Food Operations Assistant
SHOKUDŌ means ‘eatery’ in Japanese. We were born out of a love for Japanese culture, simple ingredients, and the smile that comfort food brings. We believe that with the right level of respect, care, and craftsmanship, everyday meals can be magical. We are a growing micro-business specializing in expertly crafted donburi and homely Japanese comfort dishes that are hard to find in London.
We are looking for a reliable, passionate, and detail-oriented assistant to join our small team. You will be at the heart of our operations, helping us prepare our signature dishes and bringing the SHOKUDŌ experience to life at markets and corporate events across London.
Location
Primary: Canada Water SE16 (Kitchen).
Secondary: Central London (Markets/Events).
Hours
Approx. 2 days/week (4-5 hour prep shifts) + 1-2 days/weekend at markets/events.
Reporting to
Co-owner of SHOKUDŌ
Salary
Depending on Experience
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation (Canada Water Kitchen)
- Assist with high-quality batch prep for market and corporate catering menus.
- Prepare ingredients for our signature donburi’s, including Oyako Don, Ginger Pork Don, Beef Tongue Don; and assemble our sought-after tamagoyaki sandos.
- Prepare side dishes such as tofu wakame salad, veggie croquettes, chicken tsukune.
- Maintain a 5-star standard of kitchen cleanliness and food safety at all times.
- Follow our "nose-to-tail" philosophy to minimize food waste.
Market & Event Operations (Central London)
- Attend markets (eg. King's Cross, Forest Hill) and corporate pop-up events.
- Assist with the setup and pack-down of our street food stall or catering equipment.
- Provide "unreasonable hospitality" — caring for every detail to create magical customer experiences.
- Handle on-site food assembly and service with speed and precision during high-volume periods.
- Occasional delivery support for corporate catering services.
About You
- Passion for Food: You have a genuine interest in Japanese cuisine and high-quality ingredients.
- Craftsmanship: You take pride in the details, from the perfect rice texture to the neatness of a sando.
- Language Skill: Any of Japanese, Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin
- Reliability: You are dependable and comfortable with the punctuality required for our operations.
- Team Player: You enjoy working in a small, fast-paced environment and are happy to "muck in" where needed.
- Experience: 1-2 years of hospitality experience, ideally in kitchen prep
- Qualifications: You should ideally hold a valid Level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety certificate.
Why Join SHOKUDŌ?
You will be joining a business with big ambitions to elevate the Japanese food market in London. We offer a supportive, independent working environment where your contribution directly impacts our customers' satisfaction and our growth.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a short note about why you’d like to join the SHOKUDŌ team.
Pay: From £13.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Profit sharing
Language:
- Any of Japanese, Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
