This article is about the preparation of food. For cooking corn on bbq general outline, see Outline of food preparation.

For varied styles of international food, see cuisine. Cooking, cookery, or culinary arts is the art, science and craft of using heat to prepare food for consumption. Types of cooking also depend on the skill levels and training of the cooks. Cooking is done both by people in their own dwellings and by professional cooks and chefs in restaurants and other food establishments. Preparing food with heat or fire is an activity unique to humans.