Best Books to get the Theoretical Knowledge of Culinary Arts for CHEFS

Chef Abhilash

25 Apr 202311:14

Summary

TLDRIn this engaging video, the host introduces a selection of essential books for culinary enthusiasts and professionals alike. The books cover a range of topics from basic culinary techniques to the science of cooking, spices, and ingredient knowledge. The host, a chef with a master's degree in culinary arts, shares personal insights and recommends these books for those starting in the industry or looking to enhance their skills. The video aims to inspire viewers to deepen their understanding of cooking, combining both practical knowledge and theoretical insights.

Takeaways

😀 The speaker introduces themselves as Abhilash, a chef and content creator on their YouTube channel 'So Gourmet'.
📚 The video discusses a selection of the speaker's personal choice books that are helpful for those studying culinary arts.
👨‍🍳 The speaker has recently completed a Master's degree in the UK and was sponsored by Pizza and Tyr 2, a company that provided him with a uniform.
🕘 The video is being recorded late at night after the kitchen service has finished, emphasizing the dedication to content creation.
📖 'Practical Indian Cooking' is recommended as a great starting point for those new to the industry or looking to clear basic techniques.
🔬 'The Science of Cooking' is highlighted as a must-read for understanding the chemical reactions behind cooking processes.
🌶 'The Science of Spices' is recommended for those who want to understand the role of spices in Indian cooking.
🍞 The speaker mentions 'The Book of Bread' by Yumna Al-Khudair, which is a favorite since college, for its clarity and simple language.
📈 The importance of both theoretical and practical knowledge is emphasized for those wanting to excel in the culinary industry.
📝 The speaker suggests keeping these books as a reference even during college and using them to supplement learning.
👩‍🏫 The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to watch more of the speaker's informative and interesting videos on their channel.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?
-The main topic of the video is about the best culinary arts books recommended for study, particularly for those starting in the industry or for enhancing their technical knowledge.
Who is the speaker in the video?
-The speaker in the video is Abhilash, who introduces himself as a chef and mentions his recent master's degree in the UK.
What is the significance of the book 'Practical Indian Cooking' in the video?
-The book 'Practical Indian Cooking' is highlighted as a very helpful resource for those starting in the industry or for junior chefs, providing clear techniques and basic knowledge.
What does the speaker suggest about the book 'The Science of Cooking'?
-The speaker suggests that 'The Science of Cooking' is a must-read for anyone in the culinary industry, as it explains the science behind cooking processes and chemical reactions in the kitchen.
How does the speaker describe the book 'The Science of Spices'?
-The speaker describes 'The Science of Spices' as an excellent book for understanding the role of spices in cooking, how they release their natural oils, and their impact on flavor and temperature.
What personal anecdote does the speaker share about a book that helped him?
-The speaker shares an anecdote about a book that helped him understand a concept in baking, which was not clear to others, leading to his selection in a competition.
What is the importance of theoretical knowledge according to the speaker?
-According to the speaker, theoretical knowledge is as important as practical knowledge, especially for those who want to become creative chefs and understand the reasons behind cooking processes.
What is the title of the book that the speaker considers a must-have for understanding ingredients in the industry?
-The book titled 'The Book of Ingredients' is considered a must-have for understanding the types of ingredients used in the industry and their roles in cooking.
What advice does the speaker give for those starting in the culinary industry?
-The speaker advises those starting in the culinary industry to invest in these recommended books to enhance their knowledge and to study them alongside their practical training.
How does the speaker relate the importance of understanding the role of each ingredient in cooking?
-The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of each ingredient by explaining how even a small change in quantity can significantly affect the outcome and texture of a dish.
What is the speaker's opinion on the combination of practical and theoretical knowledge in the culinary field?
-The speaker believes that a combination of practical and theoretical knowledge is essential for success in the culinary field, as it helps in understanding the 'why' behind cooking processes.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introduction to Recommended Culinary Books

The speaker introduces themselves as Abhilash, a chef who recently completed a Master's degree in the UK and has returned to India to work with Pizza and a sponsored company. They mention their experience and transition from studying to working in the industry. The video aims to recommend a list of the best books for culinary art, which are helpful for beginners and those looking to enhance their technical knowledge and theoretical understanding in the field of cooking. The speaker also shares that they are making the video late at night after their kitchen service has ended.

05:00

📚 Detailed Review of Selected Culinary Books

The speaker provides a detailed review of various culinary books that are beneficial for those starting in the industry or looking to improve their skills. They discuss the content and utility of each book, such as 'Practical Indian Cooking' for basic techniques and 'The Science of Cooking' for understanding the chemical reactions in cooking. The speaker also mentions 'The Book of Spices' for those interested in spices and their role in Indian cooking. They emphasize the importance of both practical knowledge and theoretical understanding for chefs, suggesting that these books offer valuable insights into ingredients, techniques, and the science behind cooking processes.

