Cooking is one of those activities that is necessary for a living. It is a skill many people love, and even if someone doesn't like to cook, they enjoy delicious meals at restaurants, hotels, family events and on many occasions. The Indian food culture is diverse, which is why more and more pupils are now considering culinary art as their field of interest. If you are also looking for the same, then you have come to the right place!
Learning how to cook might not be difficult, but being a perfectionist is. All you will need is a guide on the best chef courses. So, here are the best professional cooking courses you can consider to amp up your career possibilities and make the most out of it!
Modern culinary schools in India teach food science, nutrition, and molecular gastronomy, blending art and chemistry — meaning chefs are half-scientists, half-artists.
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Difference Between A Chef & A Cook: Roles and Responsibilities
Chef: A chef is a highly skilled culinary professional who oversees all aspects of a kitchen. They create menus, develop recipes, manage staff, and ensure the quality of food. Chefs typically have extensive training and experience in various cooking techniques and cuisines.
Cook: A cook is responsible for preparing food according to established recipes. They follow instructions, cook dishes, and ensure proper presentation. Cooks may specialize in specific areas, such as grilling, baking, or pastry.
What to Study to Become a Chef in India
There are several top cookery courses in India you can consider. These courses provide comprehensive culinary education and hands-on training to develop your cooking skills and knowledge.
Diploma in Culinary Arts
If you are a newbie, then a diploma would be the right choice for you. A diploma program in cooking focuses on providing a strong foundation in culinary skills and techniques. It covers a wide range of basic topics such as cooking skills, techniques, different operation areas, hospitality, etc. Institutes like the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) and the Culinary Academy of India offer reputable diploma courses in India. You can also check other hotel management institutes in your city.
Bachelor's Degree in Hotel Management and Catering Technology
Pursuing a bachelor's degree in hotel management with a specialisation in culinary arts or catering technology is an excellent choice for aspiring chefs. This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical training in various aspects of the hospitality industry, including culinary skills, food production management, kitchen operations, and menu planning. Institutes like IHM, Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, and Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition (IHMCTAN) are known for their bachelor's degree programs.
Postgraduate Diploma in Culinary Arts
This course is designed for individuals who already have a culinary background and want to further enhance their skills and knowledge. It focuses on advanced culinary techniques, food styling, menu development, food entrepreneurship, and kitchen management. Institutes like the Culinary Academy of India and Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development offer reputed postgraduate diploma courses.
Certificate Courses in Baking and Pastry
If you have a specific interest in baking and pastry, consider enrolling in specialised certificate courses. These courses focus on the art and science of baking, pastry making, dessert preparation, and cake decoration. Institutes like Lavonne Academy of Baking Science and Pastry Arts and Academy of Pastry Arts India offer excellent certificate programs in baking and pastry.
Short-term Skill Development Programs
If you are looking for shorter-duration courses to develop specific culinary skills, consider short-term skill development programs. These programs focus on specific areas such as chocolate making, bread making, cake decoration, or regional cuisine. Several culinary institutes and academies across India offer such skill development courses.
Top Culinary Institutes in India
- Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore & others
- Offers: B.Sc. in Hospitality & Hotel Administration, Craftsmanship Course in Food Production & Patisserie
- Managed by the National Council for Hotel Management (NCHMCT)
- Culinary Academy of India (Hyderabad)
- Offers: Bachelor’s Degree in Catering Technology & Culinary Arts, Diploma in Bakery & Patisserie
- Affiliated with Osmania University
- Academy of Pastry & Culinary Arts (Gurugram, Bangalore, Mumbai)
- Offers: Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Culinary Arts, Professional Pastry Chef Programs
- Known for international chef trainers and modern facilities
- International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), New Delhi
- Offers: Advanced Diploma in Culinary Arts, Diploma in Patisserie and Confectionery, Short-term hobby courses
- Accredited by City & Guilds, London
- Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), Manipal
- Offers: B.A. in Culinary Arts, BHM, M.Sc. in Dietetics and Applied Nutrition
- Collaborates with international culinary institutes
- Amrapali Institute of Hotel Management (Haldwani, Uttarakhand)
- Offers: B.Sc. in Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Diploma in Food Production
- Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts (SSCA), Pune
- Offers: B.Sc. in Culinary Arts, Certificate in International Culinary Skills
- Focuses on global culinary techniques and management
- Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD), New Delhi
- Offers: Systematic Training and Education Programme (STEP)
- Blends practical kitchen training with academic studies
- Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), Gurugram
- Offers: B.A. (Hons) in Culinary Arts in collaboration with École Ducasse (France)
- Emphasizes French culinary education and global exposure
- Lavonne Academy of Baking Science and Pastry Arts (Bangalore)
- Offers: Diploma in Baking Science and Pastry Arts, Short-term baking workshops
- India’s first specialized international baking academy
Popular Cooking & Culinary Courses in India
- Online Culinary Certifications – Flexible duration
Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, and NRAI offer virtual courses in Indian and international cuisines. - B.Sc. in Culinary Arts – 3 years
Focuses on global cuisines, food science, and kitchen management. - Diploma in Culinary Arts / Food Production – 1 to 2 years
Emphasizes hands-on training in cooking, plating, and food presentation. - Certificate in Bakery and Confectionery – 6 months to 1 year
Specializes in bread, pastry, and dessert making. - Craftsmanship Course in Food Production & Patisserie (NCHMCT) – 1.5 years
Government-recognized course ideal for entry-level chefs. - Professional Chef Diploma (IICA / Academy of Pastry Arts) – 1 year
Includes international culinary standards and internships. - Short-Term Hobby Cooking Courses – 1 week to 3 months
Offered by various IHMs and private academies for home cooks and enthusiasts. - Advanced Diploma in Patisserie and Confectionery – 1 year
Focuses on high-end baking, chocolate work, and artistic pastry design.
