An executive chef is considered one of the most important roles in the kitchen of hotels and restaurants. The executive chef plays a vital role in the kitchen because they are responsible for menu design, managing the kitchen staff, and controlling costs.
An executive chef checks the cost of dishes, and due to their knowledge and experience, many people aspire to become executive chefs. They are also responsible for purchasing food, culinary knowledge, and skill development.
1. Who Is an Executive Chef? (Job Overview)
The executive chef is considered the highest-ranking position in a hotel or restaurant kitchen. They lead the kitchen of the hotel or restaurant and handle all managerial responsibilities. These include menu planning, pricing of dishes, staff management, and quality control. All these duties come under the role of the executive chef.
Difference Between Executive Chef and Head Chef
Executive Chef
- The highest kitchen management position
- Manages the entire kitchen
- Supervises all chefs
- Responsible for menu planning, budgeting, and staff management.
Head Chef
- Works under the executive chef
- Looks after day-to-day kitchen operations
- Cooks dishes and supervises the sous chefs
- Responsible for food preparation, checking dishes, and maintaining food quality
The executive chef leads the entire kitchen and is responsible for both cooking supervision and overall management.
2. Roles & Responsibilities of an Executive Chef
An executive chef has various important roles related to the management of the kitchen in a hotel or restaurant. Their main responsibility is to ensure the quality and timely delivery of food to customers.
There are several key duties performed by an executive chef, such as:
- Managing the entire kitchen operation efficiently and on time.
- Planning the complete menu and deciding food costs accordingly.
- Supervising chefs and kitchen staff and guiding them based on customer reviews and service standards.
- Maintaining food quality and hygiene standards, which are regularly checked by the executive chef.
- Coordinating with vendors and controlling inventory, which also comes under the responsibility of the executive chef.
Due to these responsibilities, this position is highly respected in hotels and restaurants. Many people work under the executive chef’s management. Because of the required culinary expertise, leadership skills, and experience, many individuals aspire to become executive chefs.
3. Executive Chef Salary in India
The salary of an executive chef depends on the level of skill, experience, and the location where they work. Salary is mainly decided based on experience level.
1. Entry-level executive chef:
At the entry level, an executive chef’s salary usually ranges from ₹60,000 to ₹1.2 lakh per month.
2. Mid-level executive chef (5–10 years of experience)
After gaining 5 to 10 years of experience, an executive chef develops strong skills and expertise. At this stage, the salary can increase to around ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh per month.
3. Senior executive chef (15–20 years of experience):
When an executive chef has 15 to 20 years of experience and works in top hotels, their salary can range from ₹5 lakh to ₹8 lakh per month.
However, these salaries may increase or decrease depending on factors such as the city, hotel location, hotel brand, years of experience, and the level of competition.
4. Executive Chef Salary Abroad
International Opportunities for Executive Chefs
An executive chef can also receive international job offers from many countries to work in hotels and restaurants. These opportunities help chefs gain professional working experience.
Countries and regions such as the Middle East:
Dubai and Qatar: ₹8 lakh to ₹15 lakh per month
Europe: ₹10 lakh to ₹18 lakh per month
Executive chefs may also be offered jobs in cruise ship kitchens.
The salary depends on the chef’s experience and skill level. It also depends on their ability to manage the kitchen efficiently, adapt to different work environments, and maintain high professional standards while working internationally.
5. Skills Required to Become an Executive Chef
To become an executive chef, you need to develop certain specific skills. These skills are very important for an executive chef to effectively manage the entire kitchen of a hotel or restaurant.
Skills:
- An executive chef must have a strong foundation in culinary skills and kitchen management and be skilled enough to work with experienced professionals.
- They must have leadership qualities, a positive attitude, and the ability to lead a team and perform efficiently under high working pressure and long working hours.
- They should have the ability to design attractive menus that encourage customers to place more orders.
- An executive chef must have the ability to control costs and manage budgets according to the dishes prepared, which helps in achieving good profits.
- Proper discipline, time management, and pressure management are essential, especially during heavy working hours.
6. 7. How to Become an Executive Chef (Career Path)
If you are one of those who aspire to become an executive chef, you will receive step-by-step guidance below.
Step 1:
You need to take a formal culinary education. There is a two-year diploma programme in culinary arts offered to students.
Step 2:
Under this programme, you need to practice in a real kitchen environment and develop essential working skills and practical experience.
Step 3:-
An individual needs to develop skills and achieve specialization for professional growth.
Step 4:-
Through experience, a person develops leadership qualities.
Chef ICBA is also one of the best culinary training institutes that provides professional culinary training and focuses on practical learning.
7. Is an Executive Chef a Good Career Option?
An executive chef is considered the highest position in the culinary career. After 3–5 years of experience, a chef gains sufficient knowledge and professional exposure, which leads to steady career growth toward the position of executive chef.
The role of an executive chef is very important and demanding. An executive chef holds a leadership position and earns great respect in the organization. They lead the entire kitchen and manage all kitchen staff efficiently. Executive chefs have many national and international career opportunities. With good experience, they receive attractive salary packages and long-term professional respect. They also guide and manage other chefs to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
Conclusion
Becoming an executive chef is the dream of many people, and therefore, this career is in very high demand, especially among the youth. To become an executive chef, one needs to develop proper skills and gain practical working experience. It is important to work in a real kitchen environment and receive proper training in kitchen management. Chef IBCA is one of the institutes where many inspiring success stories of executive chefs can be found.
If you also see yourself as an executive chef in the future, then the first step is to take admission in a culinary diploma course offered by Chef IBCA.
FAQs – Executive Chef Career & Salary
1.What is the average salary of an executive chef in India?
The average salary of an executive chef in India is upto 10lakh.
2. How many years does it take to become an executive chef?
It’s not fixed; it depends on your capabilities and work experience.
3.Can beginners become executive chefs?
Yes, with proper culinary education, beginners can start their journey toward becoming an executive chef.
4.Is a culinary education required to become an executive chef?
Yes, culinary education is required to become an executive chef.
