If you have ever wondered about what makes a chef great, or perhaps if you have what it takes to be a great chef, please keep reading. Although it is true that there are a wide variety of men and women at the top of the culinary world, and on the surface, it would seem that they have little in common, the fact is that there are certain characteristics they share in common. The following are three of the most important.
They are honest about their own cooking
Great chefs are their own worst critic; they’re not easily satisfied with their creations.
While others may praise them for a dish they made, if there is even the slightest problem with it, they will see it. The next time they make the dish, they remember their previous mistake and will try to improve their technique or use of an ingredient. A top chef is always striving for perfection in their cooking.
They are enormously creative
While there are many chefs who can be considered good, much of this is because they have mastered good techniques, and then are able to follow popular recipes. A top chef is someone who is able to bend or even break traditions in cooking, but does so with astonishing results. Often, this is due to the path they took in becoming a great chef. Regardless of where they learned to cook, they have learned by doing as well as observing. They are able to discard culinary ideas and techniques they dislike and absorb that which they do like. In time, the result is a top chef that stands out from the others.
They have a passion for cooking
Although this is a common ingredient for success in other areas of life, in the field of the culinary arts, it is pronounced. Every top chef that has ever lived has an overwhelming passion for cooking that follows them throughout his or her entire life. It is a part of each day that they live. Even on days when they are not cooking, they are thinking about food and how best to prepare it.
Naturally, chefs with the above qualities quickly gain a reputation and a following among people who enjoy fine food and dining. Many of these chefs become known on a national level. There are many examples, and you probably can name several yourself. One name that stands out as an example is Tim Love, a top chef who gained initial fame out of Texas.
50 Responses
Totally agree Peachy!
Thanks MJ!
I don’t know that many chefs, my appreciation for food has only been recently been “improved” . 🙂
I only know celebrity chefs on TV but I’ll definitely check out Tim Love! 🙂
I agree with what you said about the characteristics of great chefs. They’re very honest with their own cooking. To add, great chefs do not stop learning.
Thanks Lainey!
Great chefs are committed to giving the best they can. They don’t want to serve something that won’t pass their standards. 🙂
I’m glad that the way chefs are looked up in Ph is better now compared to their status 10-15 yrs ago.
Same here.
“Even on the days when they are not cooking, they are thinking about food and how best to prepare it.”
I love this statement! It takes great love for food and cooking to be a top chef.
true!
I agree with you. These are the qualities one must possess to become a great chef.
Thanks !
I love visiting fancy restaurants and meeting the chefs their–you can just see their passion for what they do. Your post was spot on!
Thanks rebecca!
This is a great post. I know several hard core cookers, and the one thing they all have in common is that they can make something fantastic out of nothing.
oh yeah, that’s true!
I love a good Chef because I love to eat. I’m in awe of the things they come up with, randomly put together and then taste amazing. I don’t have those skills, I’m just great at eating.
LOL!
I don’t know any chefs, but these would have to be characteristics for good ones! I imagine they have to have a passion for cooking and be able to admit things about their own food.
True!
I love seeing what the chefs can come up with on their next meal. I have some allergies and I love to see how they can make something sing even without certain ingredients.
That’s a challenge but chefs have a way of coming up with good food eventhough they have limited ingredients.
My father was a chef and he was all those characteristics and more. Larger than life really. They have to be.
Oh, I’m sure your dad is a great chef!
I have never had the creativity to do what chefs do. I love how they’re always coming up with new ways to combine and cook food for their customers. It’s almost like they’re creating art that’s intended to be eaten. I really admire their talent!
I have such a great admiration for chefs!
I admire chefs for their creativity and true passion in cooking food for other people.
Me too!
These are great points. It’s so cool hearing someone talk who is super passionate about food. Every little detail matters!
Thanks Liz!
These are all great qualities of great chefs! I am pretty creative in the kitchen but I am so not a great chef…LOL!
same here. I think I’m pretty creative in the kitchen as well.
I have a real passion for cooking. However, I do not consider myself some extravagant chef. These are really honest points about people who have a real drive for food excellence! As a mom I think my passion for food makes me creative!
Cheers to that!
These are so true. I have a few chef friends i need to get some cooking lessons from.
Same here.
I agree, great chefs are very creative. And many never follow a recipe. They have things memorized and are not afraid to try new ideas as they are putting a meal together.
Thanks Sicorra!
These are all so true! I love watching cooking shows and I can never believe the creativity that comes out of those top chefs; I could never look at a bunch of ingredients and make a tasty dish on the spot!
I always like to have my dishes planned . i don’t think I’ll be able to cook in an instant.
I don’t know many professional chefs, but my mom is a great cook. She loves experimenting and wishes we weren’t so picky. haha
LOL!
You definitely need a passion for cooking 😛 and unfortunately I don’t have that. Hehe Admire them, I think that is the only way creativity comes.
passion is really the # 1 thing when it comes to cooking.
The passion to cook makes the ‘job’ not really a job. I think that’s true with most things. 🙂
I think so too!
Over the years, my son has become quite an incredible chef – thought he’s never had any formal training. He’s very creative and passionate about his cooking, and certainly his own worst critic! But we all love his cooking so he keeps trying to perfect it. 🙂
That’s great to hear!
This sounds a lot like my best friend! He went to culinary arts school to be a chef. 🙂
That’s awesome!
Totally agree. When people are passionate about what they are doing it usually comes out totally great!