if you are inspired by chefs such as Jamie Oliver and Anna Olsen, read on to find out more about a career in this delicious field.

The word ‘culinary’ is used to describe anything related to food and cooking. Therefore, culinary arts encompass the broad world of food and produce from start to finish. Those who wish to study culinary arts will learn everything that goes into the preparation, presentation, and cooking of various types of meals.

Why Study Culinary Arts?

An education in culinary arts is so much more than just food. It’s about culture, history, language, and learning new skills. Usually, culinary arts programmes are equal parts food education and learning how to run a business. It is a programme to consider for people who do not enjoy long hours studying and remembering facts for exams. This is because culinary arts courses are mostly skills-based with plenty of on-the-job training and work placements. That way, students really get the chance to apply the skills they have learnt in a real working environment. Also, there are many higher institutions which offer quality culinary arts programmes that are internationally recognised as well.

What You Will Learn

The duration of a culinary arts diploma is about two-and-a-half years. Generally, diploma courses in culinary arts focus heavily on honing culinary skills, expanding food knowledge, and being familiar with the ins and outs of food production. Students will be exposed to subjects like Introduction to Pastry and Bakery, Fundamentals of Food and Beverage, and Plated Desserts and Artistic Skills. The last semester of a diploma programme is usually reserved for internship placements at restaurants or cafes.

After acquiring a diploma in culinary arts, graduates can enter the workforce or continue their studies in a degree programme in the same field. A degree in culinary arts not only focuses on the aspect of food preparation and presentation, but also teaches students how to run a business in the food and beverage
industry. Students will sit for subjects like Kitchen Operations, Tourism & Hospitality Law, and Food Supply Chain Management. Other than that, students will learn basic accounting, financial planning, and even a foreign language! Similar to a diploma, a degree in culinary arts requires students do complete work placements locally or abroad depending on the institution.

The Skills You Need

Firstly, someone who loves and appreciates all things related to food and beverage has a future in culinary arts. To excel in the industry, an individual must also have good communication skills apart from technical and cooking skills. Chefs and employees in the F&B industry have to communicate with fellow chefs, kitchen staff, and customers on a daily basis. In addition, chefs need to have good time management skills, be organised, have good problem-solving skills, and be creative. All of these skills are needed to run a kitchen successfully.

Exciting Job Opportunities

Culinary arts graduates mostly end up in the tourism and hospitality industry which are made up of a variety of companies and private business such as hotels, convention centres, restaurants, cafes, fast food chains, and hypermarket chains. At these places, culinary arts graduates can work in the kitchens as a chef-de-cuisine, sous chef, or as pastry chef among others. They can also opt for more customer-based jobs such as a restaurant manager or banquet manager. Graduates can also try their hand at being food stylists, food critics, purchasing managers, and cost control managers.

The culinary and gastronomy industry is steadily growing in Malaysia and all around the world. Although it is a highly demanding and stressful industry, the end result is nothing less than sweet.