7 answers
3
Questions
Updated
670 views
How can I learn how to cook?
I've been wanting to pick up on cooking since I began school, I've seen shows that people are cooking their own special meal that they made all on their own. I've wondered how they start off their path in becoming cooks and owning a restaurant.
I want to start cooking and maybe even having my own unique meal I made on the way of learning of cooking.
Login to comment
6 answers
Updated
Lymarie’s Answer
The easiest way to learn how to cook professionally is to work at a restaurant. Start as a prep cook and work your way up. I know many talented and successful chefs who never went to culinary school. They started working in restaurants and moved up. If you simply want to learn on your own, I would definitely start out watching some videos on YouTube, trying out some recipes from Pinterest or go to the local library and see if they have cookbooks. Go at your own pace and remember practice makes you great. All chefs have messed up a recipe so don’t worry about that. Just start cooking, the rest will follow!
Updated
Cassandra’s Answer
Cooking shows are very helpful as well as attending a cooking a class, ask people that know how to cook to sitting and learn .
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Cooking is something you can pick up little by little, and you don't need fancy tools or special training to start. Many people begin with easy dishes like eggs, pasta, rice, or stir-fries. These meals help you learn important basics like seasoning, timing, and proper cooking. Using beginner recipes or watching cooking videos can make it easier, as you can learn and practice at the same time. The key is to practice often and be patient with yourself as you get better.
As you feel more confident, try changing up recipes by adding your own ideas or swapping ingredients based on what you like. This is how many cooks start creating their own unique dishes. Keeping notes on what you enjoy and what works well can help you develop your own style over time. Cooking for family or friends is great too, as it boosts your confidence and lets you learn from their feedback.
If you're thinking about becoming a cook or owning a restaurant someday, focus on learning and enjoying the journey. Many professional chefs started by cooking at home and then worked part-time in restaurants or cafés to gain experience. You don't need to have it all figured out from the start. Begin with small steps, keep practicing, and let your skills and creativity grow naturally.
As you feel more confident, try changing up recipes by adding your own ideas or swapping ingredients based on what you like. This is how many cooks start creating their own unique dishes. Keeping notes on what you enjoy and what works well can help you develop your own style over time. Cooking for family or friends is great too, as it boosts your confidence and lets you learn from their feedback.
If you're thinking about becoming a cook or owning a restaurant someday, focus on learning and enjoying the journey. Many professional chefs started by cooking at home and then worked part-time in restaurants or cafés to gain experience. You don't need to have it all figured out from the start. Begin with small steps, keep practicing, and let your skills and creativity grow naturally.
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
I recommend looking into old Julia Child videos. She was very good at instructing the home chef with her cookbooks and even revitalized healthy homemade cuisine back in the 70s.
Aside from that, use your nose. Taste is dependent upon our smell. Get to know your herbs and spices and don't be afraid to experiment, some of the greatest dishes came from accidents making something entirely else.
Aside from that, use your nose. Taste is dependent upon our smell. Get to know your herbs and spices and don't be afraid to experiment, some of the greatest dishes came from accidents making something entirely else.
Updated
Chef Tendai’s Answer
I absolutely love that you’re thinking about this. That curiosity you’re feeling? That’s exactly how so many cooks and chefs begin.
Most people don’t start in a big kitchen or owning a restaurant. They start at home. They start by trying one recipe. They mess up a little. They try again. They experiment. They taste. They adjust. That’s how confidence is built.
Cooking isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being curious.
If you want to begin:
• Start with simple dishes you enjoy eating.
• Learn basic skills like how to safely cut vegetables, cook rice, or season food properly.
• Watch cooking videos and actually try the recipes, not just watch.
• Keep a small notebook and write down what worked and what you would change.
As for owning a restaurant — that usually comes much later. Most chefs work in kitchens first, learn how restaurants operate, understand food costs, teamwork, and customer service. It’s a journey, not a race.
And creating your own unique meal? That’s one of the most exciting parts. Once you understand basic techniques, you’ll naturally start combining flavors you love. That’s how signature dishes are born.
The most important thing is to start. One meal. One recipe. One attempt.
You never know — this could be the beginning of something amazing for you.
Most people don’t start in a big kitchen or owning a restaurant. They start at home. They start by trying one recipe. They mess up a little. They try again. They experiment. They taste. They adjust. That’s how confidence is built.
Cooking isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being curious.
If you want to begin:
• Start with simple dishes you enjoy eating.
• Learn basic skills like how to safely cut vegetables, cook rice, or season food properly.
• Watch cooking videos and actually try the recipes, not just watch.
• Keep a small notebook and write down what worked and what you would change.
As for owning a restaurant — that usually comes much later. Most chefs work in kitchens first, learn how restaurants operate, understand food costs, teamwork, and customer service. It’s a journey, not a race.
And creating your own unique meal? That’s one of the most exciting parts. Once you understand basic techniques, you’ll naturally start combining flavors you love. That’s how signature dishes are born.
The most important thing is to start. One meal. One recipe. One attempt.
You never know — this could be the beginning of something amazing for you.
Updated
Cassandra’s Answer
Id recommend getting a job in some sort of food establishment, not necessarily fast food but that is a good starting point. I found i did the best with hands on training. No words can describe what a perfectly sear steak would look and smell and feel like, and that wisdom only comes with experience.