Becoming a professional cook requires dedication, study and constant practice. The profession goes far beyond just knowing how to prepare tasty dishes; It is necessary to know techniques, ingredients, kitchen management and food safety standards.
If you want to pursue this career, check out some essential steps to prepare properly.
1. Develop Basic Skills
Before entering the professional world, it is important to master fundamental culinary techniques, such as cutting vegetables, cooking methods (grilling, roasting, frying, steaming), preparing basic sauces and notions of presenting dishes. Practicing at home, following recipes and testing different combinations of ingredients are important initial steps.
2. Take a Professional Course
To stand out in the market, investing in adequate training makes all the difference. In Brazil, there are several course options for cooks and chefs:
- SENAC: Offers technical and free courses in gastronomy, with training aimed at cooks, pastry chefs and chefs.
- Escola Laurent Suaudeau: Located in São Paulo, the school is a reference in the training of high-level professionals.
- Gastromotiva: Social project that offers training in gastronomy for people in socially vulnerable situations.
- Faculties of Gastronomy: Institutions such as Anhembi Morumbi, Estácio and Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco offer degrees in the area.
3. Work in Professional Kitchens
Nothing replaces practical experience. Working in restaurants, bakeries or hotels provides real learning about the fast pace of a professional kitchen, hierarchy within the team, order organization and inventory control.
4. Learn about Food Safety
A professional cook must follow strict hygiene and food handling standards. Courses on good food safety practices are essential and mandatory in many establishments.
5. Learn to Manage a Kitchen
Cooks who want to grow in their careers need to understand ingredient costs, waste control and team management. Gastronomic management courses can help with this development.
6. Stay Updated
Gastronomy is constantly evolving. Participating in events, workshops and following global culinary trends are ways to stay up to date and stand out in the market.
7. Develop your Taste and Creativity
Experimenting new flavors, studying ingredient combinations and creating your own recipes are differentiators for any cook. Developing your own style can be the path to success in the field.
Becoming a professional cook requires effort, dedication and a lot of learning. With solid training, practical experience and continuous improvement, you will be ready to build a successful career in gastronomy.
Investments Needed to Become a Professional Chef
In addition to training and practical experience, becoming a professional cook requires some important investments. Whether working in professional kitchens or starting your own business, it is essential to plan the costs involved.
1. Investment in Training
Professional courses vary greatly in price, depending on the institution and level of specialization. See some examples of average values:
- Technical courses at SENAC: Between R$ 3,000 and R$ 7,000, depending on the workload and the unit. Some shorter options can cost from R$800.
- Gastronomy Colleges: The cost of a degree in gastronomy can vary between R$ 1,500 to R$ 3,500 per month, with an average duration of 2 to 4 years.
- Specialized courses (confectionery, baking, international cuisine): Cost between R$ 1,000 and R$ 5,000, depending on the school and workload.
In addition to these costs, it is also necessary to consider investments in books, uniforms and certificates that can add value to the curriculum.
2. Investment in Utensils and Equipment
For those who want to work independently, setting up their own professional kitchen requires the acquisition of essential equipment. Some of the most important items include:
- Professional knives – Between R$100 and R$500 each, depending on the brand and quality.
- Stainless steel or cast iron pots and pans – A good set can cost between R$500 and R$3,000.
- Digital scale – Between R$80 and R$300, essential for accurate measurements.
- Blender and food processor – Between R$400 and R$2,000.
- Industrial oven – Professional models range from R$5,000 to R$20,000.
- Refrigerator and freezer – Industrial models cost from R$3,000.
- Planetary mixer (for confectionery) – Between R$500 and R$2,500.
In addition, it is necessary to consider the purchase of quality inputs, packaging for delivery (if you work with delivery) and any renovations to the space to meet health standards.
3. Investment in Registration and Legalization
To legally act as a self-employed person, it is necessary to formalize the business. The MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur) is a good option for those just starting out and allows them to issue invoices, paying around R$70 per month in taxes. If the business grows, it may be necessary to migrate to Microenterprise (ME), which involves higher accounting and tax costs.
Conclusion
Becoming a professional cook requires financial investment, but with planning and dedication, it is possible to achieve success in gastronomy. Whether working in a restaurant or opening your own business, knowing the costs involved is essential to making the best decisions.
