Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced and skilled South Indian Chef to join our culinary team. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing authentic South Indian cuisine, maintaining high standards of food quality and hygiene, supervising kitchen operations, and contributing to menu development. This role requires specialist knowledge of traditional South Indian cooking methods, ingredients, spices, and regional dishes from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in preparing a wide range of South Indian dishes and be capable of working in a busy commercial kitchen environment while maintaining consistency, quality, and efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, cook, and present a wide range of authentic South Indian dishes to a consistently high standard.
- Specialise in the preparation of traditional South Indian foods including dosas, idlis, vadas, uttapams, sambar, rasam, biryanis, Chettinad dishes, Kerala curries, Andhra-style preparations, and other regional specialties.
- Plan and organise daily food preparation activities to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
- Develop and introduce new menu items while preserving the authenticity of South Indian cuisine.
- Select, prepare, and blend traditional spices, herbs, and ingredients required for South Indian cooking.
- Monitor food quality, portion control, and presentation standards to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Supervise and coordinate the activities of kitchen assistants and other kitchen staff.
- Train junior kitchen staff in specialist South Indian cooking techniques and food preparation methods.
- Ensure compliance with all food hygiene, food safety, allergen management, and health and safety regulations.
- Monitor stock levels, assist with ordering supplies, and minimise food wastage.
- Inspect ingredients and finished dishes to ensure quality standards are maintained.
- Maintain cleanliness and organisation throughout the kitchen and food preparation areas.
- Assist management in menu planning, costing, and seasonal menu development.
- Address and resolve food-related customer feedback professionally and effectively.
Skills and Experience
- Minimum of 3 years' proven experience as a South Indian Chef or in a similar specialist culinary role.
- Extensive knowledge of authentic South Indian cuisine, ingredients, spices, and traditional cooking methods.
- Experience preparing a diverse range of regional South Indian dishes.
- Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene, and allergen regulations.
- Ability to manage kitchen operations and supervise staff effectively.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high culinary standards.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
Qualifications
- Relevant professional cooking qualification, culinary certification, or equivalent industry experience.
- Food Hygiene and Food Safety certification is desirable.
- Additional training in South Indian culinary arts would be advantageous.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter outlining their experience in South Indian Cuisine, specialist cooking skills, and relevant professional achievements. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £29,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Experience:
- Cooking: 4 years (preferred)
- Tandoori Chef: 2 years (preferred)
- South Indian Chef: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
