Yet, not only chefs get to learn how to use the knives. Disciples will also work with their charity partner Cooking For Life to teach underprivileged children fun cooking techniques at no charge once a week in the hope of giving them an extra potential career choice.

"Our ultimate goal is to establish a community culinary center that gives training programs regularly for low- income families. We are raising money at the moment with celebrity chef Martin Yan, of Yan Can Cook, as our ambassador," said Philippe Bru, founder and chairman of Cooking For Life.

The wine dealer started a similar project called Football for Life in 2006, but only boys seemed to be interested. "What about the girls? I sought opinions from different charity organizations and they all agreed that cooking would be the best for everyone, so I launched this parallel project in 2007," said Bru, who aims to raise HK$10 million by next year to run the centers in the first two years.

More information can be found on http://www.disciples-escoffier-china.o rg/