in India is not only prestigious but also creatively and financially rewarding.

If you dream of becoming a chef, this guide will help you understand every detail-from required education and training to salary prospects and career growth opportunities.

1. Understanding the Chef Profession

A chef is more than someone who cooks food. It’s a creative professional who manages the kitchen, designs menus, ensures quality, and brings innovation to every plate served.

Chefs can specialize in different cuisines—Indian, Continental, Oriental, Italian, or French—or focus on bakery and confectionery. In India, the culinary profession is gaining recognition not just in restaurants but also in television shows, food blogging, and entrepreneurship.

2. Why Choose a Career as a Chef in 2025?

The Indian food and hospitality industry is projected to continue expanding, driven by rapid urbanization, changing lifestyles, and a growing middle class. With more Indians dining out, ordering online, and exploring global cuisines, chefs are now at the forefront of this evolution.

Key reasons to become a chef in 2025:

High demand in hotels, restaurants, and cruise lines

Global career opportunities

Rising pay scale and recognition

Creative freedom and innovation

Potential to start your own food business

3. Educational Requirements

There are multiple educational paths to become a chef in India. While talent and passion are essential, formal education provides structure and credibility to your career.

a. After 10th

You can pursue a Diploma in Culinary Arts or Certificate in Food Production from recognized institutes such as the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Le Cordon Bleu, or private culinary academies.

b. After 12th

Opt for a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management or Culinary Arts. Some of the popular courses include:

B.Sc. in Culinary Arts

B.A. in Hotel Management and Catering Technology

BHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management)

c. Postgraduate Options

If you wish to specialize further, you can pursue a Master’s in Culinary Arts or a Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Management.

4. Top Culinary Institutes in India

Choosing the right institute plays a major role in shaping your career. Here are some of the best culinary schools in India for 2025:

Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad

Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad

Amity School of Hospitality

Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), Manipal

Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts, Pune

Le Cordon Bleu India

These institutes offer both theoretical knowledge and hands-on training through internships and live kitchen practice.

5. Skills You Need to Become a Successful Chef

Becoming a chef requires more than just cooking skills. It demands creativity, discipline, and business understanding. Essential skills include:

Strong knowledge of ingredients and cooking techniques

Time management and multitasking ability

Menu planning and food presentation

Leadership and teamwork

Hygiene and safety awareness

Customer-oriented approach

Adaptability to different cuisines and dietary needs

As technology advances, chefs also need to stay updated with AI-based kitchen management systems, inventory software, and food sustainability practices.

6. Types of Chefs and Career Roles

The culinary world offers various job roles depending on your expertise and experience level. Here’s a breakdown:

Commis Chef: Entry-level role assisting in basic food preparation.

Chef de Partie: Responsible for a specific section in the kitchen.

Sous Chef: The second-in-command, managing staff and operations.

Head Chef (Executive Chef): Leads the entire kitchen, plans menus, and ensures food quality.

Pastry Chef: Specializes in bakery, desserts, and confectionery.

Catering Chef: Works for events and corporate functions.

Personal or Private Chef: Works for individuals or families, often in high-income households.

7. Steps to Become a Chef in India

Here’s a simplified roadmap to follow in 2025:

Develop a Passion for Cooking: Start experimenting with recipes at home and explore global cuisines.

Choose a Culinary Course: Enroll in a reputed culinary or hotel management institute.

Complete Internship: Gain real-world experience through internships at hotels or restaurants.

Build a Portfolio: Document your dishes, achievements, and skills.

Apply for Entry-Level Jobs: Start as a trainee or commis chef to gain hands-on experience.

Specialize: Choose a cuisine or culinary discipline that aligns with your interest.

Advance to Senior Roles: With experience and creativity, move up to sous chef or head chef positions.

Explore Entrepreneurship: Open your restaurant, food truck, or online food brand once you gain sufficient experience.

8. Salary Expectations in 2025

Chef salaries vary based on experience, location, and type of establishment. Here’s a general range in India for 2025: PositionExperience LevelAverage Monthly Salary (INR)Commis Chef0–2 years₹18,000 – ₹25,000Chef de Partie2–5 years₹30,000 – ₹45,000Sous Chef5–8 years₹50,000 – ₹80,000Head Chef8+ years₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000Executive Chef (Luxury Hotels)10+ years₹3,00,000+

In top-tier cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, salaries tend to be higher due to the growing demand and competition in the food industry.

9. Job Opportunities and Work Settings

Chefs in India can work in various sectors, including:

Hotels and Resorts

Fine Dining Restaurants

Cruise Lines

Airlines Catering

Corporate Kitchens

Food Startups and Cloud Kitchens

TV and Food Media

Culinary Academies as Instructors

In recent years, many chefs have also ventured into YouTube cooking channels, online recipe platforms, and food consultancy services.

10. Future of Culinary Careers in India (2025 and Beyond)

The culinary industry is expected to witness rapid technological and cultural changes in the coming years.

Trends to watch:

Sustainability and zero-waste cooking

Farm-to-table dining concepts

Plant-based and fusion cuisines

AI and automation in kitchen operations

Online food entrepreneurship and meal subscription models

Chefs who embrace innovation and adapt to changing trends will continue to thrive globally.

11. Challenges of Being a Chef

While it’s a glamorous career for many, being a chef also comes with challenges:

Long and irregular working hours

Physically demanding environment

Pressure to maintain quality and consistency

Managing staff and kitchen costs

However, passion, creativity, and persistence often outweigh these challenges.

12. How to Build Your Chef Brand

In 2025, personal branding is essential. Whether you work for a restaurant or run your own business, building an online presence helps attract opportunities.

Here’s how:

Post your recipes and creations on Instagram and YouTube.

Write food blogs or share cooking tutorials.

Collaborate with local brands or restaurants.

Participate in food competitions and culinary events.

Build a strong portfolio and professional network on LinkedIn.

Conclusion

Becoming a chef in India in 2025 is not just a career—it’s a lifestyle that blends creativity, culture, and innovation. With the right education, training, and passion, you can carve a unique path in the dynamic culinary industry.

Whether you dream of running your restaurant, working in a 5-star hotel, or becoming a celebrity chef, the journey starts with one decision-following your passion for food.

Unlock global career opportunities with IICA’s Diploma in Culinary Arts and specialized programs. IICA offers industry-recognized courses to become a chef in India, providing world-class training, hands-on experience, and a pathway to top kitchens worldwide. Start your culinary journey today!