Pastry Chef Hat

Chef Hat History

Chef hats also known as toque Blanche were made famous by 18th century French chefs. Toque Blanche means white hat in French. For centuries it was habit of chef to cover their head. It solved two purposes at the same time. Firstly it was necessary for health and cleanliness purpose to avoid hair from falling in to the dish being prepared for eating. Secondly it saves chefs from the heat generated by fire in their kitchen. The chefs in Iran and nearby Arabic states used to cover their head long before. The French word toque has originated from Arabic word "taqia" meaning round hat with opening. Although there were many style and different tradition used by chefs all over the world to cover their head modern toque blanche (white hat) was made famous by french chefs Auguste Escoffier and Marie-Antoine Careme.

Traditionally the experience of chef was reflected by the number pleats in toque he worn. Head chef with maximum experience used to wear hat with hundred pleats. Number of pleats also used to symbolize the number of ways a chef could prepare a particular dish. Although it is difficult to find hundred pleats in modern days, hats containing maximum number of pleats are worn by head chef indicating the experience and the knowledge he possessed. Initially chef hat were made from white starched cloth and wool. Keeping with the current trend of disposing off chef hats are made from paper and fiber.

Traditionally and currently both men and women uses chef hat to cover their head while cooking. With the passage of history purpose of wearing chef hat or toque has remain the same. To avoid any embarrassing situation caused by fallen hair in prepared dish and absorb sweat. Chef hat also protect their head from the heat caused by fire in kitchen. No chef will cook food without wearing chef hat. Whether he is working in small restaurant or in five star kitchen, it will be difficult to find them without wearing chef hat.

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