By Chef Eram, Senior Sous Chef, Academy of Pastry and Culinary Arts
Amid the uncertainty, the advent of the pandemic has significantly disrupted every sector—be it retail, aviation, automobile, education, or culinary. The outbreak has certainly upturned everybody’s lives drastically, changing the way we live and work, personally as well as professionally. However, ever since technological advances encroached on our lives, the realm of culinary arts has dramatically changed, which has boosted the market size of the industry. To highlight the fact, the Indian food service market is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2018 to 2023, reaching a value of $95.5 billion, as per Mordor Intelligence.
While the fusion of technology and the culinary arts has resulted in exciting new developments, it has also changed the way chefs and food enthusiasts are educated and prepare culinary delights. In light of this, new-age technologies have expanded the scope of culinary education and introduced fresh dimensions of excellence to the constantly evolving concept of educational quality. In this context, one might make the case that the profession has expanded to include much more than just the skill of knowing how to serve and show meals. Or, to put it another way, “what it means to be a chef” is a concept that is rapidly changing.
Culinary Education: The Importance of Innovation
Virtual and Augmented Reality in Culinary Training: Culinary education is being transformed by virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Students may fully immerse themselves in a virtual culinary setting using virtual reality (VR), where they can practice cooking methods, try out different ingredients, and even get advice from virtual mentors. With the use of augmented reality (AR), students may get real-time instructions and information while working in the actual kitchen.
Online Learning Platforms: The days when students had to learn inside four walls are long gone. Since the idea of ed-tech came to the forefront, internet platforms have made a wealth of culinary materials available online. From offering anything from in-depth courses on culinary skills and cuisines to video lessons by well-known chefs, these online platforms are making culinary education available to a worldwide audience. Thus, by opting for an online platform, students can access a wide variety of culinary expertise and learn at their own pace.
Smart Kitchen Appliances and Tools: It is undeniable that processes for cooking have been eased with the emergence of smart kitchen gadgets and appliances. These appliances, which range from precision sous-vide cookers to clever ovens, provide exact temperature control and automation, allowing chefs to concentrate on flavor creation and inventiveness. Additionally, smartphone applications may be used to operate and monitor linked kitchen equipment, improving accessibility and convenience for cooking.
Impact of Technology on the Culinary Industry
There is no doubting the reality that technological development has boosted both the efficiency of commercial kitchens and the size of the market for the food business. First, the introduction of technology has transformed automated operations like inventory management and other similar tasks, freeing chefs to focus on their culinary inventiveness. Additionally, the development of technology has given chefs access to a variety of culinary knowledge and inspiration. In this situation, chefs may find novel ingredients, experiment with other cuisines, and readily share their culinary creations with a worldwide audience.
Furthermore, smart sensors and monitoring systems, among other advancements in food safety technology, have made it possible to detect ingredient freshness and maintain ideal food storage conditions. Additionally, technology has made it possible for chefs to adopt greener practices, ensuring that culinary creations are not only delicious but also safe for the environment.
Transformation with Modern Technology
In today’s modern era, it is important to find a balance between conventional culinary methods and contemporary equipment, even if technology has enormous advantages for culinary education and business. As a result, technological innovation in culinary education is changing the culinary arts and improving their accessibility, effectiveness, and diversity. Furthermore, the fusion of culinary arts and technology is certainly ushering in a richer, more dynamic, and endlessly possible future for the culinary industry.