5 Movies Every Aspiring Chef Should Watch

Tricks and trade of the culinary industry cannot be learnt merely by studying books. That is the primary reason why hospitality courses dealing with the culinary field often tend to take candidates for industrial visits and even insist that students undergo internships with big hotel chains.

However, another means through which one can learn new aspects of life without actually feeling burdened to study is – Cinema. Movies are often a reflection of what we experience in our day to day lives and along with that carry a hidden meaning for those of us who really pay attention.  

Thus, in this article we will be listing few movies which aspiring as well as current chefs should definitely consider watching.

Ratatouille

Remy an idealistic, ambitious and talented young rat dreams of becoming a famous chef just like his idol – Auguste Gusteau. As luck would have it Remy befriends Alfredo Linguini who is hired as a garbage boy at Gusteau’s popular city restaurant. He later also finds out that Linguini is Gusteau’s rightful heir and with his help starts cooking delicious meals at the hotel.

What it tells you:

In the movie, Ratatouille, Gusteau is known to say “Anyone can cook” and so the movie tries to say to people that if they possess a passion for anything then irrespective of who they are and what they do, they can achieve their goal. However, one will only be able to do that if they are willing to work hard enough for it.

The Hundred-Foot Journey

The movie revolves around the Kadam family who move from India to France and open a restaurant named “Maison Mumbai” just 100 feet away from Michelin-starred French restaurant by the name "Le Saule Pleureur". The story further revolves around how the mutual dislike of both the restaurant owners gets reformed.

What it tells you:

The movie tries to communicate that new and innovative means are the way forward and being good behind the stove is an art which can be learnt and perfected. And if you are good, you will be discovered and acknowledged sooner or later, no matter from which country you are and what the colour of your skin is.

Chocolat

A single mother, Vianne Rocher, moves in to a village and opens a little chocolate shop – La Chocolaterie Maya. Initially, she faces a lot of resentment from the villagers, being a free-spirited person caught up in the midst of rigid society rules. However, due to her helpful and understanding nature she soon starts to befriend the people and prepares Chocolates for the festival planned on Easter Sunday.

What it tells you:

The movie reveals that if you have a good heart and are also good at the job at hand, then nothing can stop you. If you meticulously keep following your goal in life then even your adversaries will acknowledge your abilities. Apart from that, Chocolate always has a soothing effect on people and is a good way to win anyone over.

Chef

Chef of an upscale restaurant in California, Carl, is quite popular with his kitchen staff but runs into constant fights with his boss who wants him to stick to recipes on the menu book. In the heat of the moment Carl quits his job and gets in touch with his son and ex-wife who help him set up a food truck. The movie further follows his journey in this new terrain. Watch it for the delicious meals especially the simple pasta with pesto prepared by Carl.

What it tells you:

The hidden message in the movie for young chefs is that – Failure is not final. Even if the world forces you to stick to a certain aspect in life, do not accept it as your fate because the future is in your hands. It also shares that people may try to pull you down but you need to make your point firmly and stand up for yourself when the need arises. However, one should do all this with dignity otherwise they can even lose their credibility in the process.

Haute Cuisine

A celebrated chef in France, Hortense Laborie, is selected to become the President’s personal cook. Totally excited and nervous to land such a job, Laborie cannot believe her luck. However, problem starts when she faces resentment from the mostly male kitchen staff at the President’s estate. However, she finds a friend in the President and joy in knowing that she is good at her job.

What it tells you:

If you truly love cooking then it can be therapeutic for you. And no matter how much opposition you face, you should believe in yourself and keep on giving your 100% to the task at hand. Apart from that, watch this French movie for its mouthwatering meals prepared to perfection.

In the end, we hope that all aspiring chefs do watch the above listed movies as they can develop a better understanding of the kind of hardships they may face in the pursuit of their passion. We wish you – Bon Appetit!

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