chef

Chef is a professional cook who supervises kitchen operations in a restaurant, hotel, or other food service establishment. The word derives from the French chef de cuisine, meaning "head of the kitchen." In professional kitchens, a chef is responsible for menu planning, food preparation, and the overall quality of dishes served to guests.

Many kitchens operate under a brigade system, with roles such as executive chef, sous-chef, and chef de partie (station chief). The executive chef leads menu development, budgeting, procurement, and staff management, while the sous-chef acts as second in command and helps coordinate daily operations. Other specialties include pastry chefs, sauciers, and butchers.

Training paths vary. Some chefs attend culinary school or apprenticeships; others work their way up through restaurant kitchens. Professional certifications in food safety and sanitation, such as ServSafe or HACCP-based programs, are common. Career progression typically follows the brigade hierarchy from junior cooks to chef de partie, sous-chef, and executive chef.

Chefs work in high-pressure environments that require precision, creativity, and attention to hygiene. They coordinate with suppliers, manage inventory, and adapt to dietary trends and customer preferences. The role continues to evolve with food technology, sustainability, and changing culinary tastes.