Sous Chef

Taking culinary creativity to new heights

About

A sous chef is a culinary professional who works in a kitchen as the second-in-command to the head chef. The term "sous chef" comes from the French language and means "under chef." The sous chef's main responsibility is to assist the head chef in all aspects of the kitchen's operations including planning menus, ordering supplies, managing inventory as well as supervising kitchen staff.

In addition to managerial duties, the sous chef is also involved in the actual cooking and preparation of food. Furthermore, they are responsible for ensuring that all food served to customers meets the restaurant's high standards for quality, taste and presentation. Sous chefs must have excellent culinary skills and be able to work well under pressure in a fast-paced as well as high-stress environment. 

Eligibility

For Bachelor’s

  • Candidates can choose a bachelor’s degree in hotel management, BBA or other relevant UG program. 
  • After completing bachelor’s degree, seekers can get some work experience if not then they can pursue further education. 

For Master’s

  • A master’s degree in hospitality management or MBA (Hotel Management) is a well-suited option for students. 

For Work Experience

  • At least 10-12 years of work experience is needed to become an expert sous chef. 

Job Roles

The field of hotel management aims to provide in-depth knowledge and enhance the skills of the students. To do such a task, the culinary field presents innumerable job profiles:  

  • Executive Sous Chef
  • Sous Chef
  • Station Chef/Line Chef
  • Head Chef/Executive Chef

Employment Sector

  • Restaurants
  • Hotels
  • Resorts
  • Cruise Liners
  • Catering companies
  • Food Manufacturing Companies 

Top Recruiters

There are many recruiters from leading companies who enlist potential students in the culinary industry. Following are some Recruiters from where students can find an employment opportunity in India:

  • Taj Hotel
  • Hotel Ramada
  • Taj Leela
  • Le Meridien
  • Jaypee Group of Hotels

Salary

The salary range may vary from company to company, but the salary of a sous chef is very impressive in India.

 

Level of Salary

Annual Level Salary 

Starting Salary

Approx ₹3,50,000

Mid Level Salary

Approx ₹6,50,000 

Senior Level Salary

Approx ₹10,00,000 

Skills

  • Cooking
  • Management skills
  • Practical skills
  • Decision-making skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Excellent Communication skills

Scope

The career scope of a sous chef is vast and varied as the culinary arts industry offers many opportunities for growth and advancement. A sous chef can progress and become a head chef or executive chef overseeing the operations of an entire kitchen. Alternatively, they may choose to specialise in a particular area of the culinary arts such as baking, pastry arts or catering.

As the demand for high-quality cuisine continues to grow there is a significant need for talented and skilled sous chefs. With the right training, education as well as experience, sous chefs can enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling career in the culinary arts industry. Additionally, sous chefs can expect to earn competitive salaries with the potential for significant earning growth as they progress in their careers.

Benefits

  • Gain Valuable Experience
  • Competitive Salary
  • Creative Outlet
  • Fast-Paced Environment

Drawbacks

  • Physically Demanding
  • High-Stress Environment
  • Long working hours
  • Limited Creative Control