Should you build your culinary career in hotels or restaurants?

Should you build your culinary career in hotels or restaurants?

One of the most asked questions by budding chefs is addressed in this episode by Chef Ravraj Chandhok.
Being a chef requires you to have a strong foundation with adequate exposure to bulk cooking, standalone restaurants, and fine dining. Where do you think you should start? Watch this episode to find out.

Welcome to The Zista Podcast!

In this episode, Chef Ravraj Chandhok provides expert insights on a common question in the culinary industry, whether one should pursue a culinary career in hotels or restaurants. As an experienced professional with a background in renowned hospitality brands and restaurants, he shares valuable perspectives and experiences to help aspiring culinary professionals make informed decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Culinary arts, a profession that attracts passionate individuals who love creating new and exciting dishes, benefits from starting a career in hotels, which offers a strong foundation for aspiring culinary students.
• Starting a culinary career in hotels and working in a hotel kitchen offers diverse experiences that help individuals refine their skills and specialize in a particular area of culinary arts.
• Specializing in a particular area of culinary arts allows individuals to stand out in the industry.

Q: Why do people pursue culinary arts as a career?

A: People pursue culinary arts as a career because it is a passion for them. Whether they are cooking at home for family and friends or working in a professional kitchen, they enjoy the process of creating delicious and innovative dishes.

Q: Should someone build their career in a hotel or a standalone restaurant?

A: According to Chef Ravraj, the base of culinary arts is in hotels and he recommends that students pursue their careers in hotels initially to strengthen their foundation. The experience gained in different sectors such as banquets, coffee shops, and standalone restaurants allows individuals to pick and choose where they want to specialize in and refine their skills.

Q: Is the grind of working in a hotel kitchen rigorous?

A: Yes, it is. Hotel kitchens are known for being intense and fast-paced, with different sectors that require specific skills. However, the experience gained from working in a hotel kitchen holds high significance in the culinary industry.

Q: How does working in a hotel kitchen groom a person for a culinary career?

A: Working in a hotel kitchen exposes individuals to different sectors of the culinary industry and allows them to gain experience in bulk cooking, standalone restaurants, and fine dining. This exposure helps individuals refine their skills and specialize in a particular area of culinary arts.