05/20/2026
Had some great conversations with HTCT culinary students recently and one question I always ask: “How long does it take to become a chef?”
The truth is, there’s no exact timeline. You can learn techniques and recipes in school, but becoming a great chef takes years of repetition, discipline, consistency, and experience. Even the best chefs are still learning every day.
We also talked about something just as important as cooking… CULTURE.
Kitchen culture shapes everything, teamwork, respect, leadership, work ethic, and the environment you create for others. Food is culture, and being a chef is about much more than what’s on the plate.
One of the most important questions young cooks should ask themselves is:
“What kind of culture do I want to create someday in my own kitchen?”
That answer may matter more than any recipe.
