Arabic Cuisine - Specialty Chef

Yosh; Al Nahyan; On-site; AED 391,000 - 580,000; Full time

Job summary

Yosh in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced Arabic Cuisine Chef to design, prepare and deliver authentic Arabic dishes across private residences and bespoke events. You will develop menus rooted in Levantine, Gulf, Maghrebi and regional styles, ensuring impeccable presentation and food safety.

Ideal candidates bring strong knowledge of regional techniques, a proactive approach to menu development, and discretion in high-end households, including travel with the employer when required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a professional cook or chef specialising in Arabic cuisine within private households or catering environments.
• Strong practical knowledge of regional dishes, traditional techniques and contemporary interpretations of Arabic food.
• Formal culinary training or recognised vocational qualifications are desirable.
• Understanding of allergen management and halal, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free diets and menu adaptation.
• Experience managing kitchen inventories, supplier relationships and basic food cost control.
• Full, valid driving licence desirable for procurement and deliveries.

Responsibilities

• Menu development: plan and develop seasonal Arabic menus for private residences and bespoke events.
• Food preparation & cooking: prepare, cook and plate starters, mains, mezze, breads and desserts to professional standards.
• Ingredient sourcing: identify and procure high-quality ingredients, manage deliveries and supplier relationships.
• Service delivery: coordinate with household staff to deliver meals across settings and assist with service when required.
• Event catering support: plan and execute private dinners and small events including timing, plating and liaising with suppliers.
• Food safety & hygiene: maintain kitchen hygiene, HACCP compliance, stock control and cleaning schedules.
• Inventory & cost control: monitor provisions, track usage and assist with budgeting and ordering.
• Kitchen management: supervise junior staff or contractors, train on recipes and maintain an organised environment.
• Presentation & standards: ensure high plating standards aligned with household expectations.
• Flexibility & discretion: work flexible hours and travel with the employer as needed while maintaining confidentiality.

Skills

Flavour balance

Presentation

Discretion

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

Culinary training

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and creative Arabic Cuisine Chef to design, prepare and deliver authentic Arabic dishes across private residences and bespoke events. The role requires a deep knowledge of regional flavours and techniques, excellent presentation skills, and the ability to work discreetly within high-end households. The successful candidate will be proactive in menu development, maintain rigorous food hygiene standards, and provide polished, personalised culinary service.

Key Responsibilities

• Menu development: Plan and develop seasonal menus rooted in Arabic culinary traditions (Levantine, Gulf, Maghrebi and other regional styles), accommodating dietary preferences and bespoke requests.

• Food preparation & cooking: Prepare, cook and plate starters, mains, mezze, breads, desserts and accompaniments to professional standards, ensuring consistency, flavour balance and visual appeal.

• Ingredient sourcing: Identify, procure and maintain high-quality ingredients and specialty items, build relationships with suppliers and manage deliveries to ensure freshness and authenticity.

• Service delivery: Coordinate with household staff to deliver meals in a variety of settings (formal dining, casual family meals, private events), and assist with service when required.

• Event catering support: Plan and execute private dinners, receptions and small events including menu scaling, timing, plating, and liaising with external suppliers or catering teams as needed.

• Food safety & hygiene: Maintain impeccable kitchen hygiene, follow HACCP and food safety procedures, manage stock rotation, temperature control and cleaning schedules.

• Inventory & cost control: Maintain kitchen inventories, manage provisions, monitor food costs, record usage and assist with ordering to budgetary guidelines.

• Kitchen management: Supervise junior kitchen staff or contractors when present, delegate tasks, train on recipes and standards, and ensure an organised, efficient working environment.

• Presentation & standards: Ensure high standards of plating, garnishing and food presentation consistent with the household’s expectations and guest requirements.

• Flexibility & discretion: Provide flexible working hours to accommodate household needs, travel occasionally with the employer when required, and maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience as a professional cook or chef specialising in Arabic cuisine within private households, restaurants, boutique hotels or catering environments.

• Strong practical knowledge of regional dishes, traditional techniques (slow-cooking, grilling, flatbreads, spice blends) and contemporary interpretations of Arabic food.

• Formal culinary training or recognised vocational qualifications are desirable.

• Understanding of food allergen management, special diets (halal, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) and the ability to adapt menus accordingly.

• Experience managing kitchen inventories, supplier relationships and basic food cost control.

• Full, valid driving licence desirable for procurement and deliveries.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent palate and strong attention to flavour balance, seasoning and ingredient quality.

• High standards of presentation, organisation and cleanliness in the kitchen.

• Good communication skills, ability to work calmly under pressure and collaborate with household teams.

• Discreet, professional manner with respect for privacy and household protocols.

• Willingness to learn new techniques, adapt recipes and accept feedback to meet household preferences.

Additional Information

• Working hours will be aligned with household requirements and may include early mornings, evenings and occasional weekends.

• Opportunities for occasional travel with the employer may be required; flexibility is essential.

• Proof of right to work in the UK and compliance with food safety certification checks will be required prior to employment.