Asian Culinary Arts
February 2026
Get professional training for an entry-level career cooking Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Thai, Singaporean, Vietnamese, and fusion cuisine.
In September 2026, this program will have new courses and fees. More information will be posted on this page by September 2025.
(2018-2028)†
Asian Culinary Arts
What you will learn
- Health, sanitation, safety
- Use of kitchen equipment and utensils
- History and principles of Asian cuisines
- Knife skills
- Preparing, cutting, seasoning, and marinating meat, poultry, and seafood
- Stir frying and deep frying
- Asian cooking methods including boiling, braising, and steaming
- Asian barbecue
- Soups and sauces
- Spices and specialty ingredients
- Sushi and sashimi
- Dim sum and Asian hors d’oeuvres
- Selection, preparation, and storage of vegetables
- Rice and noodles
- Wok methods
- Garnishes and accompaniments
- Kitchen preparation
- Food purchasing, receiving, and inventory control
- Professional etiquette
- Menu design
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The Asian Culinary Arts Certificate Program is 20 weeks.
- 20 weeks of full-time study in two blocks
- Classes Monday to Friday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (subject to change)
- Purchase of textbooks, tools, uniform, and footwear
- Purchase of professional knives
- A fully equipped commercial kitchen
- Daily work experience in VCC’s public cafeteria
- Hands-on learning
- Theoretical study
- Practical assignments
- Written exams
- Required attendance
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Valid Food Safe Level 1 Certificate (certification must remain valid throughout the program)
- One of:
- Entrance Interview with Department Head, OR
- VCC Professional Cook 1 Certificate
Program-specific
- Valid Food Safe Level 1 Certificate (certification must remain valid throughout the program)
- Entrance Interview with Department Head
OR
- VCC Professional Cook 1 Certificate
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Good hand-eye coordination
- A standard of personal hygiene, grooming and appearance compatible with employment in a public food service industry
- Physical condition and stamina to meet the demands of the food service industry
Courses *
Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CULI 1193 | Meat, Poultry & Seafood 1 | 6 |
| CULI 1195 | Soups & Sauces 1 | 1 |
| CULI 1196 | Asian Culinary Principles | 1 |
| CULI 1197 | Cold Kitchen Hot Appetizers 1 | 1 |
| CULI 1198 | Vegetables & Starches 1 | 1 |
| CULI 1291 | Cold Kitchen Hot Appetizers 2 | 1 |
| CULI 1293 | Meat, Poultry & Seafood 2 | 6 |
| CULI 1295 | Soups & Sauces 2 | 1 |
| CULI 1298 | Vegetables & Starches 2 | 1 |
| CULI 1299 | Kitchen Management | 1 |
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 2053 | |
| Student union | 141 | |
| College initiative | 59 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 82 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 0 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 235 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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† B.C. Labour Market Outlook 2018