Guide to Studying at Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School
From time to time, I get people asking me about culinary school and my thoughts on attending culinary school overseas. So I thought I would briefly summarise my experience there and share (what I hope will be) useful tips for anyone who's considering living out their own culinary school dream.
Background
I attended Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School (LCBD) in Bangkok from July 2014 to March 2015 under the Diplome de Patisserie programme. This is a 9 month course with three stages - basic, intermediate, and superior.
Application Procedure
Image credits: Le Cordon Bleu Dusit
Costs:
Diplome de Patisserie: THB669,500.00 or approximately SGD28,400.00.
Basic Patisserie*: THB276,000.00 per stage or approximately SGD11,200.00
Intermediate and Superior Patisserie: THB210,00.00 or approximately SGD8,500.00
After confirming your acceptance, LCBD will proceed to mail you a package containing visa information and other important documents regarding orientation and other study-related information. Prior to going over to Bangkok, you'll need to apply for a student visa at Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore.
*The cost for Basic Patisserie is higher because they factor in the cost of uniforms and your own kitchen equipment.
Accommodation Options
Finding a suitable apartment in Bangkok was quite a cumbersome affair, despite Bangkok being full of empty rooms waiting to be rented out. Personally, I ran into some complications due to a distinct contrast between what I saw online on the apartment's website, and how the apartment was in reality.
As such, I would recommend going a week or two before orientation begins, to search for an apartment in person. You could also request for a handbook on student accommodation options available in Bangkok from the administrative staff at LCBD.
Girls should note that Bangkok after dark is a very different city, and that safety should always be key when it comes to deciding on a place to stay.
During my time in Bangkok, I resided at Sabai Sathorn Executive Apartments. My one bedroom apartment came with a full equipped kitchen (sink, stove, microwave and fridge), a washing machine, and a living room area. LCBD students enjoy a slightly discounted rate of approximately SGD1,000.00 a month with an upfront payment of the first month's rent and a deposit of two month's rent.
Despite being rather pricey, the apartment is conveniently located 10 mins away from Chong Nonsi BTS, which is in the heart of Bangkok's central financial district and just one stop away from LCBD at the Saladaeng BTS station. There are also many cafes such as Rocket Coffeebar S.12, Dexter, and Dean and Deluca in the vicinity. Many high-end fine dining restaurants are also located in this neighbourhood. Other than Villa Market, the apartment is also located opposite the Lailaisap market, one of the district's most popular lunch markets.
As such, I would recommend going a week or two before orientation begins, to search for an apartment in person. You could also request for a handbook on student accommodation options available in Bangkok from the administrative staff at LCBD.
Girls should note that Bangkok after dark is a very different city, and that safety should always be key when it comes to deciding on a place to stay.
During my time in Bangkok, I resided at Sabai Sathorn Executive Apartments. My one bedroom apartment came with a full equipped kitchen (sink, stove, microwave and fridge), a washing machine, and a living room area. LCBD students enjoy a slightly discounted rate of approximately SGD1,000.00 a month with an upfront payment of the first month's rent and a deposit of two month's rent.
Despite being rather pricey, the apartment is conveniently located 10 mins away from Chong Nonsi BTS, which is in the heart of Bangkok's central financial district and just one stop away from LCBD at the Saladaeng BTS station. There are also many cafes such as Rocket Coffeebar S.12, Dexter, and Dean and Deluca in the vicinity. Many high-end fine dining restaurants are also located in this neighbourhood. Other than Villa Market, the apartment is also located opposite the Lailaisap market, one of the district's most popular lunch markets.
Orientation at LCBD
There are two types of lessons at LCBD - demonstrations and practical classes. A typical week comprises 3 demonstration classes and 3 practical classes, spread out over 4 days. Demonstrations are conducted by the Chef in charge of the entire level, whereas various chefs/assistant chefs will be rotated for practical lessons. Each lesson has a duration of 3 hours.
During the orientation, students will also be able to collect their uniforms and knife bag, as well as purchase their safety shoes from the shoe vendor.
Studying at LCBD
In Basic Patisserie, you will be exposed to making simple petits-fours, tarts, entremets, and pastries. This is when the Chefs teach you the fundamentals of patisserie and enforce certain rules in the kitchen. The skills and techniques you pick up during Basic will provide you with a foundation to take on the other two more advanced levels.
Things get more exciting during Intermediate Patisserie, because you'll get to do more complicated entremets and tarts. Personally, I had the privilege of being under a pretty young Chef for Intermediate, which meant that we got to do less traditional stuff. Instead, there was a greater focuse on aesthetics and style.
My biggest takeaway from Intermediate was the exposure to all the fancy ingredients and equipment commonly used in molecular gastronomy, as well as gaining more knowledge of some of the MOFs and their works.
My biggest takeaway from Intermediate was the exposure to all the fancy ingredients and equipment commonly used in molecular gastronomy, as well as gaining more knowledge of some of the MOFs and their works.
At this stage, there is also a greater focus on teamwork, time management, and kitchen organisation. Unlike Basic where everything was done individually, you will be assigned a partner in Intermediate and your grades will depend on how cohesive you are as a team.
While the learning curve in Intermediate may be steep, Superior is when the heat really gets turned up.... literally. During this stage, making entremets will be something you can do with your eyes closed. However, look out for the extremely challenging classes on chocolate tempering and sugar work. Expect dirty uniforms, hours of laundry, lots of being yelled at, and blisters on your hand.
Despite all the challenges I've faced while in LCBD, going to culinary school was one of the highlights of my existence, and I am blessed to have had this one year away from the corporate world. Because of this experience, I can truly say I have gone forth and chased down my dreams and that I have no regrets. If you're out there wondering whether you should take the plunge, I hope that someday you too will have the opportunity to take your chances and do something crazy like I have. ð
Concluding thoughts
Despite all the challenges I've faced while in LCBD, going to culinary school was one of the highlights of my existence, and I am blessed to have had this one year away from the corporate world. Because of this experience, I can truly say I have gone forth and chased down my dreams and that I have no regrets. If you're out there wondering whether you should take the plunge, I hope that someday you too will have the opportunity to take your chances and do something crazy like I have. ð
Till the next food adventure,
Butterball
Butterball
Hi, my name is Pasang. I will be joing Cordon Bleu for the April semester 2019. Can you please share some information on housing and accommodation near the campus. Names of places where I should begin my search to rent a safe, clean one bedroom or studio apartment close to the campus. My budget is 10000 to 12000 baht per month.
ReplyDeleteThanks.