5 of the top culinary schools in the world
By liswilliams
Chef schools teach you everything there is to know about cooking and everything that goes with the job. If you only know how to fry an egg when you enroll then at the end of your studies you would be walking out like a master chef, making hollandaise sauces, ciabatta and creme brûlée. That is , of course if you choose the right chef school.
Listed are top culinary schools in the world that are highly recommended. Some famous chefs have been trained on the job, without going to a culinary academy, but it is a lot more work and hard hours that you have to put in. Chef schools definitely toughen you up for the better.You could take it one step further and specialize at a pastry chef school is that is what you want, but a general culinary school is a good place to start. Starting at one of these schools will set you on your way to becoming a gourmet chef.
Toscana Saporita Cooking School
This school is not an intense, routine-like program, but more of a cooking holiday with sight-seeing tours of the local area. People come from all over the world to this school, whether they are keen Italian foodies or in the chef trade wanting to learn the latest trends. The Tuscany based school instructs their students how to make different kinds of bread and pizza with a wood fired oven. The school also includes olive oil and wine tasting with many other baking courses on offer.The estate dates back to the 15th century making it unique and accommodation is provided for. Celebrity chef, Gary Rhodes recommends this school.
South African Chefs Academy
I seem to be slightly biased when it comes to this school, only because it was the academy I attended. Students are trained by the best which why I feel it’s the best in South Africa. Unlike a lot of schools where a teacher is giving theory lessons out of a book. Chefs Garth Stroebel and Paul Hartmann have been in the industry for years, working all over the world, before opening this school in 2004. Six hours of practical work are completed everyday for the year program, but the school also provides shorter courses. Samantha Waring is the accomplished pastry chef at the school.
The Culinary Institute of America
With thee different campuses, over 40 kitchens and 100 instructors this is one of the top culinary schools in America. People come from all over the world to attend.
This is also one of the most expensive schools, but most of the students receive aid, which is beneficial. Career opportunities are also excellent once students have graduated. The degree programs at the CIA make it a well recognized academy to attend. There is definitely nothing relaxing about any of the programs. This is definitely not a school for the faint-hearted. Even famous chef, Antony Bourdain, found it an intense program. Everyone that come out of the Institute already has an excellent reputation in front of them, enabling them to work all over the world.
An inside look at the CIA
The French Culinary Institute
Situated in New York, students learn to combine traditional French cooking skills with modern, westernised cuisine. Classes can either be broken up either into a six or a nine month program of intense training. Different pastry and baking courses are also offered on a short-term basis. Classes are small so help is always at hand. The opportunity to cook at one of the top New York restaurants is within reach once students have completed their program and practical work is also performed at one of the restaurants in the New York vicinity.
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The Cordon Bleu
This is one of the top culinary schools in the world with over 20, 000 students completing and graduating every year. The Cordon Bleu was founded in 1886 making it the oldest school in the world, which houses a massive eight different campuses in the world. The main campus started in Paris with London, Australia and Canada being a few more of the sister sites. The syllabus is based on the father of French cuisine, Auguste Escoffier, but also includes modern ways with food. Various degree and Masters programs are also on offer. Students come to the school from all over the world. Some students graduate at chefs and work at top restaurants and hotels and others take up other careers in journalism, food management, restaurant businesses or styling to name a few.
Comments
Johnson and Wales is one of the best culinary institutes in the world. Not only does it offer the most cutting edge information and technology from some of the best chefs of our time, it is one of the few schools that offers accredited degrees instead of certificates.
It would be better if some good culinary schools are also listed from the Asian Continent.Culinary Academy of India is also one of the leading culinary shools in India which has been offering Bachelor's level courses since 1996 and from this year for the first time in India CAI will be offering a Post Graduate Diploma in Culinary Arts which will be the one of its kind in India.
I'm sure it's good, but like the title reads 5 of the best. Seriously this is just a taste as to what is out there.
I have a friend that is interested in culinary school. I'll go ahead and bookmark this for him.
hope it helps
I honestly believe the best two schools are The Culinary Institute of America, as well as Johnson and Wales University.
Great article. You have listed some really good schools. I attended culinary school for one year and that was at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor Michigan. Their program was very good and at the time I attended they took home the most awards from the Michigan Culinary Salon. I actually graduated from a four year college with a Bachelor of Science in Food Systems Management. I appreciate my degree, but I wish I had finished culinary school. Thanks for sharing. Teresa
Thanks events, that's interesting will have to check it out
I so want to go to one of these schools. thanks for putting this up
that was some good information - thanks for it and i have just subscribed to your other hubs
No worries, cherry, good luck!
thanks, Dan!
Hi! I have been researching some culinary schools to attend and my concern is that if Le Cordon Bleu only trains you for the french cuisine. I mean, is it really the base for every other cuisine? How is the employability later comparing to more complete schools like CIA?
Thank for the info
My son is considering going to culinary school. I'll definitely share this inspiring list with him!
how bout International centre for culinary arts dubai????any comment??? i am planning to join.
for sure, there are a ton of good schools out there. Go and speak to the chef at the Dubai school, have a look around. What are they offering? What are other people saying about the school? Really do your homework.
Culinary Academy of India is really good.Their new Post Graduate Diploma in Culinary Arts is well designed,latest and upto date.The practical component of the course is too good.Was fortunate enough to make it into the firsrt batch and Im very very happy to complete the course and now work for the world's leading Cruiseline COSTA in Italy.
Nice one @mayankn!, I heard about India's fine academy.
I am a nigerian . I am very much interested in a very good cullinary ( pastry specialisation) can u help
I don't know of any schools in Nigeria. You have to put in the effort and do the research. If you are lucky enough you may be able to find a bursary or sponsor so you can get into one of the better known schools. Best wishes!
How about southern newhampshire
I actually have heard about a school in that area - good, look in the forums, reviews, see what others are others say who have been to the school. Research - the only way!
Your thoughts on Silwood? I'm planning to go there!
Silwood is a top quality school. It think that chefs academy are better in their theory, but Silwood have been going for years, producing good chefs. The good thing is that they give you experience in kitchens out there in the industry. All the best!
@ amina, i am Nigerian as well, and i just graduated from the Le Cordon Bleu college of culinary arts in austin texas, they are a french school yes, but they dont teach french cooking, they teach french techniques which is the basis for cooking. u can consider ANY le cordon bleu,CIA in new york french culinary institute, and johnson and wales university, these are my top picks in my opinion, but carry out your research like i did before deciding
My daughter has celiac disease and would like to go to culinary school. Any thoughts on which school would accomodate her?
I don't see why not. It's about not eating gluten. Just inform the school. Dont't let something like a disorder put you off from your dreams
research - key
preiya 2 years ago
Culinary schools provide necessary technical skills of culinary art to the students. The curriculum includes theoretical as well as practical sessions. The training is provided by expert chefs in kitchens equipped with modern facilities. They provide training on baking, pastry making, nutrition, and restaurant and hospitality management.
http://www.culinaryschoolsprograms.com/