The culinary industry is experiencing a significant surge in job opportunities, extending beyond chefs to include cooks, stewards, and various culinary professionals. Employers ranging from casual and fine-dining restaurants to caterers and office canteens are actively seeking skilled individuals. According to a report by Skift, job postings in the restaurant sector have seen a remarkable 66 percent increase from June 2022 to June 2023.

This growth is not confined to standalone restaurants; there is a simultaneous increase in demand for culinary expertise in marriages, parties, ceremonies, outdoor catering, corporate events, and the rise of cloud kitchens. Industry executives and restaurateurs attribute this trend to a heightened need for restaurant and catering chefs.

Supporting these chefs are equally essential roles such as sous chefs, chefs de partie, pastry chefs, cooks, and various kitchen support staff. In 2023 alone, approximately 400,000 jobs have been generated in the food production and kitchen industry, marking a substantial 20-25 percent increase from the previous year.

"Vacancies tend to be highest in kitchen-based roles, limiting pubs' ability to offer certain menu items, or in some cases serve any food at all, taking away vital income streams at an acutely difficult time for hospitality more generally," founder of Kaam stated who launched a website specially to generate and streamline hospitality jobs in India.

The hospitality sector in India is experiencing a resurgence, with promising projections for the hotel industry to reach INR 1210.87 billion by the year's end, demonstrating a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13 percent. This positive trajectory is substantiated by a significant surge in job demand within the hospitality sector, as indicated by a 60 percent increase, according to a comprehensive report by Indeed.

The burgeoning demand for hospitality jobs signifies a favorable employment trend, reflecting the industry's vitality and potential for growth. This upswing is not only confined to traditional roles within hotels but also extends to innovative platforms that cater to evolving consumer preferences.

Chefs have become highly sought-after assets for organizations in the food industry, given the substantial demand and limited supply of skilled professionals. The post-pandemic era has witnessed a resurgence of dining out in urban India, leading to a proliferation of standalone restaurants that are constantly upgrading. From fine-dine eateries and five-star hotels to budget establishments, the demand for skilled chefs is widespread.

However, the talent pool is facing challenges in keeping up with this demand, exacerbated by the surge in office catering as companies encourage staff to return to the office. Industries such as information technology, knowledge process outsourcing, automobiles, and phone manufacturing are contributing to this demand. Additionally, the festive season further intensifies the need for talent in the hospitality industry.

Companies are adapting by offering differentiated services to make the return to work more appealing. Sodexo India, for instance, has increased its manpower in the food segment by 24%. Recognizing the importance of food in talent attraction, retention, and overall workplace experience, companies are investing in this aspect.

The younger working population, comprising millennials and GenZers, has elevated expectations regarding office food quality. Sodexo India is addressing this by establishing offsite production units in cities like Hyderabad, with plans for more cloud kitchens in Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR.

“Gateway cities like Delhi and Mumbai are likely to top the occupancy chart at 75 percent plus in 2024. Demand is expected to remain healthy across markets, although Bengaluru and Pune are likely to be laggards compared to other key cities. While the G20 summit would support occupancy across cities in FY2024, improved economic activity and business associations stemming from these meetings are likely to translate into incremental demand for hotels over the medium term,” said Vinutaa S, vice president, Corporate Ratings, ICRA directing a positive growth rate in job demands.  

In line with contemporary trends, the rise of on-demand chef services through mobile applications is reshaping culinary experiences. One notable player in this domain is Chefkart, an application operational in Delhi NCR. Chefkart is gaining prominence, especially among the working demographic seeking convenient solutions for gourmet meals. The platform allows users to book skilled chefs for specific durations, providing an opportunity for personalized and high-quality culinary experiences within the comfort of one's home.

As the hospitality sector in India undergoes this noteworthy transformation, the integration of technology-driven solutions, exemplified by Chefkart, exemplifies the industry's adaptability to changing consumer needs. This shift not only augurs well for employment opportunities but also highlights the sector's resilience and ability to innovate in response to evolving market dynamics.

“As we progress further in time, lesser people will cook their own meals increasing the demand of such services. Kitchen space is shrinking in Indian households, meaning it will be used as an utility area where someone will come and prepare food for the house owners. To cater to the rising demand, we are adapting to digital on-boarding of a cook with no or less human intervention. This will help us build supply of cooks all over India without setting up operations,” Vaibhav Gupta, founder of ChefKart shares.

The rise in consumer awareness, fueled by platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and influencers, is intensifying the competition for culinary talent, leading to a surge in poaching. Notably, the consumption of restaurant food is on the rise in tier 2 and tier 3 towns, further contributing to the demand for culinary talent. This talent squeeze has prompted innovative approaches, such as the use of technology and high-end equipment by companies like EatClub Brands (formerly Box 8) to streamline processes and reduce the reliance on highly trained chefs.