Chinois
Chinois is a cooking style that blends traditional Chinese cooking techniques with French culinary methods. This fusion approach was popularized in the 1980s and remains influential in upscale restaurants. When someone lists Chinois experience on their resume, it typically means they have worked in high-end restaurants that combine Asian and French flavors and techniques. It's similar to how some restaurants might describe themselves as "Asian fusion" or "French-Asian fusion," but Chinois specifically refers to the Chinese-French combination.
Examples in Resumes
Served as Sous Chef at a Chinois fusion restaurant specializing in French-Asian cuisine
Created new menu items combining Chinois techniques with seasonal ingredients
Trained kitchen staff in Chinois-style food preparation and plating techniques
Typical job title: "Chinois Chefs"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Chinois Chefs
Professional Associations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you develop new Chinois menu items while maintaining authenticity of both cuisines?
Expected Answer: A senior chef should discuss their process of understanding traditional Chinese and French techniques, balancing flavors, considering ingredients, and creating innovative combinations while respecting both culinary traditions.
Q: How do you manage food costs while maintaining the quality expected in Chinois cuisine?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of inventory management, supplier relationships, seasonal ingredient usage, and ability to balance premium ingredients with cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the essential techniques in Chinois cooking that combine both French and Chinese methods?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain key techniques like wok cooking combined with French sauce-making, and how to blend ingredients and methods from both cuisines effectively.
Q: How do you ensure consistency in Chinois dish preparation across your kitchen team?
Expected Answer: Should discuss training methods, recipe standardization, quality control procedures, and how they maintain consistency while preparing complex fusion dishes.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic principles of Chinois cuisine?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the fundamental concept of French-Chinese fusion, basic techniques from both cuisines, and common ingredients used in Chinois cooking.
Q: What experience do you have with both Chinese and French cooking techniques?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding of both culinary traditions and any practical experience working with either or both styles of cooking.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic French and Chinese cooking techniques
- Kitchen safety and sanitation
- Basic knife skills
- Understanding of fusion cuisine concepts
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced cooking techniques from both cuisines
- Menu development
- Kitchen team coordination
- Quality control management
Senior (5+ years)
- Innovation in fusion cuisine
- Kitchen management
- Cost control and budgeting
- Staff training and development
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of either French or Chinese cooking basics
- Lack of experience in fine dining establishments
- Poor understanding of fusion cuisine concepts
- No experience with high-volume, high-quality food preparation
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