10 Big Differences Between a Commis Chef and an Assistant Chef – Choose the Right Role!

Professional Kitchens are full of exciting roles, and each person plays a crucial part on their role in delivering delicious meals. However, two commonly confused roles or positions are Commis and Assistant Chef. Both contribute to the success of hotel or restaurant kitchens, but their responsibilities, roles, and career paths are different. So, if you are planning to be a part of this culinary world, it is a must for you to understand the distinction.

In this blog, you will explore the major difference between a Commis chef and an Assistant Chef, their job roles, job description, and how they contribute to the kitchen’s smooth operation.

Who is a Commis Chef?

An entry-level chef who works under the supervision of a senior chef is called a Commis Chef. This role or position is perfect for those who are just beginning their career in the cooking or culinary field and want to get hands-on experience.

Roles & Responsibilities of a Commis Chef:-

• Learning the Basics of Kitchen: In a learning phase, a Commis Chef focuses on understanding kitchen operations and food preparation methods and techniques.
• Assisting the Senior Chef: A Commis Chef helps higher-level or Senior chefs, like the Sous Chef and Head Chef, with the daily kitchen tasks, such as chopping vegetables and preparing sauces.
• Mise en Place handling: In this, a Commis Chef needs to prepare ingredients before service, such as cutting meat, cleaning seafood, or measuring spices.
• Maintain Kitchen Hygiene: A Commis Chef needs to ensure cleanliness, proper sanitation, and food safety regulations.
• Practice Knife Skills: A Commis Chef needs to develop expertise in slicing, dicing, chopping, and filleting ingredients efficiently.
• Follow Orders: A Commis Chef has to work according to the instructions given by Senior Chefs and help them execute the dishes perfectly.
• Stock Management: A Commis Chef always needs to track Kitchen inventory and must inform the team about the shortages.
• Gaining Practical Knowledge: Learn different cooking methods, plating techniques, and kitchen etiquette.

Skill Required to Become a Commis Chef:-

• Basics of Cooking Skills
• Time Management
• Under pressure working ability
• Dedication to learn
• Attentiveness to every detail

Who is an Assistant Chef?

The one experienced and professional chef who supports the Head Chef and Sous Chef to run the kitchen smoothly is called an Assistant Chef. They are also known as Junior Sous Chefs or Kitchen Assistants.

Roles & Responsibilities of an Assistant Chef:-

• Supervise Junior Staff: The assistant Chef is responsible for overseeing the work of the Commis Chef and other junior kitchen staff.
• Prepare Ingredients and Cooking: The Assistant Chef handles advanced cooking tasks like roasting, grilling, sautéing, and other responsibilities for entire dishes.
• Quality Control: An assistant Chef ensures that dishes meet restaurant standards in terms of taste, portioning, and presentation.
• Manage Kitchen Operations: Helps with kitchen planning workflow and ensures efficiency during peak hours.
• Maintain Inventory: The Assistant Chef keeps stock records and coordinates with suppliers for ingredient availability.
• Enforce safety Protocols: Maintaining hygiene and sanitation, and to ensure all the safety guidelines are followed is the responsibility of an assistant chef.
• Assisting in Menu Development: An assistant Chef collaborates with a senior chef to generate new dishes and improve existing ones.
• Training and Mentoring: The Assistant Chef trains junior chefs and trainees about different cooking methods and best practices.

Skill Required to Become an Assistant Chef:-

• Advanced Culinary Skills
• Team Management & Leadership
• Must have Food Safety knowledge
• Must be creative in cooking
• Have strong organizational skills

Key Difference Between Commis Chef and Assistant Chef:-

Are You Confuse That Which Role is Right For You:-

Choosing the right role for you, a Commis Chef or an Assistant Chef depends upon your experience, skill level, and goals related to your career. But Don’t worry, we will help you with this-

Choose Commis Chef, if:-

• You are a beginner in the Culinary or Cooking field.
• Wants to gain hands-on-kitchen experience.
• Prefers working under guidance
• Aims to develop fundamental cooking skills.

Choose Commis Chef, if:-

• Already have some experience in the kitchen
• Comfortable handling responsibilities.
• Can train and supervise junior chefs.
• Interested in taking a leadership role in the kitchen.

Career Growth and Salary Expectations:-

• A Commis Chef usually earns Rs. 15,500 to 20,000 per month, depending on the location, experience, and establishment.
• The salary of an Assistant Chef usually ranges from Rs. 23,000 to 35,000 per month, depending on the location, experience, responsibilities, and expertise.
• After gaining experience, a Commis Chef can become a Chef de Partie, then move on to Sous Chef, and after that, eventually can become a Head Chef.
• Assistant Chef can be promoted to Sous Chef and later become Executive Chef with experience and skills.

So, Are You Still Confuse about the right role for you?

In a professional Kitchen, both a Commis Chef and an assistant Chef are essential and serve different purposes. A Commis Chef is a beginner on the culinary journey, while an Assistant Chef takes on more responsibilities and leadership.

So, suppose you are considering a career in the hotel or hospitality industry’s kitchen. In that case, understanding these roles will help you make an intelligent and informed decision about where to start.

Also, some good institutions train and help you to make perfect decisions in your life. Yes, one of these kinds of hotel management institutions is NFCI (National Finishing & Culinary Institute). It is one of India’s leading hotel management and cooking institutes, and it has been running successfully for the last 35 years. They not only provide all the hotel management and cooking-related courses but also provide your correct career counseling and career guidance that helps you to make the perfect decision.

So, no matter whichever path you choose, remember that dedication, passion, and continuous learning will help you excel in the dynamic world of the culinary or cooking industry.