Cooking Tips by Popular Chefs in India
It is important to learn from the cooking experts in the country. Needless to say, there are many chefs popular for their remarkable expertise in the field of cooking. For instance, the name Sanjeev Kapoor has transformed into a brand now, and millions of people follow his instructions via YouTube. Since learning is a never-ending process, here are the top recommendations you can follow to learn tips and tricks for cooking.
Sanjeev Kapoor
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor emphasises the importance of using fresh ingredients to enhance the flavours of your dishes and also speaks about the dish's history. Fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices can make a significant difference in the outcome. Another piece of advice shared by him is to keep things simple. Focus on highlighting the natural flavours of the ingredients rather than overwhelming the dish with too many spices or seasonings.
Cooking is an art, but all art requires knowing something about the techniques and materials.
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor
Vikas Khanna
Chef Vikas Khanna suggests practising mise en place, which means organising and preparing all your ingredients before you start cooking. This ensures a smoother cooking process and allows you to focus on the cooking techniques without any distractions. He also encourages aspiring chefs to explore the vast array of spices available in India. Experimenting with different spice combinations can add depth and complexity to your dishes.
Ranveer Brar
Chef Ranveer Brar believes that mastering the technique of tempering (tadka) can elevate the flavours of your Indian dishes. Understanding the timing and sequence of adding spices to hot oil or ghee can enhance the aroma and taste of the final dish. He also explained the importance of using local and seasonal produce. Not only does it support local farmers and businesses, but it also ensures that you are cooking with the freshest ingredients at their peak flavour.
Shipra Khanna
Chef Shipra Khanna believes that presentation plays a crucial role in creating a memorable dining experience. Pay attention to the visual appeal of your dishes by using artistic plating techniques and garnishes.
According to Chef Khanna, cooking is an art, and it is important to trust your instincts and experiment with flavours. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new combinations to create unique and innovative dishes.
Cooking is like love — it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.
Chef Shipra Khanna
Manish Mehrotra
Chef Manish Mehrotra advises aspiring chefs to focus on achieving a balance of flavours in their dishes. Balancing sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements can create a harmonious taste profile. He is known for his innovative fusion dishes and encourages chefs to explore the combination of different cuisines and techniques to create exciting and unexpected flavours.
How to Become a Chef in India?
So, how to become a chef? Becoming a chef is an exciting and fulfilling career choice, especially in a culturally diverse and culinary-rich country like India. If you have a passion for food, creativity, and a desire to create delightful culinary experiences, pursuing a career as a chef can open up a world of opportunities.
By 2026, the Indian food industry is expected to be worth over ₹8 trillion, creating huge demand for trained chefs, food entrepreneurs, and culinary innovators.
Develop a Passion for Food and Cooking
Needless to say, you are here only because you have a passion for learning culinary art. Even if you only want to pursue it as a career, the first and most crucial step is cultivating a genuine passion for food and cooking. You can experiment with different ingredients, cuisines, and cooking techniques or read cookbooks, watch cooking shows, and try new recipes. This will help you build a solid foundation and understand India's flavours, textures and culinary principles.
Pursue Formal Education
While it is possible to learn cooking skills through self-study and practical experience, obtaining formal culinary education provides a strong foundation for you to grow. There are many institutes in India offering various courses and programs in different levels of expertise. These cover essential culinary techniques, food safety and hygiene, menu planning, nutrition and more. However, you must look for institutes with experienced faculty, well-equipped kitchens and a good reputation in the industry.
Some renowned culinary schools in India include the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), the Culinary Academy of India, and Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development.
Gain Experience
To become a skilled chef, practical experience is crucial. You must seek opportunities to work in professional kitchens, hotels, restaurants, catering services, etc. Internships are another gateway to gaining hands-on experience under experienced chefs' guidance. This will not only expose you to real-world kitchen environments but also teach you time management skills and develop your culinary expertise.
Specialise in a Culinary Niche
In India, the culinary landscape is incredibly diverse, with a wide range of regional cuisines and speciality dishes. Consider specialising in a particular culinary niche to set yourself apart from the competition. However, this doesn’t mean you leave other regions entirely. It could be Indian regional cuisine, bakery and pastry, international cuisines, or even niche areas like vegan or gluten-free cooking, in addition to your basic skill. This specialisation will give you a unique selling point and open doors to niche job opportunities.
Learn Continuously
There are many workshops, seminars and culinary events taking rounds in your city or town. Know the dates and venues. Drop by to expand your knowledge and network with industry professionals.
Stay Updated With The Cooking Industry
Needless to say, the culinary world is a dynamic and constantly evolving industry. It is crucial to stay updated with the latest trends, techniques and innovations in the industry. Keep experimenting with new ingredients, flavours and presentation styles to enhance your culinary repertoire.
Build Your Network
While you learn, keep making new contacts every day. Networking plays a vital role in any career, so don’t shy away from asking the experts to teach you certain skills. You can attend culinary competitions, food festivals and industry events to connect with chefs, restaurant owners and other industry professionals. Additionally, you can also join culinary associations and organisations like the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) or the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) to network with like-minded individuals and stay updated with industry news.
Can I learn How to Cook Online?
With Superprof, you can now learn convenient and effective ways to acquire culinary skills from the comfort of your own home. Superprof is an online platform that connects learners with qualified tutors and instructors across various subjects, including cooking. It offers a diverse selection of experienced cooking tutors who specialize in different cuisines, techniques, and skill levels. With Superprof, you can schedule cooking lessons at a time that suits you and your tutor. This flexibility allows you to learn at your own pace and fit the lessons into your busy schedule.
Learn everything you need to know about cooking with cooking classes on Superprof!
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