Many believe being a cook is the first step before becoming a chef. Do you agree, or are the two roles completely different?
I think most chefs do start as cooks, even if it’s just at home or in a small kitchen. You need that hands-on base before you can lead a whole team.
As a chef, I definitely started out as a cook and honestly, that’s where you learn the real roots of kitchen work. Being a cook is about mastering techniques and flavors, but stepping up to chef means leading a team and building an entire menu from scratch. Both roles are vital, but the journey from cook to chef taught me patience, creativity, and respect for everyone behind the line. In my kitchen, I always make sure cooks feel valued, because it’s the foundation for every chef’s success.
