Bizzare Facts

The tall, white chef's hat, known as a **toque blanche**, is more than just a uniform; it's a coded symbol of rank and skill. According to culinary tradition dating back to the 19th century, the number of **pleats** or folds in the hat indicates the chef's level of experience.

Specifically, a hat with **100 folds** was said to signify that the master chef knew **100 different ways to cook an egg**—the egg being considered a fundamental ingredient that tests a chef's technical precision. While modern hats are often standardized, the tradition highlights the deep-rooted hierarchy and respect for technical skill that defines professional French cuisine.