5 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Personal Chef in Toronto
Hiring a personal chef is a different kind of decision than hiring a cleaner or a dog walker. You're inviting someone into your kitchen, trusting them with your family's food, and counting on them to understand things that matter — your dietary needs, your preferences, your schedule.
Getting it right matters. Here are five questions worth asking before you book.
1. Where did you train, and what's your cooking background?
This isn't about gatekeeping — there are excellent self-taught cooks and mediocre culinary school graduates. But training tells you something about how a chef thinks, not just what they can make.
A chef with classical training (like a Le Cordon Bleu diploma) has spent time learning the foundations: technique, knife work, flavour balance, the logic behind a dish. That rigour tends to show up in the quality and consistency of what lands in your fridge.
Ask follow-up questions about where they've worked, what cuisines they're comfortable with, and what they love to cook. A chef who lights up talking about food is usually a chef who will put that energy into your meals.
2. How do you handle dietary restrictions and allergies?
This is non-negotiable if you or anyone in your household has a serious allergy or medical dietary need. There's a big difference between a chef who has heard of gluten-free and one who has cooked gluten-free — consistently, carefully, and with an understanding of cross-contamination.
Ask specifically: Do you cook in my kitchen or a shared facility? Have you worked with clients who have Celiac disease, severe nut allergies, or other serious restrictions? How do you source ingredients for clients with allergies?
3. What does a typical week look like?
Every personal chef service works a little differently. Some provide a set menu, others offer full customization. Some include grocery shopping, others work from a list you provide. Some cook once a week, others twice.
Ask what a standard engagement looks like — how far in advance you'll see the menu, how much input you have, how many dishes you can expect, and what happens if you want to swap something out.
The best personal chef services are collaborative. You should feel like the menus are being made for you, not just served to you.
4. What do you charge, and what's included?
Pricing for personal chef services varies widely depending on the chef's experience, the number of meals, grocery costs, and whether travel is included. Get clarity on exactly what you're paying for.
Typical structures include an hourly rate, a flat per-session rate (not including groceries), or a weekly package. Make sure you know whether groceries are billed separately, whether there's a minimum booking commitment, and what the cancellation policy looks like.
A chef who is upfront and clear about pricing is usually a chef who runs their business professionally across the board.
5. Can I see photos of your work or speak to a past client?
This is the food equivalent of asking for references, and any established personal chef should be happy to share them. Look at their gallery, their social media, or their website. Does the food look like something you'd actually want to eat? Does it reflect care and skill, or does it look like catering?
Testimonials and word of mouth matter enormously in this industry. A chef who has been cooking for Toronto families for years will have people who can vouch for them. Don't be afraid to ask.
One More Thing
Beyond credentials and logistics, pay attention to how you feel in the initial conversation. A personal chef comes into your home regularly. You want someone who listens, communicates clearly, and makes you feel comfortable — not just someone who can cook.
At Greens and Dreams, every new client starts with a free introductory call. No commitment, no pressure. It's a chance for both of us to ask questions and figure out if it's a good fit.
If you're ready to explore what a personal chef could look like for your household, I'd love to hear from you.
Greens and Dreams is a personal chef and weekly meal prep service in Toronto, founded by Chef Olivia Cumming — Le Cordon Bleu Grand Diplôme recipient and 2024 Outstanding Student Award winner.