10:01

👨‍🍳 Personal Favorites and Industry Insights

The speaker shares their personal favorite books from their college days and their significance. They discuss the impact of a particular book that helped them understand concepts clearly and even influenced their career path. The speaker also mentions other books written by industry professionals, such as chefs and directors, covering topics like hotel production management and food basics. They stress the importance of practical knowledge combined with theoretical understanding for aspiring chefs and suggest that these books can be a valuable resource for gaining insights into the industry and improving one's culinary skills.

🎓 Encouragement for Continuous Learning in the Culinary Industry

The speaker encourages viewers to consider the recommended books as a valuable resource for learning and growth in the culinary industry. They suggest that these books can be helpful not only for beginners but also for those already in college or working in the industry. The speaker emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and practice, and how understanding the reasons behind cooking techniques can significantly improve one's skills. They conclude by inviting viewers to watch more of their informative videos on various topics related to the culinary industry and their experiences.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Gastronomics

Gastronomics refers to the study and appreciation of food and its cultural significance. In the video's context, it relates to the host's passion and profession, indicating a deep interest in the culinary arts. The script mentions 'Gastronomics' as part of the channel's focus on food and cooking techniques.

💡Master's Degree

A Master's Degree is an academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery in a specific field of study. The script refers to the host's pursuit of a Master's in Culinary Arts in the UK, highlighting the importance of formal education in the culinary industry.

💡Sponsorship

Sponsorship in this context refers to financial support provided to an individual, often in exchange for advertising or endorsement. The script mentions 'sponsorship' when discussing how a company sponsored the host's education, indicating a real-world application of industry support in culinary education.

💡Basics

In the culinary world, 'basics' refers to fundamental cooking techniques and knowledge that form the foundation of more complex dishes. The video script emphasizes the importance of understanding the basics, as it is through these that one can build their culinary skills.

💡Technical Knowledge

Technical knowledge in cooking involves the understanding of specific methods, procedures, and the science behind food preparation. The script discusses the importance of technical knowledge for those starting in the culinary field, suggesting that it is as crucial as practical experience.

💡The Science of Cooking

This concept refers to the understanding of the chemical reactions and physical transformations that occur during cooking. The script mentions 'The Science of Cooking' as a book recommendation, indicating its role in educating viewers on the scientific principles behind culinary techniques.

💡Flavor

Flavor is the sensory impression of food and drink, influenced by taste, smell, and sometimes texture. The script discusses how different cooking techniques can affect the flavor of food, such as the example of chopping versus crushing garlic to achieve different flavor profiles.

💡Temperature Control

Temperature control is crucial in cooking as it affects the texture, doneness, and safety of food. The video script touches on the importance of understanding temperature in relation to food preparation, such as how it influences the Maillard reaction in cooking.

💡Ingredient

Ingredients are the raw materials used in cooking, and understanding their properties is key to creating successful dishes. The script discusses the importance of knowing different types of potatoes and tomatoes, their roles in recipes, and how they can be manipulated through cooking techniques.

💡Cookbook

A cookbook is a kitchen reference containing recipes and often culinary information. The script recommends several cookbooks as resources for learning about cooking techniques, ingredient knowledge, and the science behind food preparation.

💡Culinary Industry

The culinary industry encompasses all aspects of food preparation, from professional cooking to food service and hospitality. The script discusses the importance of both practical and theoretical knowledge for those entering the culinary industry, suggesting that a well-rounded education is beneficial.

💡Creative

In the context of cooking, being creative refers to the ability to invent new dishes or present food in novel ways. The script mentions the importance of creativity for those who want to stand out in the culinary industry, indicating that innovation is valued alongside traditional skills.

💡Career Development

Career development involves the process of improving one's professional skills and knowledge to advance in their chosen field. The script encourages viewers to invest in their education, suggesting that a combination of practical and theoretical knowledge is essential for career growth in the culinary industry.

Highlights

Introduction to the YouTube channel and the host, Abhishek, a chef who recently completed a master's degree in the UK.

Discussion about the best culinary arts books for those starting in the industry or looking to enhance their knowledge.

Recommendation of the book 'Practical Indian Cooking' for beginners to understand basic techniques and equipment.

Emphasis on the importance of theoretical knowledge alongside practical skills for chefs.

Highlighting 'The Science of Cooking' as a must-read book that explains the science behind cooking processes.

Explanation of how different ingredients and cooking techniques affect the final product's taste and texture.

Introduction of 'The Science of Spices' for understanding the role of spices in Indian cooking.

Importance of knowing the effects of spices on food, such as temperature release and natural oil release.

Personal favorite book 'Yugmashok' by Ashok Kumar, praised for its simple language and clear concepts.

Story of how the book 'Yugmashok' helped the host during his college days and secured his selection.

Recommendation of 'The Book of Ingredients' for understanding the types, uses, and properties of various ingredients.

The significance of theoretical knowledge in cooking for problem-solving and creativity in the kitchen.

Advice for those entering the culinary industry to invest in books for both theoretical and practical knowledge.

Mention of other useful books like 'International Airport Production Management' and 'Food Basics'.

The host's belief that learning from books with pictures helps in better understanding and concept clarity.

Encouragement for viewers to watch more of the host's videos on various topics related to the culinary industry.

Invitation for feedback on the video and suggestions for future video content.