Have you always had a passion for food? Have you ever pictured yourself dressed in white, delicately putting the final touches on a dish and sending it off to drooling diners? Studying the culinary arts will certainly have you well on your way to making those dreams a reality. In the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of a kitchen, time to learn is scarce and that has often been the downfall of many an aspiring chef. Education in the culinary arts however will ease you in, teach you the skills you need to succeed, and ensure you're well prepared. With that in mind, here’s a list of culinary schools in Malaysia that you can consider going to.
Top 5 Culinary Schools in Malaysia
- Address: 16, Jalan 51a/223, Seksyen 51a, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
- Contact: +603-79603846/45 (General Line)/ +012-5683846 (full time course)/ +012-5823848 (part time program)
- Email: [email protected]
- Operation hours: Monday – Sunday (9AM – 5PM)
The Academy of Pastry & Culinary Arts was founded in 2010 right in the heart of Petaling Jaya. With a total of 7 pastry schools scattered throughout Asia, the academy has spread its creative and innovative approach to culinary education far and wide.
Led by a group of pastry and executive chefs who have a wealth of experience serving in hotel kitchens, APCA ensures that their students have the proper guidance to dive right into a culinary career after completing their 9-month advanced diploma program.
Their international campus is well equipped, housing 15 kitchens, a demonstration kitchen, lecture rooms, a library and a student's lounge. APCA also offers part-time certification programs that are suitable for working professionals and hobbyists.
Customer Review:
"Very highly technical and detailed classes. Top-notch facilities and world-class chefs! Very welcoming staff and environment too!" – Sean Thu Jyee Ming
- Address: No. 11, Jalan 52/8, Pj New Town, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
- Contact: 03-7956 9011
- Email: [email protected]
- Operation hours: Monday – Friday (9 AM – 5.30 PM), Saturday – Sunday (9 AM – 5 PM)
MIB is Malaysia's very first baking college. Their long and storied history in Malaysia's baking scene began way back in 1977. They have since gone on to establish themselves as one of the finest in their field.
Being a boutique college, MIB has the right environment to ensure each student gets the attention, dedication and expert guidance they need to rise to the top. Their diploma is MQA accredited and their strong presence in the industry has allowed them to partner with well-known companies to offer internships.
MIB makes education accessible through their scholarships and the availability of financing options through PTPTN or EPF, making them a good pick if you’re looking for a culinary school in Malaysia.
Customer Review:
"After months of survey and observation, I'm glad that I have chosen the right place to learn the art of baking. Worth every penny spent. Reasonable fee covering up to 70 recipes over the span of 9 weekends. Special thanks to Chef Ng and the team for always keeping an eye on my work. Next will be the advanced level which only happens twice a year. Clean and well-maintained kitchen. All the best to MIB!" – Hamshawagini Chandra
- Address: 4-1, Jalan Usj Sentral 3, USJ Sentral, 47600 Subang Jaya, Selangor
- Contact: 011 2324 9798
- Email: [email protected]
- Operation hours: Monday (12 AM – 5.30 PM), Tuesday – Friday (8.30 AM – 5.30 PM)
Cilantro Culinary Academy was established in 2006 and is the largest private pastry and culinary academy in Malaysia. Their expansive space is equipped with the finest facilities and their faculty consists of expert chefs with experience in 5-star hotels.
Looking at their international-standard kitchens, the well-equipped student lounge, and the cafe and restaurant simulations conducted, it is clear that Cilantro leaves no stone unturned in their efforts to provide the most conducive learning environment for their students.
For those who want to take their culinary education a step further, you can enrol in their BA (Hons) Degree in International Culinary Arts that's taught in Switzerland.
Customer Review:
"Having a great time studying here! Helpful chefs, counsellors, and staff. They even help me to find a Job through APPC their own subsidiaries of Job Agency!" – Vivian Ling
- Address: Lot B-3-1, Dataran Emerald, Jalan PS11, Selayang, Prima Selayang, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor
- Contact: 012-354 8813 / 016-353 5662 / 017-351 1472
- Email: [email protected]
- Operation hours: Monday – Sunday (12 PM – 10 PM)
Famous Chef Professional Baking and Culinary Academy was established in 2009. The name 'Famous Chef' is inspired by their goal of guiding their students to become prominent chefs who make it to the world stage.
Their range of programs in both the culinary arts and baking are available for both part-time or full-time participation and includes industrial training to provide their students with a real workplace experience. Their courses don’t only encompass contemporary baking and culinary knowledge but also come with an added focus on the art of aesthetic design.
The course fees for their range of full-time diplomas come in at RM19,900 while their part-time certificate programs are RM3,500.
Customer Review: N/A
- Address: No. 11A, 1, Jalan PJU 8/5a, Bandar Damansara Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
- Contact: 012-3086362
- Operation hours: Monday – Sunday (9AM – 5.30PM)
Ecole (School of Pastry & Culinary Arts) was founded by Chefs Andrew and Kenny. Chef Kenny derives his considerable expertise from his training in Singapore and Paris while Chef Andrew trained under Chef Kenny and brings all the advantages of his strong management background to the mix.
Ecole takes its students to Paris, France; one of the culinary capitals of the world, to acquaint them with the latest and greatest developments in the pastry and culinary industry. There, the students get the chance to learn first-hand from the award-winning French masters of the art.
In addition to their diplomas in the culinary and pastry arts, Ecole offers a double advanced diploma program that combines the two disciplines.
Customer Review: N/A
Is a culinary degree worth it?
Whether a culinary degree is worth it or not depends on who you ask. Industry professionals are divided over whether it's necessary but one thing for sure is that it most definitely helps. While there are plenty of people who have forged successful careers without it, not everyone should hope to be so lucky. A degree in culinary arts will also teach you administrative and management skills. Not everyone is cut out to go straight into the pressure cooker environment of a kitchen without the proper guidance, and this is where a culinary course can show its worth.
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