How to Become a Chef in Ireland: A Culinary Journey
30th July 2024
Ireland's culinary scene has been simmering with excitement in recent years, as traditional Irish fare melds with modern gastronomy and international influences to create a unique and vibrant food culture.
With Michelin-starred restaurants popping up alongside cosy local eateries, and food festivals celebrating the bounty of the Emerald Isle, there's never been a better time to don your chef's whites in Ireland. Let's explore how you can turn your passion for food into a thriving career.
Why Become a Chef in Ireland?
Ireland's rich culinary heritage offers a fantastic foundation for aspiring chefs. With show-stopping restaurants like Thyme Restaurant serving up innovative modern Irish cuisine, the country's food scene is diverse and ever-evolving.
The emphasis on local, sustainable ingredients provides a playground for chefs to experiment and innovate, while the growing number of food festivals and events offer ample opportunities to showcase your skills.
Steps to Becoming a Chef in Ireland
1. Education and Training
The first step on your journey is gaining a solid foundation through formal education. Ireland boasts several excellent cookery schools and courses, from the introductory (like our own 4 Week Essential Skills Course at Dublin Cookery School), all the way up to advanced degrees at institutions like TU Dublin.
2. Gaining Experience
Nothing beats hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. In the restaurant business, staging (pronounced "stah-jeing" and derived from the French term "stagiaire") refers to a practice where aspiring chefs or culinary professionals work temporarily in a kitchen, typically for free, to gain experience and learn new techniques. This hands-on training allows them to observe and participate in the operations of a high-end or renowned restaurant. From there, you can move onto entry-level positions such as kitchen assistant or commis chef. These roles will give you invaluable insights into kitchen dynamics and allow you to learn different stations.
3. Apprenticeships and Internships
Many reputable restaurants in Ireland offer apprenticeships or internships. These opportunities allow you to learn under experienced chefs, gaining exposure to various cuisines and techniques. It's a chance to put your skills to the test and build your professional network.
4. Certifications and Professional Development
Invest in relevant certifications, such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points). Continuous learning through workshops, courses, and competitions will keep your skills sharp and your knowledge up-to-date.
Building a Career as a Chef in Ireland
Networking and Building Connections
The culinary world is all about connections. Join professional associations like Euro-Toques Ireland to network with fellow chefs and stay informed about industry trends.
Finding Job Opportunities
Utilise online job boards, culinary recruitment agencies, and networking events to find job opportunities. A strong CV and portfolio showcasing your skills and experience are essential.
Specialising and Finding Your Niche
As you gain experience, you might find yourself drawn to a particular area of cuisine. Whether it's pastry, fine dining, or food styling, honing your unique style can set you apart in this and exciting competitive world.
Starting Your Own Restaurant or Business
For many chefs, the ultimate goal is to open their own restaurant or food business. While challenging, it can be incredibly rewarding. Remember to create a solid business plan and understand the local market before taking this leap.
Success Stories and Inspiration
Ireland has produced many renowned chefs who have made their mark on the global food stage. Take inspiration from our own team of chefs and guest chefs and how they got their start!
Gerry Devlin
Our esteemed owner Gerry Devlin, has come a long way from working his first food gig as a teenager in the Glenview Hotel. Gerry’s relationship with the school was sparked back in 2010 when he joined as Head Tutor.
Since then, his kitchen adventures have taken him near and far, including a decade of innovation as Head of Food Operations at the Kilkenny Design Group.
Guest Chef Jianen Liu
Cooking wasn’t always the career path for this chef! With a background in business development, Janet turned her passion for food into a career serving up delectable dumplings, gyozas, baos, and rice bowls at the street food marketing mecca of Eatyard at the Bernard Shaw.
Her food is on another level, earning the top prize in RTE's Takeaway Titan’s in 2022.
Becoming a chef in Ireland is a journey filled with challenges, learning, and delicious discoveries. With dedication, passion, and the right training, you can carve out a successful career in this exciting industry.
Ready to take the first step? Dublin Cookery School's 4 Week Essential Skills Course is an excellent starting point. This immersive program is designed to bring your cookery skills to a whole new level, whether you're a complete novice or an accomplished amateur cook.
The course includes:
- Support from dedicated professional tutors
- A focus on honing strong multi-tasking, timing, teamwork, and mise en place skills
- State-of-the-art kitchen, top-notch equipment, and the very finest ingredients
- Menus and techniques that embrace a global perspective and seasonality
- Internal voluntary placement opportunities within Dublin Cookery School's public courses
As one student shared: "I have just finished the month course which has ignited my passion for cooking and has given me skills I will keep with me for a lifetime. Every day was amazing with expert demos, lots of cooking, advice and encouragement from the incredible team. The true reflection of the course was that none of us wanted it to end. If you can do any course, I would encourage you to sign up."