To professional chefs food is about so much more than just fuel. It's their passion and vocation. But what does it take to become a gourmet chef?

Here are five helpful tips to make it to the top:

  • 1. Dedication

It's not easy to become a chef. The hours are unsociable, it's hard work and often stressful. However, if you have the drive and ambition you can make it. Start off by helping out in a nearby pub kitchen and try to take a course at a local college to learn the basics. Talk to other chefs and find out how they got their jobs and experience.

  • 2. Passion

A love of food is a basic necessity for any chef. You'll be working with food all day so you must enjoy experimenting with flavours, textures and colours. You must be willing to learn which flavours sit well together and equally which flavours don't work.

  • 3. Qualifications

You'll need a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate. Lots of training is available. Modern Apprenticeships can lead to an NVQ and you can also take City & Guild courses.

  • 4. Experience

Experience is vital and sometimes more important than formal qualifications. Try and get work experience in local restaurants and aim high you never know who you might meet.

  • 5. Top tools

A chef needs high-quality sharp knives. Invest in a good set that will see you through your new career.

If you can stand the heat, get in the kitchen.