For many people, becoming a chef is a dream career because it provides you with the opportunity to turn your passion into a career. If you enjoy developing recipes and adding your own twist to them, then a culinary career may be ideal for you. Almost all chefs enter the industry due to their love of food and then work to bring their passion to other people. Undoubtedly, having a passion for food is the most crucial quality of a successful chef.
If you are considering becoming a chef, then there has never been a better time to make your dreams a reality. Read on for five exciting reasons to build a culinary career in Dubai.
1. You can excel in a creative career.
Pursuing a culinary career in Dubai is a highly creative profession. After all, a large part of a chef’s responsibility is creating the menu and determining how dishes are prepared for diners. This produces lots of possibilities for utilizing your creativity as you will be working to develop recipes and menu combinations that enable you to stand out from other restaurants in the area.
However, cooking meals at home is different from cooking in a restaurant, as you will have to repeat recipes over and over again to ensure everything tastes just right. To succeed as a chef, you must have an in-depth knowledge of cooking techniques and food pairings.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that you enroll in professional chef courses that will assist you in turning your passion into your life’s work. Having a formal education will develop your cooking skills, as well as provide you with other required skills, such as menu planning and restaurant operation.
2. It is a rewarding and stimulating career.
By opting to pursue a culinary career, you can be assured that you will always be stimulated as there is always something new to learn and ways to expand your current skills. Every chef will tell you that it is essential that you continue to develop and hone your skills!
Generally, at the beginning of your career, you want to learn to prepare and cook a wide variety of dishes. However, as you progress, you can start to specialize if you choose. Your passion and experience may lead you to specialize in Brazilian or Emirati food, for example, or even vegan desserts – whatever path you want, you will find there are plenty of rewarding opportunities for you to carve your own way.
What’s more, you will quickly find that the reward isn’t solely limited to you personally. People love eating out, and by being a part of this special event, you will feel incredible knowing that your hard work is recognized and valued. Whether you see it in a smile on a customer’s face or the hundreds of positive reviews online, you can experience (almost) instant gratification that tells you that your work is appreciated.
3. It is a flexible career.
One of the main benefits of pursuing a culinary career is the flexibility that it provides. Wherever you decide to live, you will be able to find work as a chef. Whether you dream of serving indulgent meals at a resort or taking a chef job in Dubai’s funky cafes, your culinary career will be highly portable.
By entering the food industry, you can be assured that you will always have a job as the demand for eating out shows no sign of slowing down. Around the world, the hospitality industry is steadily growing, so you are sure to find new and challenging positions throughout your career.
Additionally, depending on where you work, your hours are going to vary – some eateries are only open at night, while others during the day. Alternatively, if you work for a catering company, you are going to work in shifts, while corporate catering will require you to be working regular working hours. In other words, you can find a job that fits your lifestyle!
4. You will spend your time in a positive work environment.
By taking a job in a kitchen, you are also introducing yourself to a close-knit family as chefs and restaurant workers spend long hours working together and socializing. This generates a tight relationship that leads to effective teams and a positive work environment.
No matter where you choose to work, you can be assured that every day will be different. When working in a kitchen, there are daily opportunities to break the routine and tackle something new. For example, some days, you will be working on developing new dishes, while other days, you will be addressing a special event. Whatever the tasks may be, you and the team will be able to fashion the days to your liking.
5. Dubai is an up-and-coming culinary capital.
Dubai is one of the best destinations to pursue a culinary career as the Emirate is building new buzz thanks to a fresh wave of restaurants. International superstars and local chefs alike are opening new eateries that are attracting global attention. This is good news if you dream of one day owning your own restaurant or working in the kitchen of a world-renowned chef.
Keep in mind that most chefs develop their abilities in someone else’s kitchen for a long time before they are in a position to branch out on their own. The experience you gain from working in a kitchen is invaluable as it teaches you everything you need to know to one day operate your own – from inventory management to optimal menu practices. In Dubai, you have a wide range of chefs and restaurants to choose from to obtain this experience. And, opting to pair it with a culinary arts degree will set you apart from the competition.
Are you considering pursuing a culinary career in Dubai? Why or why not? What do you think the benefits of being a chef are? Share your thoughts and any relevant experiences in the comments below!
